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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LIV. Lanká.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He bore her on in rapid flight,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And not a friend appeared in sight.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But on a hill that o'er the wood</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Raised its high top five monkeys stood.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From her fair neck her scarf she drew,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And down the glittering vesture flew.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With earring, necklet, chain, and gem,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Descending in the midst of them:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“For these,”</span> she thought, <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“my path may show,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And tell my lord the way I go.”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor did the fiend, in wild alarm,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Mark when she drew from neck and arm</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And foot the gems and gold, and sent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To earth each gleaming ornament.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The monkeys raised their tawny eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That closed not in their first surprise,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And saw the dark-eyed lady, where</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She shrieked above them in the air.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">High o'er their heads the giant passed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Holding the weeping lady fast.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'er Pampa's flashing flood he sped</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And on to Lanká's city fled.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He bore away in senseless joy</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The prize that should his life destroy,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like the rash fool who hugs beneath</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His robe a snake with venomed teeth.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Swift as an arrow from a bow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Speeding o'er lands that lay below,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sublime in air his course he took</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'er wood and rock and lake and brook.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He passed at length the sounding sea</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where monstrous creatures wander free,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Seat of Lord Varuṇ's ancient reign,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Controller of the eternal main.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The angry waves were raised and tossed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As Rávaṇ with the lady crossed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And fish and snake in wild unrest</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Showed flashing fin and gleaming crest.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then from the blessed troops who dwell</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In air celestial voices fell:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O ten-necked King,”</span> they cried, <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“attend:</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">This guilty deed will bring thine end.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then Rávaṇ speeding like the storm,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bearing his death in human form,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The struggling Sítá, lighted down</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In royal Lanká's glorious town;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A city bright and rich, that showed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Well-ordered street and noble road;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Arranged with just division, fair</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With multitudes in court and square.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus, all his journey done, he passed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Within his royal home at last.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There in a queenly bower he placed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The black-eyed dame with dainty waist:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus in her chamber Máyá laid</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lovely Máyá, demon maid.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Rávaṇ gave command to all</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The dread she-fiends who filled the hall:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“This captive lady watch and guard</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From sight of man and woman barred.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But all the fair one asks beside</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be with unsparing hand supplied:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As though 'twere I that asked, withhold</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No pearls or dress or gems or gold.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And she among you that shall dare</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of purpose or through want of care</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">One word to vex her soul to say,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Throws her unvalued life away.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus spake the monarch of their race</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To those she-fiends who thronged the place,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And pondering on the course to take</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Went from the chamber as he spake.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He saw eight giants, strong and dread,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On flesh of bleeding victims fed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Proud in the boon which Brahmá gave,</div>
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<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And trusting in its power to save.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He thus the mighty chiefs addressed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of glorious power and strength possessed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Arm, warriors, with the spear and bow;</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With all your speed from Lanká go,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For Janasthán, our own no more,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is now defiled with giants' gore;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The seat of Khara's royal state</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is left unto us desolate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In your brave hearts and might confide,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And cast ignoble fear aside.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Go, in that desert region dwell</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where the fierce giants fought and fell.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A glorious host that region held,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For power and might unparalleled,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By Dúshaṇ and brave Khara led,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">All, slain by Ráma's arrows, bled.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Hence boundless wrath that spurns control</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Reigns paramount within my soul,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And naught but Ráma's death can sate</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fury of my vengeful hate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I will not close my slumbering eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Till by this hand my foeman dies.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And when mine arm has slain the foe</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who laid those giant princes low,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Long will I triumph in the deed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like one enriched in utmost need.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Now go; that I this end may gain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In Janasthán, O chiefs, remain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Watch Ráma there with keenest eye,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And all his deeds and movements spy.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Go forth, no helping art neglect,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be brave and prompt and circumspect,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And be your one endeavour still</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To aid mine arm this foe to kill.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Oft have I seen your warrior might</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Proved in the forehead of the fight,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And sure of strength I know so well</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Send you in Janasthán to dwell.”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The giants heard with prompt assent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">The pleasant words he said,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And each before his master bent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">For meet salute, his head.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then as he bade, without delay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">From Lanká's gate they passed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And hurried forward on their way</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Invisible and fast.</div>
