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

190 .THE RjtM.fYAN. Booh 111.
JJs quickly through the fields of air.
Attract the lady with thy shape,
Then through the wood, at will, escape.
And I, when she has no defence,
Will seize the dame and bear her thence.'
Again Mdricha made reply.
Consent and will to signify.
With rapid speed the giants two
From the calm hermit dwelling flew,
Borne in that wondrous chariot, meet
For some great God's celestial seat.
They from their airy path looked dowa
On many a wood and many a town,
On lake and river, brook and rill.
City and realm and towering hill.
Soon he whom giant hosts obeyed,
M&iicha by his side, surveyed
The dark expanse of Dandak wood
Where Rama's hermit cottage stood.
They left the flying car, whereon
The wealth of gold and jewels shone.
And thus the giant king addressed •
Mdricha as his hand he pressed
' Mdricha, look ! before our eyes
Round Rama's home the plantains rise.
His hermitage is now in view
Quick to the work we came to do I'
Thus Rdvau spoke. M^rlcha heard
Obedient to his master's word.
Threw oif his giant shape, and near
The cottage strayed a beauteous deer.
With magic power, by rapid change.
His borrowed form was fair and strange.
A sapphire tipped each horn with light