The Ramayan

The princely tamers of their foes Thus passed the night in calm repose, Then to the hermit having bent With reverence, on their way they went. High favour Bharadvaja showed, And blessed them ready for the road. With such fond looks as fathers throw On their own sons, before they go. Then spake the saint with glory bright To Rama peerless in his might: "First, lords of men, direct your feet Where Yamuna and Ganga meet; Then to the swift Kalindi go, Whose westward waves to Ganga flow. When thou shalt see her lovely shore Worn by their feet who hasten o'er, Then, Raghu's son, a raft prepare, And cross the Sun born river there. Upon her farther bank a tree, Near to the landing wilt thou see. The blessed source of varied gifts, There her green boughs that Fig-tree lifts: A tree where countless birds abide, By Syama's name known far and wide. Sita, revere that holy shade: There be thy prayers for blessing prayed. Thence for a league your way pursue, And a dark wood shall meet your view, Where tall bamboos their foliage show, The Gum-tree and the Jujube grow. To Chitrakuta have I oft Trodden that path so smooth and soft, Where burning woods no traveller scare, But all is pleasant, green, and fair."

When thus the guests their road had learned, Back to his cot the hermit turned, And Rama, Lakshman, Sita paid Their reverent thanks for courteous aid. Thus Rama spake to Lakshman, when The saint had left the lords of men: "Great store of bliss in sooth is ours On whom his love the hermit showers." As each to other wisely talked, The lion lords together walked On to Kalindi's woody shore; And gentle Sita went before. They reached that flood, whose waters flee With rapid current to the sea; Their minds a while to thought they gave And counselled how to cross the wave. At length, with logs together laid, A mighty raft the brothers made. Then dry bamboos across were tied, And grass was spread from side to side. And the great hero Lakshman brought Cane and Rose-Apple boughs and wrought, Trimming the branches smooth and neat, For Sita's use a pleasant seat. And Rama placed thereon his dame Touched with a momentary shame, Resembling in her glorious mien All-thought-surpassing Fortune's Queen. Then Rama hastened to dispose, Each in its place, the skins and bows, And by the fair Videhan laid The coats, the ornaments, and spade. When Sita thus was set on board, And all their gear was duly stored, The heroes each with vigorous hand, Pushed off the raft and left the land. When half its way the raft had made, Thus Sita to Kalindi prayed: "Goddess, whose flood I traverse now, Grant that my lord may keep his vow. For thee shall bleed a thousand kine, A hundred jars shall pour their wine, When Rama sees that town again Where old Ikshvaku's children reign."