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LV. Sítá In Prison.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus Rávaṇ his commandment gave</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To those eight giants strong and brave,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So thinking in his foolish pride</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Against all dangers to provide.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then with his wounded heart aflame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With love he thought upon the dame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And took with hasty steps the way</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To the fair chamber where she lay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He saw the gentle lady there</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Weighed down by woe too great to bear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Amid the throng of fiends who kept</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their watch around her as she wept:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A pinnace sinking neath the wave</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When mighty winds around her rave:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A lonely herd-forsaken deer,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When hungry dogs are pressing near.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Within the bower the giant passed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her mournful looks were downward cast.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As there she lay with streaming eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant bade the lady rise,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And to the shrinking captive showed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The glories of his rich abode,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where thousand women spent their days</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In palaces with gold ablaze;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where wandered birds of every sort,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And jewels flashed in hall and court.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where noble pillars charmed the sight</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With diamond and lazulite,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And others glorious to behold</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With ivory, crystal, silver, gold.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There swelled on high the tambour's sound,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And burnished ore was bright around</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He led the mournful lady where</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Resplendent gold adorned the stair,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And showed each lattice fair to see</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With silver work and ivory:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Showed his bright chambers, line on line,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Adorned with nets of golden twine.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Beyond he showed the Maithil dame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His gardens bright as lightning's flame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And many a pool and lake he showed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where blooms of gayest colour glowed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Through all his home from view to view</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lady sunk in grief he drew.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then trusting in her heart to wake</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Desire of all she saw, he spake:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Three hundred million giants, all</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Obedient to their master's call,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Not counting young and weak and old,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Serve me with spirits fierce and bold.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A thousand culled from all of these</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wait on the lord they long to please.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This glorious power, this pomp and sway,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dear lady, at thy feet I lay:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yea, with my life I give the whole,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O dearer than my life and soul.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A thousand beauties fill my hall:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be thou my wife and rule them all.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O hear my supplication! why</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This reasonable prayer deny?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Some pity to thy suitor show,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For love's hot flames within me glow.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This isle a hundred leagues in length,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Encompassed by the ocean's strength,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Would all the Gods and fiends defy</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though led by Him who rules the sky.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No God in heaven, no sage on earth,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No minstrel of celestial birth,</div>
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<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No spirit in the worlds I see</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A match in power and might for me.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">What wilt thou do with Ráma, him</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose days are short, whose light is dim,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Expelled from home and royal sway,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who treads on foot his weary way?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Leave the poor mortal to his fate,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And wed thee with a worthier mate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My timid love, enjoy with me</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The prime of youth before it flee.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Do not one hour the hope retain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To look on Ráma's face again.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For whom would wildest thought beguile</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To seek thee in the giants' isle?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Say who is he has power to bind</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In toils of net the rushing wind.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose is the mighty hand will tame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And hold the glory of the flame?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In all the worlds above, below,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Not one, O fair of form, I know</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who from this isle in fight could rend</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lady whom these arms defend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fair Queen, o'er Lanká's island reign,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sole mistress of the wide domain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Gods, rovers of the night like me,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And all the world thy slaves will be.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'er thy fair brows and queenly head</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Let consecrating balm be shed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And sorrow banished from thy breast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Enjoy my love and take thy rest.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here never more thy soul shall know</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The memory of thy former woe,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And here shall thou enjoy the meed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Deserved by every virtuous deed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here garlands glow of flowery twine,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With gorgeous hues and scent divine.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Take gold and gems and rich attire:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Enjoy with me thy heart's desire.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There stand, of chariots far the best,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The car my brother once possessed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which, victor in the stricken field,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I forced the Lord of Gold to yield.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">'Tis wide and high and nobly wrought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bright as the sun and swift as thought.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Therein O Sítá, shalt thou ride</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Delighted by thy lover's side.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But sorrow mars with lingering trace</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The splendour of thy lotus face.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A cloud of woe is o'er it spread,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And all the light of joy is fled.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The lady, by her woe distressed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">One corner of her raiment pressed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To her sad cheek like moonlight clear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And wiped away a falling tear.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The rover of the night renewed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His eager pleading as he viewed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lady stand like one distraught,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Striving to fix her wandering thought:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Think not, sweet lady, of the shame</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of broken vows, nor fear the blame.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The saints approve with favouring eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This union knit with marriage ties.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O beauty, at thy radiant feet</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I lay my heads, and thus entreat.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">One word of grace, one look I crave:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Have pity on thy prostrate slave.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">These idle words I speak are vain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wrung forth by love's consuming pain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And ne'er of Rávaṇ be it said</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">He wooed a dame with prostrate head.”