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

Canto LXXV. THE RA'MA^YAN. 349
Moved hither drawn by power of thought.
Look, Rama, where the devotees
Hung their bark mantles on the trees.
Fresh from the bath : those garments wet
Through many a day are dripping yet.
See, through those aged hermits' power
Tlie tender spray, the bright-hued flower
With which the saints their worship paid.
Fresh to this hour nor change nor fade.
Here thou hast seen each lawn and dell.
And heard the tale I had to tell
Permit thy servant, lord, I pray.
To cast this mortal shell away.
For I would dwell, this life resigned,
With those great, saints of lofty miud.
Whom I within this holy shade
With reverential care obeyed.'
When Rama and his brother heard
The pious prayer the dame preferred,
Filled full of transport and amazed
They marvelled as her words they praised.
Then Rima to the votaress said
Whose holy vows were perfected
'Go, lady, where thou fain wouldst be,
O thou who well hast honoured me.'
Her locks in hermit fashion tied.
Clad in bark coat and black deer's hide,
When Rama gave consent, the dame
Resigned her body to the fla^e.
Then.'like the fire that burns and glows.
To heaven the sainted lady rose.
In all her heavenly garments dressed.
Immortal wreaths on neck and breast,
Bright with celestial gems she shone