Moore—Loves of the Angels.
Moore is frequently the best interpreter, unconsciously, of an Indian poet's thought. It is worth remarking, that the Sanskrit word muktá, pearl (literally freed), signifies also the spirit released from mundane existence, and re-integrated with its divine original.
[The sweetest note that e'er the Köil poured.]] The Kokila, or Köil, the black or Indian cuckoo, is the bulbul or nightingale of Hindústan. It is also the herald of spring, like its European namesake, and the female bird is the especial messenger of Love.
[When holy Nárad.]] A divine sage, son of Brahmá.
[The holy bull.]] The animal on which the God Śiva rides, as Indra on the elephant.
[Who takes eight various forms.]] Śiva is called Wearer of the Eight Forms, as being identical with the Five Elements, Mind, Individuality, and Crude Matter.
[Where the pale moon on Śiva's forehead.]] Śiva's crest is the new moon, which is sometimes described as forming a third eye in his forehead. We shall find frequent allusions to this in the course of the poem.
CANTO SECOND.
[While impious Tárak.]] A demon who, by a long course of austerities, had acquired power even over the Gods. This Hindú notion is familiar to most of us from Southey's "Curse of Keháma."