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

198 THE RAMA:YAN. Book III.
He claims the jewels' sparkling store.
Such gains are dearer in his eyes
Than wealth that in his chamber lies.
The dearest things his spirit knows,
Dear as the bliss which Sukra chose.
But oft the rich expected gain
Which heedless men pursue in vain,
The sage, who prudent counsels knoW,
Explain and in a moment show.
This best of deer, this gem of all,
To yield his precious spoils must fall.
And tender Sita by my side
Shall sit upon the golden hide.
Ne'er could I find so rich a coat
On spotted deer or sheep or goat.
No buck or antelope haa such,
So bright to view, so soft to touch.
This radiant deer and one on high
That moves in glory through the sky,
Alike in heavenly beauty are.
One on the earth and one a star.
But,, brother, if thy fears be true.
And this bright creature that we view
Be fierce M^richa in disguise,
Then by this hand he surely dies.
For that dire fiend who spurns control
With bloody hand and cruel soul,
Has roamed this forest and dismayed
The holiest saints who haunt the shade.
G»eat archers, sprung of royal raoe.
Pursuing in the wood the chase.
Have fallen by his wicked art.
And now my shaft shall strike his heart.
Vdtapi, by his magic power