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

Canto XIX. THE RAmaTAN. m
Fair as the Minstrels' King' are tbey,
And stamped with signs of regal sway.
I know not if the heroes trace
Their line from Gods or Danav ' race.
There by these wondering eyes between
The noble youths a dame was seen,
Fair, blooming, young, with dainty waist.
And all her bright apparel graced.
For her with ready heart and mind
The royal pair their strength combined,
And brought me to this last distress.
Like some lost woman, comfortless.
Perfidious wretch \ my soul is fain
Her foaming blood and theirs to drain.
O let me head the vengeful fight.
And with this hand my murderers smite.
Come, brother, hasten to fulfil
This longing of my eager will.
On to the battle ! Let me drink
Their lifeblood as to earth they sink.'
Then Khara, by his sister pressed,
Inflamed with fury, gave his best
To twice seven giants of his crew.
Fierce as the God of death to view
'Two men equipped with arms, who wear
Deerskin and bark and matted bair.
Leading a beauteous dame, have strayed
To the wild gloom of Da^jdak's shade.
These men, this cursed woman slay,
And hasten back without delay.
That this my sister's lips may be
Red with the lifeblood of the three.
' Chitraratha, King of the Gandharvas.
' Titanic.
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