Noon reigned in the city of Mathura when the chariot, bearing the two
sons of Vāsudeva, entered that city.
The fame of the deeds and the beauty of Rāma and Krishna was known in
all that kingdom, and their coming to partake of its celebrations and to
participate in the sports and wrestling at the command of Kangsa, the
king, had been heralded all over the land.
And the populace was glad and knew not why. And they said in their
hearts, "Krishna the Youth, the wonderful Youth of Brandaban, will grace
our land by His coming."
So the streets were crowded to welcome Him there, and the tops of the
houses were flowered with the bright faces of women who grazed from
there to catch the first glance of Him whom rumor had crowned the Most
Glorious Youth of the then known world.
O Beauty, how potent art thou! O conqueror of all, that winneth the
heart of the lowliest child and enslaveth the heart of the proud queen
of the world; that slaketh the thirst of the parched soul and tutoreth
the dullest mind never quickened by thought!
So, 'mid blare of trumpets and with banners unfurled, the Lord of Love
entered Mathura.
And above the roar of the celebrations and preparations rose the murmurs
and shouts of greetings, from the sea of upturned faces of men and from
the canopy of sweet, downcast eyes of women, that thronged to see His
coming.
And millions of tongues repeated His Name and sang His praises, and
millions of souls were flooded with love, because they had looked on His
face and said His Name, which was as potent as His Love. For His Name
contained Himself, and those who uttered His Name had Him in their
hearts, and lo, the world to them was complete!
Majestic and vast, He walked 'mid the worshipping people, who saw but a
youth of transcendent beauty, but felt the Unfathomable mystery, the
Unknowable Grandeur, worthy to receive their deepest obeisance.
Through the streets of Mathura He went, bringing light to all whereon
His smile fell.
And Kangsa, the tyrant, grew cold and gray, for he knew his doom was
drawing nigh. And his sleep was disturbed by evil dreams, for he knew
already the populace was welcoming Him whom none could look upon but to
love.