 Hamaian of Valmiki translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith in May. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Present recording is by Raju from Burleson, Texas, United States. Pramina45 at Hotmail.com. Book 1. Invocation. Praise to Valmiki, word of charming song, who mounts on pussy, sublime as plague. And sweetly sings with accent clear and strong, Rama Ay Rama, in his deathless lay. Where greets a man can listen to the stream, that flows in music from Valmiki's tongue. Nor feel his feet the path of Prisa time, when Rama's glory by the saint's son. The stream Rama enleaves its sacred form, the whole wide world, from sin and stain to free. The Prince of Hermits is the parent mount, the lovely Rama is the darling sea. Glory to him, whose fame is ever bright. Glory to him, Prichaita's holy son, whose pure lips craft ever new delight. The nectar sea of bleeds by Rama done. Hail arch, ascetic, highest good and kind. Hail Saint Valmiki, lord of every law. Hail Holy Hermit, common pure of mind. Hail First of Bards, Valmiki, hail once more. Canto 1. Narad. O, to Saint et Narad, Prince of those whose lore in words of wisdom flows, whose constant care and chief delight, where scripture and ascetic write, the good Valmiki first and best of Hermit saints, these words addressed. In all this world, I pray the who is virtuous, heroic, true, from his walls of grateful mind to every creature good and kind. Bounteous and holy, just and wise, alone most fair to all men's eyes. Devoid of any form and sage, whose tranquil soul never eats to rage. Whom when his warrior wrath is high, do gods embattle fear and fly. Whose noble might and gentle skill the triple world can guard from ill. Who is the best of princes he? Who loves his people good to see? The store of bliss, the living mind, where brightest choice and virtue shine. Queen Fortune's best and dearest friend, whose steps her choices give attend. Whom may with sun and moon compare, with Indra, Vishnu, fire and air. Grand saint divine, the boon I ask for the Iveen and easy task. To whom the power is given to know, if such a man breath here below. Then Narad, clear before whose eye, the present, past and future lie. When ready answer Hermit, where are graces found so high and rare? Yet listen, and my tongue shall tell, in whom alone these virtues dwell. From old Ikshwaku's grind he came, known to the world by Rama's name. With soul subdued, a chief of might, in scripture versed in glory bright. His steps and virtues parts are then, obedient, pure and eloquent. In each empress he wins success, and dying forces power confess. Tall and broad-shouldered, strong of limb, Fortune has set her mark on him. Graced with a conscious triple-line, his threat displays the auspicious sign. High destiny is clear-impressed on massive jaw and ample chest. His mighty shafts he truly aims, and foremen in the battle tames. Deep in the muscles casually shown, embedded lies his collar bone. His largely steps are firm and free, his strong arms reach below his knee. All fairest graces join to deck, his head, his brow, his stately neck. And limbs in fair proportion set, the manliest form ever fashioned yet. Graced with each high imperial mark, his skin is soft and lustrous dark. Larger his eyes, that sweetly shine, with majesty almost divine. His plighted word he never forgets, on erring sense of what he says. Nature-wise, his teacher's skill has trained him to subdue his will. Good resolute and pure and strong, he guards mankind from scathing wrong. And lends his aid, and never in vain, the cause of justice to maintain. Well, as he studied over and over, the Vedas and their kindred lore. Well, skill-deceived, the bow to draw, well-trained in arts and verse in law. High soul and meat for happy fate, most tender and compassionate. First of all, lordly givers, whom good men follow as the rivers. Follow the king of floods to sea, so liberal, so just to sea. The joy of Queen Kausalya's heart, in every virtue he has part. For my simaulia snowy steep, unfathomed like the mighty deep. The pure of Vishnu's power and might, and lovely as the lord of night. Patient as it, but roused to ire, fierce as the word destroying fire. In bounty like the lord of gold, and just itself is a human more. With him is best and eldest son, by