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

836
CANTO LXXIII.
EABAN^DHA'S COUNSEL.
The monster ceased: the princely pair
Heard great Kabandha's eager prayer.
Within a mountain cave they sped,
Where kindled fire with care they fed.
Then Lakshman in his mighty hands
Brought ample store of lighted brands,
And to a pile of logs applied
The flame that ran from side to side.
The spreading glow with gentle force
-Consumed Kai)andhas mighty corse,
Till the unresting flames had drunk
The' marrow of the monstrous trunk.
As balls of butter melt away
Amid the fires that o'er them play.
Then from the pyre, like flame that glows
Undimmed by cloudy smoke, he rose.
In garments pure of spot or speck,
A heavenly wreath about his neck.
Resplendent in his bright attire
He sprang exultant from the pyre,
While from neck, arm, and foot was sent
The flash of gold and ornameut.
High on a chariot, bright of hue.
Which swans of fairest pinion drew,
He filled each region of the air
With splendid e;low reflected there.
Then in the sky he stayed his car