Then ribbons over all were hung, And flowers and scent around them flung. Thus decked they cast a glory forth Like the great saints who star the north. The sacrificial altar then Was raised by skilful twice-born men-- In shape and figure to behold An eagle with his wings of gold, With twice nine pits and formed threefold. Each for some special God, beside The pillars were the victims tied; The birds that roam the wood, the air, The water, and the land were there, And snakes and things of reptile birth, And healing herbs that spring from earth:-- As texts prescribe, in Scripture found, Three hundred victims there were bound. The steed devoted to the host Of Gods, the gem they honor most, Was duly sprinkled. Then the Queen Kauśalyá, with delighted mien, With reverent steps around him paced, And with sweet wreaths the victim graced; Then with three swords in order due She smote the steed with joy, and slew. That night the queen, a son to gain, With calm and steady heart was fain By the dead charger's side to stay From evening till the break of day. Then came three priests, their care to lead The other queens to touch the steed-- Upon Kauśalyá to attend, Their company and aid to lend. As by the horse she still reclined, With happy mien and cheerful mind, With Rishyaśring the twice-born came And praised and blessed the royal dame. The priest who well his duty knew, And every sense could well subdue, From out the bony chambers freed And boiled the marrow of the steed. Above the steam the monarch bent, And, as he smelt the fragrant scent, In time and order drove afar All error, that his hopes could mar. Then sixteen priests together came, And cast into the sacred flame The severed members of the horse, Made ready all in ordered course. On piles of holy Fig-tree raised The meaner victims' bodies blazed:-- The steed, of all the creatures slain, Alone required a pile of cane. Three days, as is by law decreed, Lasted that Offering of the Steed. The Chatushtom began the rite, And when the sun renewed his light, The Ukthya followed--after came The Atirátra's holy flame. These were the rites, and many more, Arranged by light of holy lore, The Aptoryám of mighty power, And, each performed in proper hour, The Abhijit and Viśvajit With every form and service fit; And with the sacrifice at night The Jyotishtom and Áyus rite.