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

69
CANTO XV.
PANORAVAfi.
Arrived at Panchavati's shade
Where silvan life and serpents strayed,
Bama in words like these addressed
Lakshman of vigour unrepressed
' Brother, our home is here : behold
The grove of which the hermit told
The bowers of Panchavatf see
Made fair by every blooming tree.
Now, brother, bend thine eyes around
With skilful glanee survey the ground \
Here be some spot selected, best
Approved for gentle hermits' rest,
Where thou, the Maithil dame, and I
May dwell while seasons sweetly fly,
Some pleasant spot be chosen where
Pure waters gleam and trees are fair,
Some nook where flowers and wood are found
And sacred grass and springs abound.'
Then Lakshman, Sit5 standing by,
Raised reverent hands, and made reply
' A
hundred years shall flee, and stiU
Will I obey my brother's will
Select thyself a pleasant spot
Be mine the care to rear the cot,'
The glorious chieftain, pleased to hear
T'lat loving speech that soothed his ear,
Selected wjth observant care