Read "The Ramayan" by Valmiki online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Each Vanar councillor and peer In crowded numbers gathered near Sugriva, mournful king, while yet His vesture from the wave was wet, Before the chief of Raghu's seed Unwearied in each arduous deed, They stood and raised the reverent hand As saints before Lord Brahma stand. Then Hanuman of massive mould, Like some tall hill of glistering gold, Son of the God whose wild blasts shake The forest, thus to Rama spake: "By thy kind favour, O my lord, Sugriva, to his home restored Triumphant, has regained to-day His rank and power and royal sway. He now will call each faithful friend, Enter the city, and attend With sage advice and prudent care To every task that waits him there. Then balm and unguent shall anoint Our monarch, as the laws appoint, And gems and precious wreaths shall be His grateful offering, King, to thee. Do thou, O Rama, with thy friend Thy steps within the city bend; Our ruler on his throne install, And with thy presence cheer us all."
Then, skilled in lore and arts that guide The speaker, Raghu's son replied: "For fourteen years I might not break The mandate that my father spake; Nor can I, till that time be fled, The street of town or village tread. Let King Sugriva seek the town Most worthy of her high renown, There let him be without delay Anointed, and begin his sway."