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

218 THE RA'AUTYAN. Book 111.
' Yea, it shall be as thou hast said.'
And answered, faithful to his vows.
Obeying^ DaSaratha's spouse
' The offered realm I would not take.
But still keep true the words he spake.'
Thus, gentle Brahman, Rama still
Clung to his vow with firmest will.
And valiant Lakshman, dear to fame.
His brother by a younger dame.
Bold victor in the deadly fray, ,
Would follow Rama on his way.
On sternest vows his heart was set.
And he, a youthful anchoret,
Bound up in twisted coil his hair
And took the garb which hermits wear
Then with his bow to guard us, he
Went forth with Rama and with me.
By Queen Kaikeyi's art bereft
The kingdom and our home we left.
And bound by stern religious vows
We sought this shade of forest boughs.
Now, best of Brahmans, here we tread
These pathless regions dark and dread.
But come, refresh thy soul, and rest
Here for a while an honoured guest,
For he, my lord, will soon he here
With fresh supply of woodland cheer,
Large store of venison of the buck,
Or some great boar his hand has struck.
Meanwhile, stranger, grant my prayer
Thy napie, thy rgice, thy birth declare.
And why with no companion thou
Roamest in Dandak forest now.'
Thus questioned Sltd, Rama's (Jame,.