But this is in every sense an esoteric poem, and as usual, an interpreter who knows nothing of the secret doctrine, has not succeeded in opening the lock of this great treasure box. Following all his predecessors, Mr. Arnold opens with the old old error of ranging the people of King Dhritirashtra upon the plain of Kurukshetra in battle with the Pandavas, and utterly fails to translate this name of a plain. Here is the key. This plain is the human body and is _not_ a field in the centre of India; and the king himself is material existence possessing a _thirst_ for life. Proceeding with the details of the generals and chiefs engaged, our poet simply gives their names untranslated, whereas each name is a power, quality or manifestation of the mental or spiritual man. Bhishma and Bhima of all, are untouched. Ignorance as to the use and intention of these names is due very much to the indifference of the Hindus who, while knowing well the errors committed, have not raised a finger. Mr. Arnold’s translation is very beautiful and inspiring, and is to our knowledge, in the hands of many Theosophists. * * * * * THE SECRET OF DEATH, from the Sanscrit, and other poems, by Edwin Arnold, M. A. (_Roberts Brothers, Boston._) Cloth $1.00. 45 pages are taken up by the “Secret of Death,” and scattered through the 252 pages are, here and there, other short pieces from Sanscrit. The first poem is a practical rendering of the episode in the Katha Upanishad where Nachiketas is devoted to Yama, the god of death, and learns high knowledge from him. The other Indian songs are: Rajah’s Ride, Bihari Mill song, Funeral song, Serpent Charmer’s song, Flour Mill song and a short discourse of Buddha held at Rajagriha, cast in the same mould as “The Light of Asia.” * * * * * INDIA REVISITED.—By Edwin Arnold, M. A. C. S. I. (_Roberts Brothers, Boston, 1886._) Cloth $2.00, illustrated. This is Mr. Arnold’s account of his revisiting India after the lapse of some years. In prose he is as clear as he is enchanting in poetry. The illustrations are from photographs and lend a charm to the book. The reader’s interest is held to the last chapter; and fair justice is done to “his India,” which is not generally the method pursued by Englishmen who detail their travels in the mysterious land. On returning, his adieu declares that lakhs of true friends are left there among Hindus, and his heart roves from hut to hut, whispering “he knows and loves.” * * * * * DOGMA AND RITUAL OF HIGH MAGISM.—By Eliphas Lévi, translated by a fellow of the Theosophical Society, is now in hand for publication as soon as may be convenient. It will be issued in two volumes, about 600 pages, and put at as low a price as possible, $5.00. THE PATH has taken charge of the issuing of the book, and will receive subscriptions for it. All the illustrations in the French edition will be reproduced.