Read "The Ramayan" by Valmiki online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
-"Not if the Gods in heaven who dwell, Gandharvas, and the fiends of hell In banded opposition rise Against me, will I yield my prize. Still trembling from the ungentle touch Of Vanar hands ye fear too much, And bid me, heedless of the shame, Give to her lord the Maithil dame."
Thus spoke the king in stern reproof; Then mounted to his palace roof Aloft o'er many a story raised, And on the lands beneath him gazed. There by his faithful spies he stood And looked on sea and hill and wood. There stretched before him far away The Vanars' numberless array: Scarce could the meadows' tender green Beneath their trampling feet be seen. He looked a while with furious eye, Then questioned thus the nearer spy: "Bend, Saran, bend thy gaze, and show The leaders of the Vanar foe. Tell me their heroes' names, and teach The valour, power and might of each."