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He spoke: the younger prince obeyed: Within the bounds his way he made, And thus addressed, whom first he met, A pupil of the anchoret: "Brave Rama, eldest born, who springs, From Dasaratha, hither brings His wife the lady Sita: he Would fain the holy hermit see. Lakshman am I--if happy fame E'er to thine ears has brought the name-- His younger brother, prompt to do His will, devoted, fond, and true. We, through our royal sire's decree, To the dread woods were forced to flee. Tell the great Master, I entreat, Our earnest wish our lord to greet."
He spoke: the hermit rich in store Of fervid zeal and sacred lore, Sought the pure shrine which held the fire, To bear his message to the sire. Soon as he reached the saint most bright In sanctity's surpassing might, He cried, uplifting reverent hands: "Lord Rama near thy cottage stands." Then spoke Agastya's pupil dear The message for his lord to hear: "Rama and Lakshman, chiefs who spring From Dasaratha, glorious king, Thy hermitage e'en now have sought, And lady Sita with them brought. The tamers of the foe are here To see thee, Master, and revere. 'Tis thine thy further will to say: Deign to command, and we obey."