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Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

An Abbreviated Translation of the Indian Classic, the Ramayana by Romesh Chundar Dutt in 2,000 verses

An Abbreviated Translation of the Indian Classic, the Ramayana by Romesh Chundar Dutt in 2,000 verses

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X. The War in Ceylon - 137<br />

“Once again that wily Raksha, slaying all our Vanar train,<br />

From his dark and shadowy shelter doth on us his arrows rain,<br />

[149] By the grace <strong>of</strong> great SWAYAMBHU, Indrajit is lost to sight,<br />

Useless is our human weapon ’gainst his gift <strong>of</strong> magic might,<br />

If SWAYAMBHU wills it, Lakshman, we shall face these fatal darts,<br />

We shall stand with dauntless patience, we shall die with dauntless hearts!”<br />

Weaponless but calm and valiant, from the foeman’s dart and spell<br />

Patiently the princes suffered, fearlessly the heroes fell!<br />

VI. Indrajit’s Third Battle and Fall<br />

Healing herbs from distant mountains Hanuman in safety brought,<br />

<strong>Rama</strong> rose and gallant Lakshman, once again their foemen sought,<br />

And when night its sable mantle o’er the earth and ocean drew,<br />

Forcing through the gates <strong>of</strong> Lanka to the frightened city flew!<br />

Gallant sons <strong>of</strong> Kumbha-karna vainly fought to stem the tide,<br />

Hanuman and brave Sugriva slew the brothers in their pride,<br />

Makaraksha, shark-eyed warrior, vainly struggled with the foe,<br />

<strong>Rama</strong> laid him pierced and lifeless by an arrow from his bow.<br />

Indrajit arose in anger for his gallant kinsmen slayed,<br />

In his arts and deep devices Sita’s beauteous image made,<br />

And he placed the form <strong>of</strong> beauty on his speeding battle car,<br />

With his sword he smote the image in the gory field <strong>of</strong> war!<br />

<strong>Rama</strong> heard the fatal message which his faithful Vanars gave,<br />

And a deathlike trance and tremor fell upon the warrior brave,<br />

But Bibhishan deep in wisdom to the anguished <strong>Rama</strong> came,<br />

With his words <strong>of</strong> consolation spake <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rama</strong>’s righteous dame:<br />

[150] “Trust me, <strong>Rama</strong>, trust thy comrade, – for I know our wily house, –<br />

Indrajit slays not the woman whom his father seeks as spouse,<br />

’Tis for Sita, impious Ravan meets thee on the battle-field,<br />

Stakes his life and throne and empire, but thy Sita will not yield,

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