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

Canto LXll. THE RAMA7AN. 287
Too feeble with my woe to cope ?
E'en thus indignant Glory flies
The wretch who stains his soul with lies.
If thou, my love, art lost to view,
I in my woe must perish too.'
Thus Rdma by his grief distraught
Wept for the wife he vainly sought,'
And Lakshman, whose fraternal breast
Longed for his weal, the chief addressed,
Whose soul gave way beneath the pain
When all his eager search was vain.
Like some great elephant who stands
Sinking upon the treacherous sands
' Not yet, wisest chief, despair
Renew thy toil with utmost care.
This noble hill where trees are green
Has many a cave and dark ravine.
The Maithil lady day by day
Delighted in the woods to stray.
Deep in the grove she wanders still,
Or walks by blossom-covered rill.
Or fish-loved river stealing through
Tall clusters of the dark bamboo.
Or else the dame with arch design
To prove thy mood, Prince, and mine.
Far in some sheltering thicket lies
To frighten ere she meet our eyes.
Then come, renew thy labour, trace
The lady to her lui king-place.
And search the wood from side to side
To know where Sita loves to hide.
Collect thy thoughts, royal chief.
Nor yield to unavailing grief.'
Thus Lakshman, by affection stirred.