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

CANTO XVI.
WINTER.
While there the high-souled hero spent
His tranquil hours in sweet content.
The glowing autumn passed, and then
Came winter so beloved of men.
One morn, to bathe, at break of day
To the fair stream he took his way.
Behind him, with the Maithil dame,
Bearing a pitcher Lakshman came.
And as he went the mighty man
Thus to his brother chief began
' The time is come, to thee more dear
Than all the months that mark the year
The gracious seasons' joy and pride.
By which the rest are glorified.
A robe of hoary rime is spread
O'er earth, with corn engarlanded.
The streams we loved no longer please.
But near the fire we take our ease.
Now pious men to God and shade
Offer young corn's fresh sprouted blade.
And purge away their sins with rice
Bestowed in humble sacrifice.
Rich stores of milk delight the swain.
And hearts are cheered that longed for gain.
Proud kings whose breasts for conquests glow
Lead bannered troops to smite the foe.
Dark is the north : the Lord of Day
F