The Ramayana

Bāla Kāṇḍa (Book 1)

1Glory to him whose fame is ever bright !

2Glory to him, Prachetas’ ^ holy son ! Whose pure lips quaff with ever new delight The nectar-sea of deeds by Rdma done. Hail, arch-ascetic, pious, good, and kind I Hail, Saint Vdlmfki, lord of every lore ! Hail, holy Hermit, calm and pure of mind ! Hail, First of Bards, V^ilmiki, hail once more !

3Praise to Vdlmfki,^ bird of charming song,®

4Who mounts on Poesy’s sublimest spray.

5And sweetly sings with accent clear and, strong

6RAma, aye R4ma, in his deathless lay.

7Where breathes the man can listen to the strain [tongue.

8That flows in music from VAIm'lki’s Nor feel his feet the path of bliss attain When Rima’s glory by the saint is

9The stream Rdra^yan leaves its sacred

10The whole wide world from sin and To sainted NArad, prince of those stain to free.^ • Whose lore in words of wisdom flows,

11The Prince of Hermits is the parent mount. Whose constant care and chief delight The lordly RAma is the darling sea. Were Scripture and ascetic rite,

12The good VAlmfki, first and best Of hermit saints, these words addressed®:

13‘ In all this world, I pray thee, who Is virtuous, heroic, true?

14Firm in his vows, of grateful mind,

15To every creature good and kind ? Bounteous, and holy, just, and wise,

16Alone most fair to all men’s eyes 1

17^ This name may have been give.rto the father of VtClmiki allegorically. If we look at the derivation of the word {pra^ before, and chetasj mind) it is as if the poet were called the sou of Prometheus, the Fore-thinker/ SoHLEaEi:/.

18* Called in Sanskrit also B&la-KdaM, and in Hindi BaU Eand, i e. the Buok describing Rama’s childhood, hala meaning ' Valmild is said to have lived a solitary life in the woods ; ^ sixteenth year,

19he is called both a 7nuni and a rishi. The former word pro* * A divine saint, son of Brahma, He is the eloquent perly signifies an anchorite or hermit j the latter has reference messenger of the Gods, a musician of exquisite skill, and the chiefiy to wisdom. The two words are frequently used pro* inventor of the vind or Indian lute. He bears a strong miscuously, and may both be rendered by the Latin mtes in resemblance to Hermes or Mercury.

20‘This mystic syllable, said to typify tbe supreme Deity divininir inaro-Vit vaHi ^ ® c^pio'ts of Eama by the aid of tjjg collectively, the Vedas, the three spheres of the

21ISSl ® knowledge naturally ac<luired.‘ world, the three holy fires, the three steps of Vishnu etc ,:

22prefaces the prayers and most venerated writings of th© Literally, Kokila^ the Ko'il, or Indian Cuckoo, Schlegel Hindus.

23translates lusciniiim. 5 colloquy is supposed to have taken place about

24* Comparison with the Ganges i# implied, that river being sixteen years after Rtima’s return from his wanderings ainS exiled the purifier of the world. ooeupation of his ancestral throne.

25^ The MSS. vary very considerably in these Stanzas of invo- cation : many lines are generally prefixed in which not only the poet, but those who play the chief parts in the poem are panegyrized. It is self-apparent that they are not by the author of the Ramrfyan himself.

26® ‘^Yaliniki was the son of Varuna, the"'regeut of the waters, one of whose names is PrachetHS. According to the Adliydtmd Mamdyana, the sage, although a Brahman by birth, associated with foresters and robbers. Attacking on one occasion the seven Rishis, they expostulated with him successfully, and taught him the mantra of Rama reversed, or Mara, Mara, in the inaudible repetition of which he remained immovable for thousands of years, so that when the sages returned to the same spot they found him still there, converted into a valmih

27THE rj:mafan of vjtLMmi.

28Devoid of envy,' firm, and sage,

29Whose tranquil soul ne’er yields to rage % Whom, when his warrior wrath is high, Do Gods embattled fear and fly %

30Whose noble might and gentle skill The triple world can guard from ill ?

31Who is the best of princes, he Who loves his people’s good to see ?

32The store of bliss, the living mine Where brightest joys and virtues shine ? Queen Fortune’s^ best and dearest friend, Whose steps her choicest gifts attend 1 Who may with Sun and Moon compare, With Indra,^ Vishiju,^ Fire, and Air ? Grant, Saint divine,^ the boon I ask.

33For thee, I ween, an easy task.

34To whom the power is given to know If such a man breathe here below.’

35Then Ndrad, clear before whose eye The present, past, and future lie.®

36Made ready answer : ‘ Hermit, where Are graces found so high and rare 1 Yet listen, and my tengue shall tell In whom alone these virtues dwell.

371 Giilled also Sri and Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, the Queen of Beauty as well as the Dea Forfcuna. Her birth ‘ from the fuil-hushed wave ’ is described in Canto XLV of this Book.

38* One of the most prominent objects of worship in the Rig- veda, Indra was superseded in later times by the more popular deities Vishnu and Siva. He is the God of the firmament, and answers in many respects to the Jupiter Pluvius of the Romans. See Additional Notes,

39* The second God of the Trimurti or Indian Trinity. De- rived from the root vis to penetrate, the meaning of the name appears to be he toho penetrates or pervades all things. An em- bodiment of the preserving power of nature, he is worshipped as a Saviour who has nine times been incarnate for the good of the world and will descend on earth once more. See AddUion» al Notes and Muir’s Sanskrit Texts passim.

40^ In Sanskrit devarshi. Mshi is the general appellation of sages, and another word is frequently prefixed to distinguish the degrees. A BrahmarsM is a theologian or Brsihmamcal sage ; a Edjarsbi is a royal sage or sainted king ; a Bevarshi is a divine or deified sage or saint.

41^ Trikdlajha. Literally hnower of the three times. Both Schlegel and Gorresio quote Homer’s

42'■^Oc vSri ra r idvra, rd r’ i<radjusva, Trpo r’ iovra.

43‘That sacred seer, whose comprehensive view The past, the present, and the future knew.’

44The Bombay edition reads triloTcajhaf who "knows the thrsit worlds (earth, air, and heaven.) ‘ It is by tapas (austere fervour), that rishis of subdued souls, subsisting on roots, fruits and air, obtain a vision of the three worlds with all things moving and .stationary.’ MaNU, XI. 236.

45From old Ikshvitku’s ^ line he came, Known to the world by Emma’s name : With soul subdued, a chief of might,

46In Scripture versed, in glory bright.

47His steps in virtue’s paths are bent, Obedient, pure, and eloquent.

48In eacb emprise he wins success,

49And dying foes his power confess.

50Tall and broad-shouldered, strong of limb, Fortune has set her mark on him.

51Graced with a conch-shell’s triple line, His throat displays the auspicious sign.^ High destiny is clear impressed On massive jaw and ample chest.

52His mighty shafts he truly aims.

53And foemen in the battle tames*

54Deep in the muscle, scarcely shown, Embedded lies his collar-bone.

55His lordly steps are firm and free,

56His strong arms reach below his knee f

57All fairest graces join to deck

58His head, his brow, his stately neck,

59And limbs in fair proportion set :

60The manliest form e’er fashioned yet- Graced with each high inaperial mark,

61His skin is soft and lustrous dark.

62Large are his eyes that sweetly shine With majesty almost divine.

63His plighted word he ne’er forgets ;

64On erring sense a watch he sets.

65By nature wise, his teacher’s skill Has trained him to subdue bis will.

