Savitri

      IX

'The Paradise of the Life-gods'

      Like a man returned to life, Aswapati luxuriates in the "great felicitous Day" that now warms him up and intoxicates him with the "wine of God". Here life is in league with light and love; it beats "a jewel-rhythm of the laughter of God" and lies "on the breast of love".⁹³ Aswapati can now move with light dancing steps, on plain or ridge or hillside, or look over "dreaming cities of Gandharva kings". He can visit "shining Edens of the vital gods" and watch Beauty, Peace, Love, Strength, Desire, Pleasure and Dream play their truly appropriate roles. All here is under God's sway; pain changes to joy, the commonplace to the miraculous. Such is this "Paradise of perfect heart and sense".

      Aswapati too feels profoundly affected by the blissful climate of the place. His body acquires a new glow; earth-nature changes; he becomes a comrade of Heaven. A bliss overwhelms him, a fiery felicity possesses his soul.

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