Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

X. The War in Ceylon - 144
When Sumitra seeks thee, Lakshman, ever weeping for thy sake,
When she asks me of her hero, what reply shall Rama make,
[157] What reply, when Bharat questions, – Where is he who went to wood,
Where is true and faithful Lakshman who beside his elder stood?
What great crime or fatal shadow darkens o’er my hapless life,
Victim to the sins of Rama sinless Lakshman falls in strife,
Best of brothers, best of warriors, wherefore thus unconscious lie,
Mother, wife, and brother wait thee, ope once more thy sleeping eye!”
Tara’s father, wise Susena, gentle consolation lent,
Hanuman from distant mountains herbs of healing virtue rent,
And by loving Rama tended, Lakshman in his strength arose,
Stirred by thoughts of fatal vengeance Rama sought the flying foes.
X. Celestial Arms and Chariot
Not in dastard terror Ravan sought his safety in his flight,
But to seek fresh steeds of battle ere he faced his foeman’s might,
Harnessing his gallant coursers to a new and glorious car,
Sunlike in its radiant splendour, Ravan came once more to war,
Gods in wonder watched the contest of the more than mortal foes,
Ravan mighty in his vengeance, Rama lofty in his woes,
Gods in wonder marked the heroes, lion-like in jungle wood,
Indra sent his arms and chariot where the human warrior stood!
“Speed, Matali” thus spake INDRA, “speed thee with my heavenly car,
Where on foot the righteous Rama meets his mounted foe in war,
Speed, for Ravan’s days are ended, and his moments brief and few,
Rama strives for right and virtue, – Gods assist the brave and true!”
[158] Brave Matali drove the chariot drawn by steeds like solar ray,
Where the tree and righteous Rama sought his foe in fatal fray,
Shining arms and heavenly weapons he to lofty Rama gave, –
When the righteous strive and struggle, Gods assist the true and brave!