66Good, resolute and pure, and strong,

67He guards mankind from scathe and wrong,

68^ Son of Manu, the first king of Kosala and founder of the solar dynasty Or family of the Children of the Sun, the God of that luminary being the father of Manu.

69* The Indians paid great attention to the art of physiognomy and believed that character and fortune could be foretold not from the face only but from marks upon the neck and hands. Three lines under the chin like those at the mouth of a conch fSankhaJweve regarded as a peculiarly auspicious sign indi- cating, as did also the mark of Vishnu’s discus on the hand, one born to he a ehah'avartin or universal emperor. In the palmistry of Europe the line of fortune, as well as the line of fife, is in the hand. Cardan says that marks on the nails and teeth also show what is to happen to us: ‘ Sunt etiam in nobis evestigia qnasdam futurorum eventuum in unguibus atque etiam in dentibuB.’ Though the palmy days of Indian chiromancy have passed away, the art is still to some extent studied and believed in.

702 Long arms were regarded as a sign of heroic strength.

71And lends his aid, and ne’er in vain,

72The cause of justice to maintain.

73Well has he studied o’er and o’er The Vedas^ and tbeir kindred lore.

74Well skilled is he the bow to draw,^ Well trained in arts and versed in law ; High-souled and meet for happy fate, Most tender and compassionate;

75The noblest of all lordly givers, _ Whom good men follow, as the rivers Follow the King of Floods, the sea :

76So liberal, so just is he.

77The joy of Queen Kau^alyd,’s® heart,

78In every virtue he has part :

79Firm as Himalaya’s* snowy steep ; Unfathomed like the mighty deep ;

80The peer of Vishnu’s power and might, And lovely as the Lord of Night;® Patient as earth, but, roused to ire. Fierce as the world-destroying fire ;

81* * Veda means originally knowing or knowledge, and this name is given by the Brithmans not to one work, but to tbe whole body of their most ancient sacred literature. Veda is

82the same word which appears in the Gl-reek oiSa, I know, and in the English wise, wisdom, to wit. The name of Veda is com- monly given to four collections of hymns, which are respectively known by the names of Eig-veda, Yajur-veda, Sama-veda, Atharva-veda.*

83* As the language of the Veda, the Sanskrit, is the most ancient type of the English of the present day, (Sanskrit and English are but varieties of one and the same language,) so its thoughts and feelings contain in reality the first roots and germs of that intellectual growth which by an unbroken chain connects our own generation with the ancestors of the Aryan race, — with those very people who at the rising and setting of the sun listened with trembling hearts to the songs of the Veda, that told them of bright powers above, and of a life to come after the sun of their own lives had set in the clouds of the evening. These men were the true ancestors of our race, and the Veda is the oldest book we have in which to study the first beginnings of our language, and of all that is embodied in language. We are by nature Aryan, Indo-European, not Semitic ; our spiritual kith and kin are to be found in India, Persia, Greece, Italy, Germany ; not in Mesopotamia, Egypt, or Palestine/

84OMps from a German TForMop, Vol, I. pp, 8, 4.

85* As with the ancient Persians and Scythians, Indian prin- ces were carefully instructed in archery which stands for military science in general, of which, among Hindu heroes, it was the most important branch.

86® Chief of the three queens of Dasaraoha and mother of Eama.

87* From Jiima snow, (Greek \uji“U}V Latin hiems) and alaya abode ; the Mansion of Spow.

88* The moon Induy Chandra etc,) is masculine with

89the Indians as with the Germans.

90In bounty like the Lord of Gold,*

91And Justice’ self in human mould.

92With him, his best and eldest son,

93By all his princely virtues won King Da^artha^ willed to share His kingdom as the Regent Heir.

94But when Kaikeyi, youngest queen,

95With eyes of envious hate had seen The solemn pomp and regal state Prepared the prince to consecrate.

96She bade the hapless king bestow Two gifts be promised long ago,

97That Rd,ma to the woods should flee,

98And that her child the heir should be.

99By chains of duty firmly tied,

100The wretched king perforce complied. Rdma, to please Kaikeyf went Obedient forth to banishment.

101Then Lakshmau’s truth was nobly shown, Then were his love and courage known. When for his brother’s sake he dared All perils, and his exile shared.

102And Sit^, Rd.ma’s darling wife,

103Loved even as he loved his life,

104• Whom happy marks combined to bless,

105A miracle of loveliness.

106Of Janak’s royal lineage sprung,

107Most excellent of women, clung To her dear lord, like Rohi^ii Rejoicing with the Moon to be.®

1081 Kiivera, the Indian Plutus, or God of Wealth,

1092 The events here briefly mentioned will be related fully in the course of the poem. The first four cantos are introdac- tory, and are evidently the work of a later hand than Vrflmiki’s.

110® ‘Chandra, or the Moon, is fabled to have been married to the twenty-seven daughters of the patriarch Daksfaa, or Asvini and the rest, who are in fact personifications of the Lunar As- teriams. His favourite amongst them was Eohini to whom he 80 wholly devoted hituself as to neglect the rest. They com- plained to tbeir father, and Daksha repeatedly interposed, till, finding his remonstrances vain, he denounced a curse upon his son-in-law, in consequence of which he remained cliildless Bfud became affected by consumption. The wives of Cbandia having interceded in his behalf with their father, Daksha modified an imprecation which he could not recall, and pro- nounced that the decay should be periodical only, not per- manent, and that it , should alternate with periods of recovery. Hence the successive wr>ne and increfise of the Moon. Padma Purdm, Swarya-Khanda, Sec. II, JRohim in Astronomy is the fourth lunar mHnsion,* containing five stars, the principal of Which is Aldebaraii.

111WlLSOTSTjj Specimens of the Hindu Theatre, fol, /. p, 234, The Bengal recension has a different reading t ^ Shone with her husband like the light Attendant on the Lord of Hight/

112TEE RjiMJTSrjtN OF VALMTKI

113The king and people, sad of mood.

114The hero’s car awhile pursued.

115Bot when Prince Rdma lighted down At SVingaverats pleasant town,

116Yviiere (jrangd’s holy waters flow,

117Pie bade his driver turn and go.

118Guha, Nishddas’ king, he met,

119And on the farther bank was set.

120Then on from wood to wood they strayed, O’er many a stream, through constant shade. As Bharadvaja bade them till They came to Chitrakdta’s hill.

121And Rdma there, with Lakshmaij’s aid,

122A pleasant little cottage made,

123And spent his days with Sit4, dressed In coat of bark and deerskin vest.^

124And Chitrakhta grew to be As bright with those illustrious three As Meru’s^ sacred peaks that shine With glory, when the Gods recline Beneath them : S'lva’s® self between The Lord of Gold and Beauty’s Queen.

125The aged king for R4ma pined,

126And for the skies the earth resigned. Bharat, his son, refused to reign,

127Though urged by all the twice-born^ train. P'orth to the woods he fared to meet His brother, fell before his feet.

128And cried, ‘ Thy claim all men allow :

129O come, our lord and king be thou-’

130But Rama nobly chose to bo Observant of his sire’s decree.

131He placed his sandals® in his hand,

132A pledge that he would rule the land :

1331 The garb prescribed for ascetics by Manu,

134.. ® * Mount M.eru, situated like Kailasa in the lofty regions to the north of Himalayas, is celebrated in the traditions and myths of India. Mera and Kail.isa are the two Indian Olympi. perhaps they were held in such veneration because the Sauski'it- Bpeaking Indians rerxiernbered the ancient home where they dwelt with the other primitive peoples of their family before they descended tfj occupy the vast plains which extend between the Indus and the Ganges.' Gouresio.

