Two Songs of Tagore – III

Translated from the original Bangla by Sreejit Datta

Niśitho śɑːyone bhebe rākhi mone ogo ɑːntɑːrojāmī

In bed for the night’s rest, I tell myself, O Indwelling Lord of mine!

That I shall look upon Thee, first thing in the morning,

When mine eyes are open wide –

         Hear me, O Indwelling Lord of mine!

When I’m awake and up in the bright, pure light,

Having paid my obeisance at Thy feet in delight,

I tell myself, Lord, that my day’s work will be Thine –

         Hear me, O Indwelling Lord of mine!

Going about the day’s work, I tell myself repeatedly:

When all the work’s done, at dusk, I’ll sit in Thy company.

Sitting in my chamber, I tell myself at the day’s close,

Floating, as if, in the Ocean of Thy night’s repose

The worries and pains of this weary life shall quietly decline – 

         Hear me, O Indwelling Lord of mine!

Tā͂hāre āroti kɑːre

Him the sun and the moon worship,

While gods and men venerate His feet –

This creation of His is the very temple 

Where that Refuge of the World takes His seat.

Beginningless time and the endless sky

Contemplate His infinite glories,

And in them rise ripples intensified

That exalt the delight of His Bliss!

With a basketful of seasons in hand,

The earth pours flowers at His feet –

Of myriad colours and myriad scents

And a myriad tunes and rhythms indeed!   

Songs of the bird pervade the sky,

Clouds and seas too join the choir,

The Great Wind rolls on with joy

And in the caverns His songs transpire.

So many hundreds of devoted souls

Witness in joy, singing hymns of praise;

In hallowed rays is blossoming Love

Which breaks down the illusion-chains.