all his princes what she was one. King Dasaratha willed to share his kingdom as the regent hare. But when Kaikei Yeng's queen, with eyes of envious hate had seen, the solemn pomp and regal state prepared the prince to consecrate. She bade the hapless king bestow, two gifts he promised long ago. That Rama to the woods should be, and that her child the hare should be. By chains of duty firmly tied, the wretched king perforce complied. Rama to priest Kaikei went, obedient forth to banishment. Then Lakshman's truth was nobly shown, then for his love and courage known. When for his brother's sake, he dared, all perils and his exiles shared. And Sita Rama's darling wife, loved even as he loved his life. Whom happy marks combined to bless the miracle of loveliness. Of Jamek's royal lineage sprung, most excellent of Manklang. To her dear lord like Rohini, rejoicing with the moon to be. The king and people's sad of moon, the hero's car a while pursued. But when Prince Rama lighted down at Saruvaira's pleasant town, where Ganga's holy waters flow, he bade his driver turn and go. Vukha Nishada's king he met, and on the father bank was set. Then on from up to good day's trade, over many a stream through constant trade. As Bharadwaja bade them till, they came to Chitrakuta's hill. And Rama there, with Lakshman's aid, a pleasant little cottage made. And spent his days with Sita dressed in coat of bark and deer's trim vest. And Chitrakuta glued to be, as bright with those illustrious three. And Meru's sacred peaks the tribe, with glory when the gods reclaimed. Beneath them, she was self-defeated, the lord of golden beauty's queen. He aged king for Rama pine, and for the sky's thy earth's design. Bharad his son refused to rain, though urged by all the twice-born train. Forth to the woodsy fab to meet, his brother fell before his feet. And cried, thy claim all men allow, O come, our lord, and to be though. But Rama nobly chose to be, observant of his size's decree. He placed his sandals in his hand, a pledge that he would rule the land. And bade his brother turn again, then Bharad finding prayer was vain. The sandals took and went away, nor in Ayodhya would he stay. But turned to Nandi-gramma where, he ruled the realm with watchful care. Still longing eagerly to learn, tidings of Rama's safe return. Then lest the people should repeat their receipt to his comp retreat. Away from Chitrakootasi, far Rama ever onward till. Beneath the shady trees he stood, of Kandaka's primeval wood. Viradha, giant friend, he slew, and then Agatya's friendship knew. Counseled by him, he gained the sword, and bow of Indra heavenly lord. A pair of quivers too, that bow, of arrows and exhaustive store. While there he dwelt in greenwood shade, that trembling hermit sought his aid. And bade him with his sword and bow, and destroyed the fiends, who worked them both. To come like Indra strong and brave, a guardian got to help and save. And Rama's falchion left its trace, deep cut in the Supanaka's face. A hideous giantess who came, burning for him with lawless flame. Their sister's cries, the giant's heard, and vengeance in each bosom stirred. The monster of the triple head, and dushan to the contested. But they and myriad friends decide, beneath the might of Rama died. When Ravana, red and warrior, knew, the slaughter of his giant crew. Ravana, the king, whose name of fear, earth, hell, and heaven, all shook to hear. He bade the friend, Maricha, aid, the vengeful plot his fury laid. Invade the wise Maricha tried to turn him from his course aside. Not Ravana's self, he said, might hope, with Rama and his strength to cope. He built by fate and blind with rage, he came to Rama's hermitage. Thereby Maricha's magic caught, he viled the princely youths apart. The vultures slew, and bore away the wife of Rama as his prey. The son of Rahu came and found, Chattayu slain upon the ground. He rushed within his leafy cord. He sought his wife, but found her not. Then the hero's senses failed. In mad despair, he wept and veiled. Upon the pile that bird he laid, and still in quest of Sita's trade. A hideous giant then he saw, Kabanda named a shape of owl. The monstrous friend he smote and slew, and then inflamed the body through. When straight from out of the funeral flame, in lovely form, Kabanda came. And bade