1353 The third God of the Indian Triad, the God of destruction and reproduction. See Additional Notes,

136^ The epithet dwija^ or Uoiee-lorn^ is usually appropriated to Brdhrnans, but is applicable to the three higher castes. Inyesti- ture with the sacred thread and initiation of the neophyte into certain religious mysteries are regarded as his regeneration Or pecond birth. , '

137® His shoes, to be a memorial of the absent beir and to main- tain bis right.' Kalidasa (RagHuvahsa, XII. 17.) says that they were to be adhidemU or guardian deities of the kingdom*

138And bade his brother turn again,

139The Bharat, finding prayer was vain,

140Then sandals took and went away ;

141Nor in Ayodhyd would he stay,

142But turned to Nandigr4ma, where He ruled the realm with watchful care. Still longing eagerly to learn Tidings of R4ma’s safe return.

143Then lest the people should repeat Their visit to his calm retreat.

144Away from Chitrakdta’s hill Fared Rdnia ever onward till Beneatii the shady trees he stood Of Dapdakd’s primeval wood.

145Virddha, giant fiend, he slew.

146And then Agastya’s friendship knew. Counselled by him he gained the sword And bow of Indra, heavenly lord :

147A pair of quivers too, that bore Of arrows an exhaustless store.

148While there he dwelt in greenwood shade, The trembling hermits sought his aid.

149And bade him with his sword and bow Destroy the fiends who worked them woe : To come like Indra strong and brave, A guardian God to help and save.

150And Rama’s falchion left its trace Deep cut on S'drpapakhd’s face :

151A hideous giantess who came Burning for him with lawless flame.

152Their sister’s cries the giants heard.

153And vengeance in each bosom stirred : The monster of the triple head.

154And Dfishap to the contest sped.

155But they and myriad fiends beside Beneath the might of R4ma died.

156When Edvan, dreaded warrior, knew The slaughter of bis giant crew :

157Rdvan, the king, whose name of fear Earth, hell, and heaven all shook to hear He bade the fiend Mdrfcha aid The vengeful plot his fury laid.

158In vain the wise Mdrieha tried To turn him from his course aside :

159Not Rdvap’s self, he said, might hope With Rdma and bis strength to cope.

160Impelled by fate and blind with rage He came to RdrOia’s hermitage.

161There, by Mdiicha’s magic art,

162He wiled the princely youths apart.

163The vulture^ slew, and bore away The wife of Rdma as his prey.

164The son of Raghu^ came and found Jatdyu slain upon the ground.

165He rushed within his leafy cot ;

166He sought his wife, but found her not.

167Then, then the hero’s senses failed ;

168In mad despair he wept and wailed.

169Upon the pile that bird he laid.

170And still in quest of Sitd. strayed.

171A hideous giant then he saw,

172Kabandha named, a shape of awe.

173The monstrous fiend he smote and slew, And in the flame the body thre w ;

174When straight from out the funeral flame In lovely form Kabandha came,

175And bade him seek in his distress A wise and holy hermitess.

176By counsel of this saintly dame To Parapd,’s pleasant flood he came,

177And there the steadfast friendship won Of Hanumdn the Wind-God’s son. Counselled by him he told his grief To great Sugrfva, Vdnar chief.

178Who, knowing all the tale, before The sacred flame alliance swore.

179Sugrfva to his new-found friend Told his own story to the end :

180His hate of Bdli for the wrong And insult he had borne so long.

181And Rama lent a willing ear And promised to allay his fear.

182Sugrfva warned him of the might Of Bdli, matchless in the fight.

183And, credence for his tale to gain,

184Showed the huge fiend® by Bdli slain.

185The prostrate corse of Mountain size Seemed nothing in the hero’s eyes ;

186^ Jatayu, a semi-divine bird, the friend of Eiima, who fought in defence of Sita.

187^ Baghu was one of the most celebrated ancestors of Bjfma whose commonest appellation is, therefore, Baghava or descen- dant of Baghu. Kalidasa in the Raghuvahia makes him.the son of Bilipa and great-grandfather of B^ma, See IdylU froM tht Bmshriti * Aja ’ and * Dilipa. ’

188He lightly kicked it, as it lay,

189And cast it twenty leagues^ away.

190To prove his might his arrows through Seven palms in line, uninjured, flew.

191He cleft a mighty hill apart.

192And down to hell he hurled his dart.

193Then high Sugrfva’s spirit rose,

194Assured of conquest o’er his foes.

195With his new champion by his side To vast Kishkindlid’s cave he hied.

196Then, summoned by his awful shout,

197King Bdli came in fury out,

198First comforted his trembling wife,

199Then sought Sugrfva in the strife.

200One shaft from Rdma’s deadly bow The monarch in the dust laid low.

201Then Bdma bade Sugrfva reign In place of royal Bdli slain.

202Then speedy envoys hurried forth Eastward and westward, south and north, Commanded by the grateful king Tidings of Rdma’s spouse to bring.

203Then by Sampdti’s counsel led,

204Brave Hanumdn, who mocked at dread, Sprang at one wild tremendous leap Two hundred leagues across the deep.

205To Lanka’s® town he urged his way,

206Where Rdvah held his royal sway.

207There pensive ’neath Adoka® boughs He found poor Sitd, Rdma’s spouse.

208He gave the hapless girl a ring,

209A token from her lord and king.

210A pledge from her fair hand he bore;

211Then battered down the garden door.

212Five captains of the host he slew,

213Seven sons of councillors o’erthrew ; Crushed youthful Aksha on the field,

214Then to his captors chose to yield.

215Soon from their bonds his limbs were free, But honouring the high decree '

216Which Brahmd^ had pronounced of yore. He calmly all their insults bore.

217^ Literally ten yojanas. The yojana is a measure of uncer- tain length variously reckoned as equal to nine miles, hve, and a little less.

218* The Jonesia Asoka is a most beautiful tree hearing a pro- fusion of red blossoms.

219* Brakmdf the Creator, is usually regarded as the first Cod

220THS EJ'Mj^TAN of VA^LMtKI.

221The town he burnt with hostile flame,

222And spoke again with Rdma’s dame,

223Then swiftly back to Rdma flew With tidings of th^ interview.

224Then with Sugriva for his guide.

225Came Rdma to the ocean side.

226He smote the sea with shafts as bright As sunbeams in their summer height.

227And quick appeared the Rivers’ King^ Obedient to the summoning.

228A bridge was thrown by Nala o’er The narrow sea from shore to shore.^

229They crossed to Lank^l’s golden town, Where Rdraa’s hand smote Rdvan dow:5i. 'Vibhishan there was left to reign Over his brother’s wide domain.

230To meet her husband Sitd came ;

231But Rdma, stung with ire and shame, With bitter words his wife addressed Before the crowd that round her pressed. But Sitd, touched with noble ire.

232Gave her fair body to the fire.

233Then straight the God of Wind appeared, And words from heaven her honour cleared- And Rdma clasped his wife again, Uninjured, pure from spot and stain. Obedient to the Lord of Fire And the high mandate of his sire- Led by the Lord who rules the sky,

234The Gods and heavenly saints drew nigh. And honoured him with worthy meed, Rejoicing in each glorious deed.

235His task achieved, his foe removed,

236He triumphed, by the Gods approved.

237By grace of Heaven he raised to life The chieftains slain in mortal strife ;

238Then in the magic chariot through The clouds to Nandigrdma flew.

239of the Indian Trinity, although, as Kdliddsa says :

240* Of Brahtn^, Yishnu, ^iva, each may be First, second, third, amid the blessed three/

241Brahma had guaranteed Bavan’s life against all enemies ex* cept man.