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus to the Maithil lady sued</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The monarch of the giant brood,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“She is now mine own,”</span> he thought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In Death's dire coils already caught.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LVI. Sítá's Disdain.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His words the Maithil lady heard</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Oppressed by woe but undeterred.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fear of the fiend she cast aside,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thus in noble scorn replied:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“His word of honour never stained</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">King Daśaratha nobly reigned,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The bridge of right, the friend of truth.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His eldest son, a noble youth,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is Ráma, virtue's faithful friend,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose glories through the worlds extend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Long arms and large full eyes has he,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My husband, yea a God to me.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With shoulders like the forest king's,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From old Ikshváku's line he springs.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He with his brother Lakshmaṇ's aid</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will smite thee with the vengeful blade.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Hadst thou but dared before his eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To lay thine hand upon the prize,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou stretched before his feet hadst lain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In Janasthán like Khara slain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy boasted rovers of the night</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With hideous shapes and giant might,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like serpents when the feathered king</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Swoops down with his tremendous wing,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will find their useless venom fail</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When Ráma's mighty arms assail.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The rapid arrows bright with gold,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shot from the bow he loves to hold,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will rend thy frame from flank to flank</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As Gangá's waves erode the bank.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though neither God nor fiend have power</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To slay thee in the battle hour,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yet from his hand shall come thy fate,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Struck down before his vengeful hate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That mighty lord will strike and end</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The days of life thou hast to spend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy days are doomed, thy life is sped</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like victims to the pillar led.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yea, if the glance of Ráma bright</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With fury on thy form should light,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou scorched this day wouldst fall and die</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296"></span><SPAN name="Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like Káma slain by Rudra's eye.<SPAN id="noteref_506" name="noteref_506" href="#note_506"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">506</span></span></SPAN></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He who from heaven the moon could throw,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or bid its bright rays cease to glow,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He who could drain the mighty sea</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will set his darling Sítá free.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fled is thy life, thy glory, fled</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy strength and power: each sense is dead.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Soon Lanká widowed by thy guilt</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will see the blood of giants spilt.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This wicked deed, O cruel King,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No triumph, no delight will bring.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou with outrageous might and scorn</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A woman from her lord hast torn.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My glorious husband far away,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Making heroic strength his stay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dwells with his brother, void of fear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In Daṇḍak forest lone and drear.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No more in force of arms confide:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That haughty strength, that power and pride</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My hero with his arrowy rain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From all thy bleeding limbs will drain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When urged by fate's dire mandate, nigh</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Comes the fixt hour for men to die.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Caught in Death's toils their eyes are blind,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And folly takes each wandering mind.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So for the outrage thou hast done</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fate is near thou canst not shun,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fate that on thyself and all</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy giants and thy town shall fall.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I spurn thee: can the altar dight</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With vessels for the sacred rite,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'er which the priest his prayer has said,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be sullied by an outcaste's tread?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So me, the consort dear and true</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of him who clings to virtue too,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy hated touch shall ne'er defile,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Base tyrant lord of Lanká's isle.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Can the white swan who floats in pride</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Through lilies by her consort's side,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Look for one moment, as they pass,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On the poor diver in the grass?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This senseless body waits thy will,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To torture, chain, to wound or kill.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I will not, King of giants, strive</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To keep this fleeting soul alive</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But never shall they join the name</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Of Sítá with reproach and shame.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus as her breast with fury burned</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her bitter speech the dame returned.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Such words of rage and scorn, the last</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She uttered, at the fiend she cast.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her taunting speech the giant heard,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And every hair with anger stirred.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then thus with fury in his eye</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He made in threats his fierce reply:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Hear Maithil lady, hear my speech:</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">List to my words and ponder each.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If o'er thy head twelve months shall fly</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thou thy love wilt still deny,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My cooks shall mince thy flesh with steel</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And serve it for my morning meal.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus with terrific threats to her</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Spake Rávaṇ, cruel ravener.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Mad with the rage her answer woke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He called the fiendish train and spoke:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Take her, ye Rákshas dames, who fright</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With hideous form and mien the sight,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who make the flesh of men your food,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And let her pride be soon subdued.”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He spoke, and at his word the band</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of fiendish monsters raised each hand</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In reverence to the giant king,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And pressed round Sítá in a ring.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Rávaṇ once more with stern behest</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To those she-fiends his speech addressed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shaking the earth beneath his tread,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He stamped his furious foot and said:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“To the Aśoka garden bear</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The dame, and guard her safely there</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Until her stubborn pride be bent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By mingled threat and blandishment.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">See that ye watch her well, and tame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Like some she-elephant, the dame.