The Ramayan by Valmiki

Arrived at Panchavati's shade Where silvan life and serpents strayed, Rama 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 Panchavati see Made fair by every blooming tree. Now, brother, bend thine eyes around; With skilful glance 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, Sita standing by, Raised reverent hands, and made reply: "A hundred years shall flee, and still 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 That loving speech that soothed his ear, Selected with observant care A spot with every charm most fair. He stood within that calm retreat, A shade for hermits' home most meet, And thus Sumitra's son addressed, While his dear hand in his he pressed: "See, see this smooth and lovely glade Which flowery trees encircling shade: Do thou, beloved Lakshman rear A pleasant cot to lodge us here. I see beyond that feathery brake The gleaming of a lilied lake, Where flowers in sunlike glory throw Fresh odours from the wave below. Agastya's words now find we true, He told the charms which here we view: Here are the trees that blossom o'er Godavari's most lovely shore. Whose pleasant flood from side to side With swans and geese is beautified, And fair banks crowded with the deer That steal from every covert near. The peacock's cry is loud and shrill From many a tall and lovely hill, Green-belted by the trees that wave Full blossoms o'er the rock and cave. Like elephants whose huge fronts glow With painted streaks, the mountains show Long lines of gold and silver sheen With copper's darker hues between. With every tree each hill is graced, Where creepers blossom interlaced. Look where the Sal's long branches sway, And palms their fanlike leaves display; The date-tree and the Jak are near, And their long stems Tamalas rear. See the tall Mango lift his head, Asokas all their glory spread, The Ketak her sweet buds unfold, And Champacs hang their cups of gold. The spot is pure and pleasant: here Are multitudes of birds and deer. O Lakshman, with our father's friend What happy hours we here shall spend!"