242» The rocks lying between Ceylon and the mainland are still called Rjima’s Bridge by the Hindus.

243Met by his faithful brothers there,

244He loosed his votive coil of hair ;

245Thence fair Ayodhyd’s town he gained, And o’er his father’s kingdom reigned. Disease or famine ne’er oppressed His happy people, richly blest With all the joys of ample wealth.

246Of sweet content and perfect health.

247No widow mourned her well-loved mate. No sire his son’s untimely fate.

248They feared not storm or robber’s hand : No fire or flood laid waste the land ;

249The Golden Age^ had come again To bless the days of Rama’s reign.

250From him, the great and glorious king. Shall many a princely scion spring.

251And he shall rule, beloved by men,

252Ten thousand years and hundreds ten,^ And when his life on earth is past To Brahmd’s world shall go at last.’

253Whoe’er this noble poem reads That tells the tale of Rdma’s deeds.

254Good as the Scriptures, he shall be From every sin and blemish free.

255Whoever reads the saving strain,

256With all his kin the heavens shall gain, Brdhmans who read shall gather hence The highest praise for eloquence.

257The warrior, o’er the land shall reign,

258The merchant, luck in trade obtain ;

259And S'ddras listening® ne’er shall fail To reap advantage from the tale.^

260^ ' The Brahmans, with a system rather cosmogonical than chronological, divide the present mundane period into four ages or yugas as they call them : the Krita, the the Dwapara,

261and the Kali. The Krita, called also the Devayuga or that of the Gods, is the age of truth, the perfect age, the Tret^ is the age of the three sacred fires, domestic and sacrificial ; the Dwjfpara is the age of doubt ; the Kali, the present age, is the age of evil/ Gorresio.

262^ *. The ancient kings of India enjoyed lives of more than pat- riarchal length as will appear in the course of the poem.

263* Sudras, men of the fourth and lowest pure caste, were not allowed to read the poem, but might hear it recited.

264* The three Slopes or distichs which these twelve lines repre- «ent are evidently a still later and very awkward addition to the introduction.

265Vdlmiki, graceful speaker, heard,

266To highest admiration stirred.

267To him whose fame the tale rehearsed He paid his mental worship first ;

268Then with his pupil humbly bent Before the saint most eloquent.

269, Thus honoured and dismissed the seer Departed to his heavenly sphere.

270Then from his cot VAlmfki hied To TamasA’s^ sequestered side,

271Not far remote from GangA’s tide.

272He stood and saw the ripples roll Pellucid o’er a pebbly shoal.

273To Bharadvdja® by his side He turned in ecstasy, and cried :

274‘ See, pupil dear, this lovely sight, [bright, The smooth-floored shallow, pure and With not a speck or shade to mar.

275And clear as good men’s bosoms are.

276Here on the brink thy pitcher lay, j And bring my zone of bark, I pray,

277f Here will I bathe : the rill has not,

278To lave the limbs, a fairer spot.

279Do quickly as I bid, nor waste The precious time ; away, and haste.’ Obedient to his master’s best \ Quick from the cot he brought the vest;

280, The hermit took it from his hand, i And tightened round his waist the band ;

281} Then duly dipped and bathed him there,

282I And muttered low his secret prayer.

283I To spirits and to Gods he made i Libation of the stream, and strayed

284iji Viewing the forest deep and wide

285That spread its shade on every side.

286Close by the bank he saw a pair Of curlews sporting fearless there.

287'i| * There are several rivers in India of this name, now corrupt-

288ed into Tome The river here spoken of is that which falls into , y the Ganges a little below Allahabad.

289* In Book n., Canto Liv., we meet with a saint of this n^me presiding over a convent of disciples in his hermitage at the confluence of the Ganges and the J utnna. Thence the later t author of these introductory cantos has borrowed the ns^uie and

290® person, inconsistently indeed, but with the intention of enhanc-

291ing the dignity of the poet by ascribing to him so celebrated a disciple/ Sghlegel.

292But suddenly with evil mind An outcast fowler stole behind,

293And, with an aim too sure and true,

294The male bird near the hermit slew.

295The wretched hen in wild despair With fluttering pinions beat the air And .shrieked a long and bitter cry When low on earth she saw him lie,

296Her loved companion, quivering, dead.

297His dear wings with his lifeblood red ;

298And for her golden-crested mate She mourned, and was disconsolate.

299The hermit saw the slaughtered bird. And all his heart with ruth was stirred.

300The fowler’s impious deed distressed His gentle sympathetic breast.

301And while the curlew’s sad cries rang Within his ears, the hermit sang :

302‘ No fame be thine for endless time, Because, base outcast, of thy crime,

303Whose cruel hand was fain to slay One of this gentle pair at play 1 '

304E’en as he spoke his bosom wrought And laboured with the wondering thought What was the speech his ready tongue Had uttered when his heart was wrung.

305He pondered long upon the speech. Recalled the words and measured each. And thus exclaimed the saintly guide To Bharadvdja by his side:

306‘With equal lines of even feet,

307With rhythm and time and tone complete, The measured form of words I spoke In shock of grief be termed a dlofce. v And BharadvAja, nothing slow His faithful love and zeal to show, Answered those words of wisdom, ‘Be The name, my lord, as pleases thee.’

308As rules prescribe the hermit took Some lustral water from the brook.

309But still on this his constant thought Kept brooding, as his home he sought; While BharadvAja paced behind,

310A pupil sage of lowly mind,

311I The poet plays upon 'the similarity in sound of the two words : soha means grief, sloha, the heroic measure in which the

312poem is composed. It need scarcely be said that the derivation is fanciful.

313TEE RJ^Mj^YA'E of VALMTKI.

314And in bis band a pitcher bore ■With pure fresh water brimming o'er.

315Soon as they reached their calm retreat The holy hermit took Ms seat ;

316His mind from worldly cares recalled.

317And mused in deepest thought enthralled, Then glorious Brabrnd/ Lord Most High, Creator of the earth and^sky,

318The four-faced God, to meet the sage Came to Vdlmlki’s hermitage.

319Soon as the mighty God he saw,

320Up sprang the saint in wondering awe. Mute, with clasped bands, his head he bent, And stood before him reverent.

321His honoured guest he greeted well.

322Who bade him of his welfare tell ;

323Gave water for his blessed feet,

324Brought offerings,^ and prepared a seat. In honoured place the God Most High Sate down, and bade the saint sit nigh. There sate before Vdlmiki’s eyes The Father of the earth and skies ;

325But still the hermit’s thoughts were bent On one thing only, all intent On that poor curlew’s mournful fate Lamenting for her slaughtered mate ; And still "his lips, in absent mood,

326The verse that told his grief, renewed ;

327‘ Woe to the fowler’s impious band That did the deed that folly planned ; That could to needless death devote The curlew of the tuneful throat 1’

328The heavenly Father smiled in glee, And said, ‘ O best of hermits, see,

329t Brahm^ the Creator, is usually regarded as the first person o£ tlie diviue triad of India, The four heads with which he is represented are supposed to have allusion to the four corners of the earth which he is sometimes considered to personify. As an object of adoration BrahmfJ has been entirely sujjerseded by Siva and Vishnu. In the whole of India there is, I believe, but one temple' dedicated to his worship. In this point the first of the Indian triad curiously resembles the last of the divine fraternity of Greece, Aides the brother of Zeus and Poseidon.

330< In all Greece, says Paiisanias, there is no single temple of Aides, except at a single spot in Elis/ See Gladstone’s Juventus Mundi, p. 263.

