Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems

Name: Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems
Author: Henry Hart Milman

By Henry Hart Milman

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

The volume gathers English-verse translations of classical Sanskrit narratives and mythic poems, led by the episode of Nala and Damayanti, an account of love, misfortune at dice, exile, disguise, and eventual restoration. Additional pieces treat the death of Yajnadatta, a grieving brahmin's lament, a cosmic deluge, and the descent of the sacred river, each rendered into metrically adapted English verse and accompanied by mythological and critical notes. The preface explains the translator's linguistic approach and metrical experiments, while the notes compare versions and supply textual and cultural commentary that illuminate themes of fate, devotion, ritual, and the interplay of human passion and divine agency.

About the Author

Henry Hart Milman

Henry Hart Milman was a 19th-century English historian, poet, and playwright, known for his contributions to literature and historical scholarship. He served as the Professor of Poetry at Oxford and later became the Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. Milman's notable works include the historical biography "Life of Thomas à Becket," which explores the life and legacy of the famous archbishop, and the poetry collection "Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems," which reflects his literary prowess and interest in classical themes. His writings often blend historical narrative with poetic expression, contributing to the rich tapestry of Victorian literature.