The Ramayan

Soon as the shades of night had fled, Uprising from his lowly bed, Rama the famous, broad of chest, His brother Lakshman thus addressed: "Now swift upsprings the Lord of Light, And fled is venerable night. That dark-winged bird the Koil now Is calling from the topmost bough, And sounding from the thicket nigh Is heard the peacock's early cry. Come, cross the flood that seeks the sea, The swiftly flowing Jahnavi. "

King Guha heard his speech, agreed, And called his minister with speed: "A boat," he cried, "swift, strong, and fair, With rudder, oars, and men, prepare, And place it ready by the shore To bear the pilgrims quickly o'er." Thus Guha spake: his followers all Bestirred them at their master's call; Then told the king that ready manned A gay boat waited near the strand. Then Guha, hand to hand applied, With reverence thus to Rama cried: "The boat is ready by the shore: How, tell me, can I aid thee more? O lord of men, it waits for thee To cross the flood that seeks the sea. O godlike keeper of thy vow, Embark: the boat is ready now."