3312 The argha or arghya was a libation or offering to a deity, a BriChman, or other venerable personage. According to one authority it consi-sted of water, milk, the points of Kusa-grass, curds, clarified butter, rice, barley, and white mustard ; accord- ing to another, of saffron, bel, unbroken grain, flowers, curds, durb^-grass, kusa-grasa, and sesamum.

332A verse, unconscious, thou hast made ;

333No longer be the task delayed.

334Seek not to trace, with labour vain,

335The unpremeditated strain.

336The tuneful lines thy lips rehearsed Spontaneous from thy bosom burst.

337Then come, 0 best of seers, relate The life of R^ma good and great.

338The tale that saintly Ndrad told,

339In all its glorious length unfold,

340Of all the deeds his arm has done "Upon this earth, omit not one.

341And thus the noble life record Of that wise, brave, and virtuous lord.

342His every act to day displayed,

343His secret life to none betrayed :

344How Lakshman, how the giants fought ; With high emprise and hidden thought : And all that Jauak’s child^ befell Where all could see, where none could tell. The whole of this shall truly be Made known, 0 best of saints, to thee.

345In all thy poem, through my grace,

346No word of falsehood shall have place. Begin the story, and rehearse The tale divine in charming verse.

347As long as in this firm-set land

348The streams shall flow, the mountains stand,

349So long throughout the world, be sure.

350The great Rdmd.yaa shall endure.^

351While the Rdmayan’s ancient strain Shall glorious in the earth remain,

352To higher spheres shalt thou arise And dwell with me above the skies.’

353He spoke, and vanished into air,

354And left Vdlmiki wondering there.

355The pupils of the holy man.

356Moved by their love of him, began To chant that verse, and ever more They marvelled as they sang it o’er:

3571 SitlJ daughter of Jatsakking of MithiUb

358* * I congratulate myself/ says Scblegel in the preface to

359, his, alas, untinished edition of the Ram^yan, *that^ by the fa- vour of the Supreme Deity, I have been allowed to begin so great a work; I glory and make my boast that I too after so many ages have helped to confirm that ancient oracle declared to Valmiki by the Father of Gods and men:

360Dum stabunt montes, campis dum flumina current, Usque tuum toto carmen celebrabitur orbe.’

361Canto 111. mH AROUMmT.

362‘ Behold, the fout-lined balanced rime, The life of

363Eepeated over many a time, Roamings

364In words that from the hermit broke He told, v

365In shock of grief, becomes a 4loke.’ The tale o:

366This measure now Vdlmfki chose Each listei

367Wherein his story to compose. A sea of p

368In hundreds of such verses, sweet Thus good

369With equal lines and even feet, Rehearsed

370The saintly poet, lofty souled, As Ndrad,

371The glorious deeds of Rd,ma told. Had tracei

372•How Janak’s child he wooed and won,

373And broke the bow that bent to none.

374How he with every virtue fraught His namesake Rdma^ met and fought.

375The choice of R4ma for the throne ;

376The malice by Kaikeyi shown,

377Whose evil counsel marred the plan And drove him forth a banisht man. Howthekinggrieved andgroaned, and cried. And swooned away and pining died.

378The subjects’ woe when thus bereft ;

379And how the following crowds he left ;

380With Guha talked, and firmly stern Ordered his driver to return.

381How Gauge’s farther shore he gained j By Bharadvdja-entertained,

382By whose advice he journeyed still And came to Chitrakfita’s hill.

383How there he dwelt and built a cot ;

384How Bharat journeyed to the spot;

385His earnest supplication made ; Drink-offerings to their father paid ;

386The sandals given by Rd na’s hand,

387As emblems of bis right, to stand :

388How from his presence Bharat went

389And years in NandigiAma spent.

390How Rdma entered Dandak wood And in Sutlkshna’s presence stood. gra»5 The favour Anasfiy£ showed, maua. The woiidi'ous balsuiii she bestowed.

391iparasmama or Kama with the Canto

392THE RJ'MJ^YAN OF VALUrKL

393How S'arabhanga’s dwelling-place They sought ; saw Indra face to face ;

394The meeting with Agastya gained ;

395The heavenly bow from him obtained.

396How jRdma with Vir^dha met ;

397Their home in Panehavata set- How Shrpapakhd underwent The mockery and disfigurement- Of Trisird’s and Khara’s fall,

398Of Rdvan roused at vengeance’ call. Mdricha doomed, without escape ;

399The fair Videhan’- lady’s rape.

400How Rdrna wept and raved in vain,

401And how the Vulture-king was slain.

402How Rdma fierce Kabandha slew ;

403Then to the side of Pampd drew.

404Met Hanumdn, and her whose vows Were kept beneath the greenwood boughs* How Raghu’s son, the lofty-souled,

405On Pampd’s bank wept uncontrolled.

406Then journeyed, Rishyamdk to reach.

407And of Sugriva then had speech, [sought ; The friendship made, which both had How Bdli and Sugrfva fought.

408How Bdli in the strife was slain.

409And how Sugriva canae to reign.

410The treaty, Tdrd’s wild lament ;

411The rainy nights in watching spent.

412The wrath of Raghu’s lion son ;

413The gathering of the hosts in one.

414The senditig of the spies about,

415And all the regions pointed out.

416The ring by Rdma’s hand bestowed ;

417The cave wherein the bear abode.

418Tne fast proposed, their lives to end; Sampdti gained to be iheir friend.

419The sealing of the hill, the leap Of Hanumdn across the deep.

420Ocean’s command that bade them seek Maindka of the lofty peak.

421The death of SinhikA, the si»ht Of Lankd with her palace bright.

422How Hanumsln stole in at eve ;

423His plan the giants to deceive.

424How through the square he made his way To chambers where the women lay,

4251 Sita, Videha was the-country of wliich MitMU Was the capital.

426Within the A^oka garden came And there found Rdma’s captive dame. His colloquy with her he sought,

427And giving of the ring he brought. How Sitd gave a gem o’erjoyed ;

428How Hanumd.n the grove destroyed. How giantesses trembling filed.

429And servant fiends were smitten dead. How Hanumdu was seized ; their ire When Lank^ blazed with hostile fire. His leap across the sea once more ;

430The eating of the honey store.

431How R^raa he consoled, and how He showed the gem from Site’s brow. With Ocean, Rdma’s interview ;

432The bridge that Nala o’er it threw.

433The crossing, and the sitting down At night round Lankd’s royal town. The treaty with Vibhfsha^ made ;

434The plan for Rdvap's slaughter laid. How Kumbhakar9.a in his pride And Meghandda fought and died.

435How Rdvai^ in the fight was slain,

436And captive Sitd brought again. Vibhfshap set upon the throne ;

437The flying chariot Pushpak shown. How Brahmd and the Gods appeared, And Site’s doubted honour cleared. How in the flying car they rode To Bharadvdja’s calm abode- The Wind-God’s sou sent on afar;

438How Bharat met the flying car.

439How Rduia then was king ordained ; The legions their discharge obtained. How Rdma cast his queen away ;

440How grew the people’s love each day. Thus did the saint VdltDiki tell Whate’er in Rdma’s life befell.

441And in the closing verses all Tiiat yet to come will once befall.

442When to the end the tale was brought. Rose in the sage’s mind the thought ; .

443‘ Now who throughout this earth will go, And tell it forth that all may know V As thus he mused with anxious breast, Behold, in hermit’s raiment dressed,

444Ku^a and Lava^ came to greet Their master and embrace his feet.

445The twins he saw, that princely pair Sweet-voiced, who dwelt beside him there. None for the task could be more fit,

446For skilled were they in Holy Writ ;

447And so the great Rdmdyan, fraught With lore divine, to these he taught:

448The lay whose verses sweet and clear Take with delight the listening ear.

