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

Canto IX. THE RjtM^YAN. 35
In thee have found a resting-place.
Such virtues, Prince, the good may gain
Who empire o'er each sense retain ;
And well canst thou, with loving view
Kegarding all, each sense subdue.
But for the third, the lust that strives,
Insatiate still, for others' lives,
Fond thirst of blood where hate is none,
This, my lord, thou wilt not shun.
Thou hast but now a promise made.
The saints of Dandak wood to aid ;
And to protect their lives from ill
The giants' blood in fight wilt spill
And from thy promise lasting fame
Will glorify the forest's name.
Armed with thy bow and arrows thou
Forth with thy brother journeyest now.
While as I think how true thou art
Fears for thy bliss assail my heart,
And all my spirit at the sight
Is troubled with a strange affright.
I like it not—it seems not good
Thy going thus to Dandak wood
And I, if thou wilt mark me well.
The reason of my fear will tell.
Thou with thy brother, bow in hand.
Beneath those ancient trees wilt stand.
And thy keen arrows will not spare
Wood-rovers who will meet thee there.
For as the fuel food supplies
That bids the dormant flame arise.
Thus when the warrior grasps his bow
He feels his breast with atdour glow.
Deep in a holy grove, of yore,