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

12
CANTO IV.
vieAdh.vs death.
But SIta viewed with wild aflfright
The heroes hurried from lier sight.
She tossed her shapely arms on high.
And shrieked aloud her bitter cry :
' Ah, the dread giant bears away
The princely Biima, as his prey.
Truthful and pure, and good and great.
And Lakshman shares his brothei-'s fate.
The brindled tiger and the bear
My mangled limbs for food will tear.
Take me, best of giants, me,
And leave the sons of Raghu free.'
Then, by avenging fury spurred.
Her mournful cry the heroes heard.
And hastened, for the lady's sake.
The wicked monster's life to take,
Then Lakshman with resistless stroke
The foe's left arm that held him broke,
And R^ma too, as swift to smite.
Smashed with his heavy hand the right,
With broken arms and tortured frame
To earth the fainting giant came,
Like a huge cloud, or mighty rock
Rent, sundered by the levin's shock.
Then rushed they on, and crushed and beat
Their foe with aims and fists and feet,
And nerved each mighty limb to pound