Valmiki Ramayana 3.67

3.67.1

purā rāma mahābāho mahābalaparākrama
rūpam āsīn mamācintyaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam
yathā somasya śakrasya sūryasya ca yathā vapuḥ

'Lord of the mighty arm, of yore
A shape transcending thought I wore,
And through the triple world's extent
My fame for might and valour went.

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.2

so 'haṃ rūpam idaṃ kṛtvā lokavitrāsanaṃ mahat
ṛṣīn vanagatān rāma trāsayāmi tatas tataḥ

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.3

tataḥ sthūlaśirā nāma maharṣiḥ kopito mayā
saṃcinvan vividhaṃ vanyaṃ rūpeṇānena dharṣitaḥ

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.4

tenāham uktaḥ prekṣyaivaṃ ghoraśāpābhidhāyinā
etad eva nṛśaṃsaṃ te rūpam astu vigarhitam

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.5

sa mayā yācitaḥ kruddhaḥ śāpasyānto bhaved iti
abhiśāpakṛtasyeti tenedaṃ bhāṣitaṃ vacaḥ

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.6

yadā chittvā bhujau rāmas tvāṃ dahed vijane vane
tadā tvaṃ prāpsyase rūpaṃ svam eva vipulaṃ śubham

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.7

śriyā virājitaṃ putraṃ danos tvaṃ viddhi lakṣmaṇa
indrakopād idaṃ rūpaṃ prāptam evaṃ raṇājire

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.8

ahaṃ hi tapasogreṇa pitāmaham atoṣayam
dīrgham āyuḥ sa me prādāt tato māṃ vibhramo 'spṛśat

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.9

dīrgham āyur mayā prāptaṃ kiṃ me śakraḥ kariṣyati
ity evaṃ buddhim āsthāya raṇe śakram adharṣayam

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.10

tasya bāhupramuktena vajreṇa śataparvaṇā
sakthinī ca śiraś caiva śarīre saṃpraveśitam

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.11

sa mayā yācyamānaḥ sann ānayad yamasādanam
pitāmahavacaḥ satyaṃ tad astv iti mamābravīt

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.12

anāhāraḥ kathaṃ śakto bhagnasakthiśiromukhaḥ
vajreṇābhihataḥ kālaṃ sudīrgham api jīvitum

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.13

evam uktas tu me śakro bāhū yojanam āyatau
prādād āsyaṃ ca me kukṣau tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭram akalpayat

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.14

so 'haṃ bhujābhyāṃ dīrghābhyāṃ samākṛṣya vanecarān
siṃhadvipamṛgavyāghrān bhakṣayāmi samantataḥ

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.15

sa tu mām abravīd indro yadā rāmaḥ salakṣmaṇaḥ
chetsyate samare bāhū tadā svargaṃ gamiṣyasi

Scarce might the sun and moon on high,
Scarce Sakra, with ray beauty vie.
Then for a time this form I took,
And the great world with trembling shook
The saints in forest shades who dwelt
The terror of my presence felt.
But once I stirred to furious rage
Great Sthúlas'nas, glorious sage.
Culling in woods his hermit food
My hideous shape with fear he viewed.
Then forth his words of anger burst
That bade me live a thing accursed:
'Thou, whose delight is others' pain,
This grisly form shalt still retain.'
Then when I prayed him to relent
And fix some term of punishment,--
Prayed that the curse at length might cease,
He bade me thus expect release:
'Let Ráma cleave thine arms away
And on the pyre thy body lay,
And then shalt thou, set free from doom,
Thine own fair shape once more assume.'
O Lakshman, hear my words: in me
The world-illustrious Danu see.
By Indra's curse, subdued in fight,
I wear this form which scares the sight.
By sternest penance long maintained
The mighty Father's grace I gained.
When length of days the God bestowed,
With foolish pride my bosom glowed.
My life, of lengthened years assured,
I deemed from Sakra's might secured.
Led by my senseless pride astray
I challenged Indra to the fray.
A flaming bolt with many a knot
With his terrific arm he shot.
And straight my head and thighs compressed
Were buried in my bulky chest.
Deaf to each prayer and piteous call
He sent me not to Yama's hall.
'These prayers and cries,' he said 'are vain.
The Father's word must true remain
But how my lengthened life be spent
By one the bolt has * and rent?
How can I live' I cried, 'unfed
With shattered face and thighs and head?'
As thus I spoke his grace to crave
Arms each a league in length he gave,
And opened in my chest beneath
This mouth supplied with fearful teeth.
So my huge arms I used to cast
Round woodland creatures as they passed,
And fed within the forest here
On lion, tiger, pard,* and deer.
Then Indra spake to soothe my grief:
'When Rama and his brother chief
From thy huge bulk those arms shall cleave,
Then shall the skies thy sould recieve.'
Disguised in this terrific shape

