THE RÁMÁYAN OF VÁLMÍKI, VOL. III - Gujarat Knowledge Centre

170 THE R^MJ^YAN. Book 111.
And leave the people desolate.
Rama, in bonds of duty held,
Was never by his sire expelled.
He is no wretch of greedy mind,
Dishonour of his Warrior kind.
Free from all touch of rancorous spite.
All creatures' good is his delight.
He saw his sire of truthful he^rt
Deceived by Queen Kaikeyi's art.
And said, a true and) duteous sctn,
' What thou hast promis^, shall be done.'
To gratify the lady's willj
His father's promise to fulfil.
He left his realm and aU- delight
For Dandak wood, an apc]^ori]be.
No cruel wretch,, no senseless fool
Is Eidma, unrestrained by rjole.
This groundless charge has ne'er been heard,
Nor shouldst thou speak th,e. slandprous WQrfJ.
Rama in truth and goodness bold.
Is Virtue's self in human mould.
The sovereign of the world confesse,d.
As Indra rules among the Blest.
And dost thou plot from him tp reivd
The darling whom his arms defend ?
Less vain the hope to steal away
The glory of the Lord of Day.
Ravan, guard thee frpm the.fir^
Of vengeful RSma's kindle^ ii;e,
Each spark a shaft with deadly aim.
While bow and falchion fe.e(^,the flame.
Cast not away in hopeless strife
Thy realm, tliy bliss, thipe, own dear life.
O Ravan of his ipight beware,