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

268 THE RA:MJlYAN Booh III
As to the Lord of Gods she spoke
' How may I know for truth that tliou
Whose form I see before me now
Art verily the King adored
By heavenly Gods, and Saclii's lord ?
With Raghu's sons J learnt to know
The certain signs which Godhead show.
These marks before mine eyes display
If o'er the Gods thou bear the sway.'
The heavenly lord of Sachi heard.
And did according to her word.
Above the ground, bis feet were raised ;
With eyelids motionless he gazed.
No dust upon his raiment lay.
And his bright wreath was fresh and gay.
Nor was the lady's glad heart slow
The Monarch of the Gods to know.
And while the tears unceasing ran
From her sweet eyes she thus began.;
* My lord has gained a friend in thee
And I this day thy presence see
Shown clearly to mine eyes, as when
Bama and Lakshman, lords of men.
Beheld it, and their sire the king.
And Janak too from whom I spring.
Now I, Monarch of the Blest,
Will eat this food at thy behest.
Which thou hast brought me, of thy grace,
To aid and strengthen Raghu's. race.'
She spoke, and by his ^^rds relieved.
The food ftojm Indra's hand received.
Yet ere she ate the balm he brought.
On Lakshman and her lord she thought.
'
If my brave lord be still alive,