449That tell of Sitii’s noble life And Kavau’s fall in battle strife.

450Great joy to all who hear they bring.

451Sweet to recite and sweet to sing.

452For music’s sevenfold notes are there.

453And triple measure,^ wrought with care. With melody and tone and time,^

454And flavours® that enhance the rime : Heroic might has ample place,

455And loathing of the false and base.

456With anger, mirth, and terror, blent With tenderness, surprise, content.

457When, half the hermit’s grace to gain,

458And half because they loved the strain, The youths within their hearts had stored The poem that his lips outpoured,

459Vdlmiki kissed them on the head.

460As at his feet they bowed, and said :

461‘ Recite ye this heroic song In tranquil shades where sages throng : Recite it where the good resort,

462In lowly home and royal court.’

463The hermit ceased. The tuneful pair. Like heavenly minstrels sweet and fair,

464^ The twin sans of Kama and Sit^, born after Riiiaa bad re- pudiated Sita, and brought up in the hermitage of Tnlmikh As they were the first rhapsodists the combined name Kusrlava signifies a reoiter of poems, or an improvvisatore, even to the present day.

465® Perhaps the bass, tenor, and treble, or quick, slow, and middle time. We know but little of the ancient music of the Hindus.

466^ ‘ Eight fiavours or sentiments are usually enumerated^ love, mirth, tenderness, anger, heroism, terror, disgtast, and surprise: tranquillity or content, or paternal tenderness, is- sometimes considered as the ninth.’ Wilson. See the or Mwror of OomposUion^ translated by Br. Ballantyne and

Sundara Kāṇḍa (Book 5)

467Thus Rdvaij’s foe resolved to trace Tlie captive to her hiding-place Through airy pathways overhead Which heavenly minstrels visited.

468With straining nerve and eager brows,

469Like some strong husband of the cows,

470In ready might he stood prepared For the bold task his soul has dared.

471O’er gem-like grass that flashed and glowed The Vdnar like a lion strode.

472Roused by the thunder of his tread,

473The beasts to shady coverts fled.

474Tall trees he crushed or hurled aside,

475And every bird was terrified.

476Around him loveliest lilies grew,

477Pale pink, and red, and white, and blue, And tints of many a metal lent The light of varied ornament.

478Gandharvas, changing forms at will,

479And Yakshas roamed the lovely hill,

480And countless Serpent-Gods were seen Where flowers and grass were fresh and As some resplendent serpent takes [green. His pastime in the best of lakes,

481So on the mountain's woody height The Vinar wandered with delight.

482Then, standing on the flowery sod,

483He paid llis vows to saint and God.

484l This Book is osdled Sundae or bhe 6ea\ttiful. To a Eur- opean taste it is the most intolerably tedious of the whole poem, abounding in repetition, overloaded dosoripfcion, and long and useless speeches which impade the action of the

485r )em. Manifest interpolations of whole Cantos also occur.

486have omitted none of the action of the Book, but have occasionally omitted long passages of common-place descrip- tion, lamontation and long stories which have been agan aad again repeated. ,

487THE HAMjfYAN OF VJCLMrKL

488Swayarabhu * and the Sun he prayed,

489And the swift Wind to lend him aid,

490And In dr a, sovereign of the skies,

491To bless his hardy enterprise.

492Then once again the chief addressed The Vdnars from the mountain crest :

493, Swift as a sh^ft from Rdma’s bow To Rdvau’s city will I go.

494And if she be not there will fly And seek the lady in the sky ;

495Or, if in heaven she be !»ot found,

496Will hither bring the giant bound.*

497He ceased ; and mustering his might Sprang downward from the mountain height, While, shattered by each mighty limb,

498The trees unrooted followed him.

499The shadow on the ocean cast By his vast form, as on he passed.

500Flew like a ship before the gale When the strong breeze has filled the sail, And where his course the Vd.nar held The sea beneath him raged and swelled. Then Gods and all the heavenly train Poured flowerets down in gentle rain ; Their voices glad Gandhai'vas raised,

501And saints in heaven the Vdnar praised. Fain would the Sea his succour lend A nd Raghu’s noble son befriend.

502He, moved by zeal for Rdina’s sake,

503The hill Maiudka ® thus hespake :

504> 0 strong Maindka, heaven’s decree In days of old appointed thee To be the Asurs’ bar, and keep The rebels in the lowest deep. [cursed Thou guardest those whom heaven has Lest from their prison-house they burst, And standest by the gates of hell Their limitary sentinel.

505To thee is given the power to spread Or spring above thy watery bed.

506Now, best of noble mountains, rise And do the thing that I advise.

507E’en now above thy buried crest Flies mighty Hanumdn, the best

5081 BrahmiC Self -lBxisbeDb.

5092MaiQ^s fWM the apa of Himalaya and .Menif or Menakif.

510Of Vdnars, moved for Rdraa’s sake A woundrous deed to undertake.

511Lift up thy head that he may stay And rest him on his weary way.’

512He heard, and from his watery shroud, As bursts the sun from autumn cloud, Rose swiftly, crowned with plant and tree* And stood above the foamy sea *

513There with his lofty peaks upraised Bright as a hundred suns he blazed,

514And crest and crag of burnished gold Flashed on the flood that round him rolled. The Vanar thought the mountain rose A hostile bar to interpose,

515And, like a wind-swept cloud, o’erthrew The glittering mountain as he flew.

516Then from the falling hill rang out A warning voice and joyful shout.

517Again he raised him high in air To meet the flying V^nar there,

518And standing on his topmost peak In human form began to speak : ®

519^ Best of the Vdnars’ noblest line,

520A mighty task, 0 chief, is thine.

521Here for a while, I pray thee, light And rest upon the breezy height,

522A prince of Raghu’s line was he who gave his glory to the Sea,®

523Who now to Rdma’s envoy shows High honour for the debt he owes.

524He bade me lift my buried head Uprising from my watery bed,

525And woo the Vdnar chief to rest A moment on my glittering crest.

526Refresh thy weary limbs, and eat My mountain fruits for they are sweet,

527I too, O chieftain, know thee well ;

528Three worlds thy famous virtues tell ;

529And none, I ween, with thee may vie Who spring impetuous through the sky,

5301 Thus Milton makes the hills of heaven self-moving at command :

531‘ At his command the uprodbed hills retired Each to his place, they heard his voice and went Obsequious,’

5322 The spirit of the mountain is separable from the moun- tain. Himalaya has also been represented as standing in human on one of his own peaks.

5333 Siigar or the Sea is said to have derived its name from Sagar. The story is fully told in Book 1 Cantos XLII,. XLIII., and XLIV.

534To every guest, though mean and low,

535The wise respect and honour show ;

536And how shall I neglect thee, how Slight the great guest so near me now ?

537Son of the Wind, ’tis thine to share The might of him who shakes the air ;

538And, — for he loves his offspring, — he Is honoured when 1 honour thee.

539Of yore, when Krita^'s age ^ was new.

540The little hills and mountains flew Where’er they listed, borne on wings More rapid the feathered king’s.*

541But mighty terror came on all

542The Gods and saints who feared their fall,

543And Indra in his anger rent

544Their pinions with the bolts he sent.

545When in his ruthless fury he Levelled his flashing bolt at me,

546The great-souled Wind inclined to save, And laid me neath the ocean’s wave.

547Thus by the favour of the sire I kept my cherished wings entire ;

548And for this deed of kindness done I honour thee his noble son,

549O come, thy weary limbs relieve,

550And honour due from me receive.*

551* I may not rest,’ the Vdnar cried ;

552‘ I must not stay or turn aside.