him seek, in his distress, a wise and holy hermitage. By council of this saintly dame, to Pampar's pleasant flood, he came. And there the steadfast friendship won, of Hanuman the wind-guard's son. Council by him, he told his grief, to great Sugriva, the honor chief. Who, knowing all the tale before, the sacred flame alone swore. Sugriva, to his newfound friend, told his own story to the end. His hate of Bali for the wrong, and insult here won't so long. And Rama lent a willing ear, and promised to allay his fear. Sugriva warned him of the might, of Bali matchless in the fight. And credence for his tale to gain, showed the huge fear by Bali's claim. The prostrate corpse of mountain-sized, seemed nothing in the hero's eyes. He lightly kicked it as it lay, and cast it 20 leagues away. To prove his mighty saros through, seven palms in line, uninjured flew. He cleft a mighty hill apart, and down to hell he hurled his dart. Then high Sugriva's spirit rose, assured of conquest over his foes. With his new champion by his side, to Vasakinda's cave he hide. Then summoned by his awful shout, King Bali came in fury out. First comforted his trembling wife, then sought Sugriva in the strife. One shot from Rama's deadly bow, the monarch in the dust plate low. Then Rama bade Sugriva rain in place of royal Bali's sleigh. Then speedy invoice hurried forth, eastward and westward south and north. Commended by the grateful king, tidings of Rama's post to bring. Then by Sampathis council led, brave Hanuman, who mocked at dread, sprang at one wild tremendous leap, 200 leagues across the deep. To Lanka's town he arched his way, where Ravana held his royal sway. There, penciled beneath Sokka's mouth, he found poor Sita Rama's post. He gave the hapless girl a ring, a token from that laden king. A pledge from her fair hand he bore, then battered down the garden floor. Five captains of the host beside him, seven sons of councilors overthrew. Crushed youthful Lakshya on the field, then to his captors chose to yield. Soon from their bond systems were free, but honoring the high declined. Which Rama had pronounced of yore, he calmly all their insults bore. The town he burnt with host had fled, and spoke again with Rama's name. Then swiftly back to Rama flew, with the tidings of the interview. Then with Sugriva for his date, came Rama to the ocean side. He smote the sea with sharps as bright, as sunbeams in their summer high. And quick appeared the river scheme, obedient to the summoning. A bridge was thrown by Nala over, the narrow sea from shore to shore. They crossed to Lanka's golden town, where Rama's hand smote Rama down. Vibhishan there was left to ring, over his brother's white domine. To meet her has been Sita Keev, but Rama stung with iron shape. With bitter verses wiped by dress, before the crowd that round her pressed. But Sita touched with noble fire, gave her fire body to the fire. Then straight the guard of wind appeared, and words from heaven her honor cleared. And Rama clasped his wife again, uninjured pure from spot and sting. Obedient to the lord of fire, and the high mandate of his sire. Led by the lord who rules the sky, the guards and heavenly saints too nigh. And honored him with worthy me rejoicing in each glorious deed. His task achieved his fore-remote, he triumphed by the guards approved. By grace of heaven he raged to life, the chief translating in mortal strife. Then the magic chariot threw, the clouds to land the Rama flew. Met by his faithful brothers there, he loosed his votive coil of hair. Then for Ayodhya's town he gained, and over his father's kingdom reigned. This is our famine never oppressed, his happy people richly blessed. With all the joys of ample wealth, of sweet content and perfect health. No widow moaned her fill, love made, no sire his sons untimely fade. They feared not storm or robber's hand, no fire or flood laid this the land. The golden age had come again to bless the days of Rama's reign. From him the great and glorious king shall many apronsly see on spring. And he shall rule beloved by men 10,000 years and 110. And when his life on earth is passed, to Brahma's world shall go at last. Whoever this noble poem reads, that tells the tale of Rama's deeds. Good as the scriptures, he shall be, from every sin and blemish free. Whoever reads