XXI. THE USELESS TOIL OF HIS DAYS

I perish, slaving like a brownie.[102] My waistcloth is empty of money for my journey; I am become a public drudge, vainly working myself to death. Day by day, I labour like a coolie, Mother; and the Five Elements divide the wage of one.[103] The Five Elements, the Six Passions, the Ten Senses, stand like bullies,[104] bearing clubs. They listen to no one. My days pass in toil. As a blind man grips his stick that he lost and has found again, so would I fain clasp thee, elusive Mother; but in my evil deeds thou fleest from me.

[45]

Prasād says: Mighty Mother, cut asunder this rope of actions.[105] When death draws nigh, Mother, grant that my life may burst its way out through my head.[106]

FOOTNOTES:

[102] Bhūta, evil spirit, or ghost. Our rendering will throw back the reader's mind to Milton's 'lubber fiend' (L'Allegro). Cf. No. LIII.

[103] I am not master in my own house. I slave for the benefit of these my five material constituents. (See note 8 on No. XLVI.) The Five Elements are compared to a Hindu joint family, all employed battening (as sometimes happens) on what is earned by the only member.

[104] Lāṭhiāls, hired ruffians.

[105] He wishes to escape from the round of rebirth, due to actions.

[106] Through the Brahmarandhra, the hole for the Brahman, just above the foramen of Monro. It is believed that, if the vital breath goes out at death through this hole, the soul goes direct to the World (Abode) of Brahman, from which there is no returning to the Cycle of Births and Deaths.