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

63
CANTO XIV.
JATAYUS.
Then as the son of Raghu made
His way to Panchavati's shade,
A mighty vulture he beheld
Of size and strength unparalleled.
The princes, when the bird they saw,
Approched with reverence and awe,
And as his giant form they eyed,
' Tell who thou art,' in wonder cried.
The bird, as though their hearts to gain.
Addressed them thus in gentlest strain
' In me, dear sons, the friend behold
Your royal father loved of old.'
He spoke : nor long did Rama wait
His siie's dear friend to venerate
He bade the bird declare his name
And the high race of which he came.
When Raghu's son had spoken, he
Declared his name and pedigree,
His words prolonging to disclose
How all the things that be arose
' List while I tell, Raghu's son.
The first-born Fathers, one by one,
Great Lords of Life, whence all in earth
And all in heaven derive their birth.
First Kardam heads the glorious race
Where Vikrit holds the second place,
With Sesha, Sansray next in line,