553Yet pleased am I, thou noblest hill,

554And as the deed accept thy will.’

555Thus as he spoke he lightly pressed With bis broad hand the mountain’s crest, Then bounded upward to the height Of heaven, rejoicing in his might,

556And through the fields of boundless blue. The pathway of his father, flew.

557Gods, saints, and heavenly bards beheld, That flight that none had paralleled.

558Then to the Ndgas* mother ® came And thus addressed the sun>bright dame :

559* See, Hanumdn with venturous leap Would spring across the mighty deep,—

5601 Krita is bhe first of bha four ages of the world, the golden age, also called Satya.

5612 Parmta means a mountnin and in the Vedas (k cloud. Hence in later mythology the mountains have taken the place of the clouds as the objects of the attacks of Indra the Sun^Ood. The feathered king Oarada,

562S “The ebildfee of Surasa wore a thousand mighty many- headed serpents, traversing the sky.”

563W1''W)n’8 Vishnu ?urdn, Vol. II. p. 73.

564A Vdnar prince, the Wind-God’s seed : Come, Surasd-, his course impede.

565In Bfikslias form thy shape disguise, Terrific, like a hill in size ;

566Let thy red eyes wdth fury glow,

567And high as heaven thy body grow*

568With fearful tusks the chief defy,

569That we his power and strength may try. He will with guile thy hold elude,

570Or own thy might, by thee subdued.’

571Pleased with the grateful honours paid, The godlike dame their words obeyed.

572Clad in a shape of terror she Sprang from the middle of the sea,

573And, with fierce accents that appalled All creatures, to the Vd-nar called :

574‘Come, prince of Vdnars, doomed to be My food this day by heaven’s decree.

575Such boon from ages long ago To Brahmd’s favouring will I owe.*

576She ceased, and Hanurndn replied,

577By shape and threat un terrified :

578‘ Brave Rdma with his Maithil spouse Lodged in the shade of Daijidak’s boughs. Thence Rslvari king of giants stole Sltd the joy of Rdma’s soul.

579By Bdma’s high behest to her I go a willing messenger ;

580And never shouldst thou hinder one Who toils for Da^aratha’s son.

581First captive Sitd will I see,

582And him who sent and waits for me,

583Then come and to thy will submit,

584Yea, by my truth I promise it,’

585‘ Nay, hope not thus thy life to save ;

586Not such the boon that Brahm^ gam Enter my mouth,* was her reply,

587* Then forward on thy journey hie \ ’ '

588* Stretch, wider stretch thy jaws,’ exclaimed The Vdnar chief, to ire inflamed ;

589And, as the Rikshas near him drew,

590Ten leagues in height his stature grew. Then straight, her threatening jaws between, A gulf of twenty leagues was seen.

591To fifty leagues he waxed, and still Her mouth grew wider at her will.

592She means, saya the Commentator, pursue thy journey if thou ean.

593THE Um AY AN OF VALMfKL

594Then smaller than a thumb became,

595Shrunk by his power, the V^lnar’s frame.i He leaped within, and turning round Sprang through the portal at a bound.

596Then hung in air a moment, while He thus addressed her with a smile :

597‘0 Daksha’s child, ^ farewell at last !

598For I within thy mouth have passed.

599Thou hast the gift of Brahmd’s grace :

600I go, the Maithil queen to trace. ^

601Then, to her fornaer shape restored,

602She thus addressed the Vanar lord :

603* Then forward to the task, and may Success and joy attend thy way !

604Go, and the rescued lady bring In triumph to her lord and king/

605Then hosts of spirits as they gazed The daring of the Vdnar praised.

606Through the broad fields of ether, fast Garud’s royal self, he passed.

607The region of the cloud and rain,

608Loved by the gay Gandharva train,

609"Where mid the birds that came and went Shone Indra’s glorious bow unbent,

610And like a host of wandering stars Flashed the high Gods’ celestial cars. Fierce Sinhiki* who joyed in ill And changed her form to work her will, Descried him on his airy way And marked the Vdnar for her prey.

611‘This day at length,’ the demon cried,

612‘My hunger shall be satisfied,’

613And at his passing shadow caught Delighted with the cheering thought.

614The Vd,nar felt the power that stayed And held him as she grasped his shade, Like some tall ship upon the main That struggles with the wind in vain.

6151 If Milton’s spirits are allowed the power of infinite self 'extension and compression the same must be conceded to Vilmiki’s supernatural beings. Given the power as in Milton the result in Vdlmiki is perfectly consistent,

6162 “ Daksha is the son of Brahma and one of the ri’ajkpa- tis or divine progenitors. He had sixty daughters, twenty- seven of whom married to Kasyapa produced according to one of the Indian cosmogonies, all mundane beings. Does the epithet, Pescendent of Daksha, given to Suras^, mean that she is one of those daughters ? I think not. This epithet is perhaps an appellation common to all created hmnga as haying sprung frem Daksha. ’’ Gobrrsio.

6173 BinhikfC is the mother of R^bu the dragon’s head or as- (lending node, thf chief agent ineclroees.

618Below, above, his eye he bent And scanned the sea and firmament.

619High from the briny deep upreared The monster’s hideous form appeared.

620‘ Sugnva’s tale,’ he cried, ‘ is true :

621This is the demon dire to view Of whom the Vdnar monarch told,

622Whose grasp a passing shade can hold.’ Then, as a cloud in rain-time grows,

623His form, dilating, swelled and rose.

624Wide as the space from heaven to hell Her jaws she opened with a yell,

625A nd rushed upon her fancied prey With cloud-like roar to seize and slay.

626The Vdnar swift as thought compressed His borrowed bulk of limb and chest.

627And stood with one quick bound inside The monstrous mouth she opened wide.

628Hid like the moon when Rdhu ^ draws The orb within his ravening jaws.

629Within that ample cavern pent The demon’s form he tore and rent,

630And, from the mangled carcass freed. Came forth again with thought-like speed.* Thus with his skill the fiend he slew,

631Then to his wonted stature grew.

632The spirits saw the demon die,

633And hailed the Vdnar from the sky :

634‘ Weil hast thou fought a wondrous fight Nor spared the fiend’s terrific might.

635On, on ! perform the blameless deed,

636And in thine every wish succeed.

637Ne’er can they fail in whom combine Such valour, thought, and skill as thine.’

638Pleased with their praises as they sang, Again through fields of air he sprang,

639And now, his travail wellnigh done,

640The distant shore was almost won.

641Before him on the margent stood In long dark line a waving wood,

6421 Rahu if fcbe demon who causes eclipses by abtempbink

643bo swallow bbe sun and moon. ^ “

6442 According to De Gubernabis, the author of the verv tear*

645’“teresbing though boo fanciful Zodogi^ ml Mythology. Hauumrfn here represents the sun enterine into and escaping from a cloud. The biblical Jonah, acc ording bo him, typifies the same phenomenon. Sfi'di. speak- mg of sunset, says Yunas andarid-i-Un-i Mahishud , ionae was wibhin the fish s month. See Appitional Notes

646And the fair island, bright and green With flowers and trees, was clearly seen, And every babbling brook that gave Her lord the sea a tribute wave.

647He lighted down on Lamba’s peak Which tinted metals stain and streak, And looked where Laukd.’s splendid town Shone on the mountain like a crown.

648The glorious sight a while he viewed,

649Then to the town his way pursued.

650Around the Vdnar as he went Breathed from the wood delicious scent,

651A nd the soft grass beneath his feet With gemdike flowers was bright and sweet. Still as the V^nar nearer drew More deary rose the town to view.

