Read "The Ramayan" by Valmiki online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
The crowd dismissed, to high debate The monarch called his peers of state, And, counsel from their lips obtained, Firm in his will his will explained: "To-morrow with auspicious ray The moon in Pushya's sign will stay; Be that the time with happy fate Mine eldest son to consecrate, And let my Rama, lotus-eyed, As Regent o'er the state preside."
He sought, within, his charioteer, And cried "Again bring Rama here." To Rama's home Sumantra hied Again to be the prince's guide. His coming, told to Rama's ear, Suggested anxious doubt and fear. He bade the messenger be led That instant in, and thus he said: "Tell me the cause, omitting naught, Why thou again my house hast sought."