3.67.16

sa tvaṃ rāmo 'si bhadraṃ te nāham anyena rāghava
śakyo hantuṃ yathātattvam evam uktaṃ maharṣiṇā

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.17

ahaṃ hi matisācivyaṃ kariṣyāmi nararṣabha
mitraṃ caivopadekṣyāmi yuvābhyāṃ saṃskṛto 'gninā

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.18

evam uktas tu dharmātmā danunā tena rāghavaḥ
idaṃ jagāda vacanaṃ lakṣmaṇasyopaśṛṇvataḥ

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.19

rāvaṇena hṛtā sītā mama bhāryā yaśasvinī
niṣkrāntasya janasthānāt saha bhrātrā yathāsukham

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.20

nāmamātraṃ tu jānāmi na rūpaṃ tasya rakṣasaḥ
nivāsaṃ vā prabhāvaṃ vā vayaṃ tasya na vidmahe

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.21

śokārtānām anāthānām evaṃ viparidhāvatām
kāruṇyaṃ sadṛśaṃ kartum upakāre ca vartatām

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'

3.67.22

kāṣṭhāny ānīya śuṣkāṇi kāle bhagnāni kuñjaraiḥ
bhakṣyāmas tvāṃ vayaṃ vīra śvabhre mahati kalpite

I let no woodland thing escape,
And still my longing sould was pleased
Whene'er my arms a victim seized,
For in these arms I fondly thought
Would Ráma's self at last be caught.
Thus hoping, toiling many a day
I yearned to cast my life away,
And here, my lord, thou standest now:
Blessings be thine for none but thou
Could cleave my arms with trenchant stroke:
True are the words the hermit spoke.
Now let me, best of warriors, lend
My counsel, and thy plans befriend,
And aid thee with advice in turn
If thou with fire my corse wilt burn.'
As thus the mighty Danu prayed
With offer of his friendly aid,
While Lakshman gazed with anxious eye,
The virtuous Ráma made reply:
'Lakshman and I through forest shade
From Janasthán a while had strayed.
When none was near her, Rávan came
And bore away my glorious dame,
The giant's form and size unknown,
I learn as yet his name alone.
Not yet the power and might we know
Or dwelling of the monstrous foe.
With none our helpless feet to guide
We wander here by sorrow tried.
Let pity move thee to requite
Our service in the funeral rite.
Our hands shall bring the boughs that, dry
Where elephants have rent them, lie,
Then dig a pit, and light the fire
To burn thee as the laws require.
Do thou as meed of this declare
Who stole my spouse, his dwelling where,
0, if thou can. I pray thee say,
And let this grace our deeds repay.'
Danu had lent attentive ear
The words which Ráma spoke to hear,
And thus, a speaker skilled and tried.
To that great orator replied:
' No heavenly lore my soul endows,
Naught know I of thy Maithil spouse.
Yet will I, when my shape I wear.
Him who will tell thee all declare.
Then, Ráma, will my lips disclose
His name who well that giant knows
But, till the flames my corse devour
This hidden knowledge mocks my power.
For through that curse's withering taint
My knowledge now is small and faint
Unknown the giant's very name
Who bore away the Maithil dame
Cursed for my evil deeds I wore
A shape which all the worlds abhor.
Now ere with wearied steeds the sun
Through western skies his course have run,
Deep in a pit my body lay
And burn it in the wonted way.
When in the grave my corse is placed,
With fire and funeral honours graced,
Then I, great chief, his name will tell
Who knows the giant robber well.
With him, who guides his life aright,
In league of trusting love unite,
And he, O valiant prince, will be
A faithful friend and aid to thee.
For, Ráma, to his searching eyes
The triple world uncovered lies.
For some dark cause of old, I ween,
Through all the spheres his ways have been.'