Explore "The Ramayan" by Valmiki on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Then Rama, following still his guide, Within the grove, with Lakshman, hied, Her vows a wondrous light had lent To that illustrious penitent. He saw the glorious lady, screened From eye of man, and God, and fiend, Like some bright portent which the care Of Brahma launches through the air, Designed by his illusive art To flash a moment and depart: Or like the flame that leaps on high To sink involved in smoke and die: Or like the full moon shining through The wintry mist, then lost to view: Or like the sun's reflection, cast Upon the flood, too bright to last: So was the glorious dame till then Removed from Gods' and mortals' ken, Till--such was Gautam's high decree-- Prince Rama came to set her free.
Then, with great joy that dame to meet, The sons of Raghu clapped her feet; And she, remembering Gautam's oath, With gentle grace received them both; Then water for their feet she gave, Guest-gift, and all that strangers crave.