652The palm her fan-like leaves displayed, Priydlas^ lent their pleasant shade,

653And mid the lower greenery far Conspicuous rose the Koviddr.^

654A thousand trees mid flowers that glowed Hung down their fruit's delicious load,® And in their crests that rocked and swayed Sweet birds delightful music made.

655And there were pleasant pools whereon The glories of the lotus shone ;

656A nd gleams of sparkling fountains, stirred By many a joyous water-bird.

657Around, in lovely gardens grew Blooms sweet of scent and bright of hue, And Lank^, seat of Rd-vaigL’s sway,

658Before the wondering Vanar lay ;

659With stately domes and turrets tall, Encircled by a golden wall,

660And moats whose waters were aglow With lily blossoms bright below :

661For Site's sake defended well With bolt and bar and sentinel.

6621 The Buohananla LabifoUa.

6632 The Baohtnia V^riegaba.

664a Through the .power bhat Rdvan’s sbern morbiflcabiona had won for him his brees bore flowers and fruit simultane- psly.

665And R^kshases who roamed in bands With ready bows in eager hands.

666He saw the stately mansions rise Like pale-hued clouds in autumn skies ; Where noble streets were broad and bright, And banners waved on every height.

667Her gates were glorious to behold,

668Rich with the shine of burnished gold :

669A lovely city planned and decked By heavens creative architect,^

670Fairest of earthly cities meet To be the Gods' celestial seat.

671The Vitnar by the northern gate Thus in his heart began debate :

672‘ Our mightiest host would strive in vain To take this city on the main :

673A city that may well defy The chosen warriors of the sky ;

674A city never to be won

675Een by the arm of Raghu’a son.

676Here is no hope by guile to win The hostile hearts of those within.

677’ Twere vain to war, or bribe, or sow Dissension mid the Vdnar foe.

678But now my search must I pursue Until the Mai thil queen I view ;

679And, when I And the captive dame,

680Make victory mine only aim.

681But, if I wear my present shape,

682How shall I enter and escape

683The Rdkshas troops, their guards and spies,

684And sleepless watch of cruel eyes ?

685The fiends of giant race who hold This mighty town are strong and bold ; And 1 must labour to elude The fiercely watchful multitude.

686I in a shape to mock their sight Must steal within the town by night, Blind with my art the demons' eyes,

687And thus achieve my enterprise.

688How may I see, myself unseen Of the fierce king, the captive queen.

689And meet her in some lonely place,

690With none beside her, face to flice f When the bright sun had left the skies The Viinar dwarfed his mighty size,

691l Viavakftirrai w the archibeot of the Gods.

692THE RAMAY-AE OF VALMfKL

693And, in tlie straitest bounds restrained, 'Bhe bigness of a cat retained^

694Then, when the moon’s soft light was spread, Within the city’s walls he sped.

695THE GUARDIAN GODDESS.

696There from the circling rampart’s height He gazed upon the wondrous sight ;

697Broad gates with burnished gold displayed, And courts with turkises inlaid :

698With gleaming silver, gems, and rows Of crystal stairs and porticoes.

699In semblance of a lidkshas dame The city’s guardian Goddess came, —

700For she with glances sure and keen The entrance of a foe had seen, —

701And thus with fury in her eye Addressed him with an angry cry :

702* Who art thou ? what has led thee, say, Within these walls to find thy way ?

703Thou mayst not enter here in spite Of Rd-vaij and his warriors’ might.'

704‘ And who art thou V the V4nar cried.

705By form and frown unterrified ;

706‘ Why hast thou met me by the gate,

707And chid me thus infuriate V

708He ceased : and Lankit made reply :

709‘ The guardian of the town am I,

710Who Watch for ever to fulfil My lord the Rdkshas monarch’s will.

711But thou shait fall this hour, and deep Shall be thy never-ending sleep.’

712Again he spake : ‘ In spite of thee This golden city will I see,

713Her gates and towers, and all the pride Of street and square from side to side,

714And freely wander where I please Amid her groves of flowering trees ;

715On all her beauties sate mine eye,

716Then, as I came, will homeward iiie.’

717Swift with an angry roar she smote With her huge hand the Vtlnar s throat.

7183 Sp in Pnradise Lost Safian when he has eLealbhily. onber- ed the ifarien of Eden a?sumea the form of a corm<lt&( 5 .

719The smitten Vdnar, rage-impelled,

720With fist upraised the monster felled ; But quick repented, stirred with shame And pity for a vanquished dame.

721When with her senses troubled, weak With terror, thus she strove to speak ;

722* O spare me thou whose arm is strong :

7230 spare me, and forgive the wrong.

724The brave that law will ne’er transgress That spares a woman’s helplessness. Hear, best of Vdnars, brave and bold, What Brahma’s self of yore foretold :

725‘ Beware,’ he said, ‘ the fatal hour When thou shait own a Vd-nar’s power, Then is the giants’ day of fear,

726For terror and defeat are near.’

727Now^ Vdnar chief o’ercome by thee,

7281 own the truth of heaven’s decree.

729For Site’s sake will ruin fall

730On Bdvaij and his town, and all.’

731The guardian goddess thus subdued,

732The Vdnar cliief his way pursued,

733And readied the broad imperial street Where fresli-blown flowers were bright and The city seemed a fairer sky [sweet.

734Where cloud-like houses rose on high, Whence the soft sound of tabors cjime Through many a latticed window frame, And ever and anon rang out The merry laugh and joyous shout.

735From house to house the Vdnar went And marked each varied ornament.

736Where leaves and blossoms deftly strung About the crystal columns hung.

737Then soft and full and sweet and clear Tlie song of women charmed his ear,

738And, blending with their dulcet tones. Their anklets’ chime and tinkling zones,

739He heard the Rdkshas minstrels sing The praises of their matchless king ;

740And softly through the evening air Came murmurings of text and prayer.

741Here moved a. priest with tonsured head, For charm of form and face renowned ;

742And there an eag^er envoy sped, Whose tinkling armlets made a sound,

743Mid crowds with hair in matted twine Clashed by the wearers in their glee,

744Clothed ill the skins of deer and kine, — Like music of a distant sea.

745Whose only arms, which none might blame, The hall beyond the palace gate,

746Were blades of grass and holy dame.^ Rich with each badge of royal state,

747There savage warriors roamed in bands Where lines of noble courtiers stood,

748With clubs and maces in their hands, Showed like a lion-guarded wood.

749Some dwarfish forms, some huge of size, There the wild music rose and fell

750With single ears and single eyes. Of drum and tabor and of shell.

751Some shone in glittering mail nrrayed Through chambers at each holy tide

752With bow and mace and dnshing blade ; By solemn worship sanctified.

753Fiends of all shapes and every hue, Through grove and garden, undismayed,

754Some fierce and foul, some fair to view. From house to house the Vd-nar strayed, He saw the grisly legions wait And still his wondering glance bent

755In strictest watch at Rdvan’s gate, On terrace, dome, and battlement ;

756Whose palace on the mountain crest Then with a light and rapid tread

757Rose proudly towering o'er the rest, Prahasta's i home he visited.

758Fenced with high ramparts from the foe, And Kumbhakaima's^ courtyard where And lotus-covered moats below. A cloudy pile rose high in air ;

759But H^ndmdn, unhindered, found And, wandering o’er the hill, explored

760Quick passage through the guarded bound, The garden of each Rakshas lord,

761Mid elephants of noblest breed, Each court. and grove he wandered through,

762And gilded ear and neighing steed. Then nigh to R^vun’s palace drew*

763She-demons watched it foul of face,.