Classic Poem

Like a boat driven by the wind
over the great depths of the vast ocean,
the elephant sundered the lines of combat
and within that broad swathe opened on the field,
you raised up your spear with its blade
shining! and you quickened the battle
so that kings fell, and you captured
their royal drums and spread your fame!
and then, with food you had created, you sacrificed on the killing field,
using an oven of crowned heads after pouring out a torrent of blood
into the cooking pot and stirring it with the ladle of an arm still
braceleted! Celiyan, murderous in battle! As Brahmins of the Four Vedas,
calm through the breadth of their knowledge, devoted to restraint,
surrounded you and kings carried out your orders, you completed
the sacrifice established by tradition! Ruler whose sword
prevails! Surely your enemies must have performed tapas,
for once they have won the fame of being your enemies,
though they cannot be victorious, they will live on in the world beyond!