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">They led her to that garden where</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sweetest flowers perfumed the air,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where bright trees bore each rarest fruit,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And birds, enamoured, ne'er were mute.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bowed down with terror and distress,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Watched by each cruel giantess,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like a poor solitary deer</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When ravening tigresses are near,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The hapless lady lay distraught</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like some wild thing but newly caught,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And found no solace, no relief</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From agonizing fear and grief;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Not for one moment could forget</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each terrifying word and threat,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or the fierce eyes upon her set</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">By those who watched around.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She thought of Ráma far away,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She mourned for Lakshmaṇ as she lay</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In grief and terror and dismay</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Half fainting on the ground.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LVII. Sítá Comforted.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Soon as the fiend had set her down</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Within his home in Lanká's town</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Triumph and joy filled Indra's breast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whom thus the Eternal Sire addressed:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“This deed will free the worlds from woe</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And cause the giants' overthrow.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fiend has borne to Lanká's isle</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lady of the lovely smile,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">True consort born to happy fate</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With features fair and delicate.</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297"></span><SPAN name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She looks and longs for Ráma's face,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But sees a crowd of demon race,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And guarded by the giant's train</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Pines for her lord and weeps in vain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But Lanká founded on a steep</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is girdled by the mighty deep,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And how will Ráma know his fair</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And blameless wife is prisoned there?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She on her woe will sadly brood</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And pine away in solitude,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And heedless of herself, will cease</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To live, despairing of release.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yes, pondering on her fate, I see</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her gentle life in jeopardy.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Go, Indra, swiftly seek the place,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And look upon her lovely face.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Within the city make thy way:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Let heavenly food her spirit stay.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus Brahma spake: and He who slew</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The cruel demon Páka, flew</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where Lanká's royal city lay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Sleep went with him on his way.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Sleep,”</span> cried the heavenly Monarch, <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“close</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Each giant's eye in deep repose.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus Indra spoke, and Sleep fulfilled</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With joy his mandate, as he willed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To aid the plan the Gods proposed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The demons' eyes in sleep she closed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Śachí's lord, the Thousand-eyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To the Aśoka garden hied.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He came and stood where Sítá lay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And gently thus began to say:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Lord of the Gods who hold the sky,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dame of the lovely smile, am I.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Weep no more, lady, weep no more;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy days of woe will soon be o'er.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I come, O Janak's child, to be</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The helper of thy lord and thee.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He through my grace, with hosts to aid,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This sea-girt land will soon invade.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">'Tis by my art that slumbers close</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The eyelids of thy giant foes.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Now I, with Sleep, this place have sought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Videhan lady, and have brought</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A gift of heaven's ambrosial food</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To stay thee in thy solitude.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Receive it from my hand, and taste,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O lady of the dainty waist:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For countless ages thou shall be</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">From pangs of thirst and hunger free.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">But doubt within her bosom woke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As to the Lord of Gods she spoke:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“How may I know for truth that thou</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose form I see before me now</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Art verily the King adored</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By heavenly Gods, and Śachí's lord?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With Raghu's sons I learnt to know</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The certain signs which Godhead show.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">These marks before mine eyes display</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">If o'er the Gods thou bear the sway.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The heavenly lord of Śachí heard,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And did according to her word.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Above the ground his feet were raised;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With eyelids motionless he gazed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No dust upon his raiment lay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And his bright wreath was fresh and gay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor was the lady's glad heart slow</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The Monarch of the Gods to know,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And while the tears unceasing ran</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From her sweet eyes she thus began:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“My lord has gained a friend in thee,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And I this day thy presence see</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shown clearly to mine eyes, as when</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ráma and Lakshmaṇ, lords of men,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Beheld it, and their sire the king,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Janak too from whom I spring.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Now I, O Monarch of the Blest,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will eat this food at thy behest,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which thou hast brought me, of thy grace,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To aid and strengthen Raghu's race.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">She spoke, and by his words relieved,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The food from Indra's hand received,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yet ere she ate the balm he brought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On Lakshmaṇ and her lord she thought.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“If my brave lord be still alive,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If valiant Lakshmaṇ yet survive,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">May this my taste of heavenly food</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Bring health to them and bliss renewed!”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">She ate, and that celestial food</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Stayed hunger, thirst, and lassitude,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">And all her strength restored.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Great joy her hopeful spirit stirred</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">At the glad tidings newly heard</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Of Lakshmaṇ and her lord.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And Indra's heart was joyful too:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">He bade the Maithil dame adieu,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">His saving errand done.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">With Sleep beside him parting thence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">He sought his heavenly residence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">To prosper Raghu's son.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />