The Abhijñānaśākuntalam of Kālidāsa

WATER was the firft work of the Creator; and Fire receives the oblations ordained by law; the Sacrifice is performed with folemnity; the Two Lights of heaven diftinguifh time; the fubtil Ether, which is the vehicle of found, pervades the univerfe; the Earth is the natural parent of all increafe; and by Air all things breathing are animated: may I'SA, the God of Nature, apparent in thefe eight forms, blefs and fuftain you! Isa preserve you! he who is revealed Isa preserve you! Water was the first work of the Creator; and fire receives the oblations ordained by law; the Sacrifice is performed with solemnity; the Two Lights of heaven distinguish time; the subtle ether, which is the vehicle of sound, pervades the universe; the Earth is the natural parent of all increase; and by Air all things breathing are animated.