this saving strain, with all his kin, the heaven shall gain. Brahmans who read shall gather hence the highest price for eloquence. The warrior over the love shall reign, the merchant luck in trade obtain. And Sudra's listening never shall fail, to reap advantage from the tale. Canto 2. Brahma's visit. Valmiki graceful speaker heard, to highest admiration stir, to him whose fame the tale rehearsed. He paid his mental worship first, then with his people humbly been before the saint most eloquent. Thus honored and dismissed this year, he parted to his seventy sphere. Then from his court Valmiki height, to Tamasa's sequestered side, not far remote from Gandha's type. He stood and saw the ripples roll, pelusids over the pebble shore. To Bharadwaja by his side, he turned in ecstasy and cried, See, people, dear, this lovely sight, the smooth flowed shallow, pure and bright, With not a speck or shade to mar, and clear as good-wins bosoms are. Here on the brink thy picture lay, and bring my zone of bark I pray. Here will I be, the real has not, to lay their limbs a farer spot. Knew quickly, as I bid Norway's, the precious time, away and haste. Obedient to his master's best, quick from the court he brought the west. The hermit took it from his hand, and titled round his face the band. Then newly dipped and bathed him there, and muttered low his secret prayer, To spirits and to gods he made, libation on the stream and strayed, Viewing the forest deep and wide, that spread with shade on every side. Close by the bank he saw a pair of curloose sporting fearless there, But suddenly with evil mind, an outcast fowler stole behind, And with the name too sure and true, the male bird near the hermit slew. The wretched hand in wild despair, with fluttering pinions beat the air, And shrieked a long and bitter cry, when low on earth she saw him lie. Her loud companion querying dead, his dear wings with his life bled red, And for her golden crust had made, she moaned and was disconceled. The hermit saw the slaughtered bird, and all his heart with truth was burned. The fowler's impious deeds distressed his gentle sympathetic breath, And while the curloose sad cries sprang, within his ears the hermit sang, No fame be thine for endless time, because base outcast of thy crime, Whose cruel hand was feigned to slay one of this gentle pair at play. Even as he spoke his bosom wrought, and laboured with a wondering thought, What was the speech, his ready tongue, and acted when his heart was rung. He pondered long upon the speech, recalled the words and measured each, And thus exclaimed the saintly gate, to Baradwaja by his side, With equal lines of even feet, with rhythm and time and tone complete. The measured form of words I spoke, in shock of grief be termed as look. And Baradwaja, nothing slow, his faithful love and zeal to show, Answered these words of wisdom be, thy name, my lord, as pleases thee. As rules prescribed, the hermit took some lustral water from the brook. But still on this his constant thought kept brooding as his home he sought. While Baradwaja paced behind a purple sage of lowly mine, And in his hand a picture bore, with pure fresh water brimming oar. Soon as they reached their calm retreat, the holy hermit took his seat. His mind from worldly cares recalled, and used in deepest thought enthralled. Then glorious Brahma, lord most high, creator of the earth and sky, The forefaced god, to meet the sage, came to Valmiki's hermitage. Soon as the mighty god he saw, upspring the saint in wondering awe. Mute with clasped hands, his hand he bent, and stood before him reverence. His honoured guest he greeted well, who bade him of his welfare tell. He watered for his blessed feed, brought offerings and prepared a seat. In honoured place the god most high, sat down and bade the saint sit nigh. There sat before Valmiki's eyes, the father of the earth and skies. But still the hermit's thoughts were bent, on one thing only, all intent. On that poor Kallu's mournful fate, lamenting for her slaughtered maid. And still he slips in absent mode, the verse that told his grief anew. O, to the followers' impious hand, that did the deed that followed planned. That could, to needless death, devote the Kallu of the tuneful throat. The heavenly father smiled in deep, and said, O, best of hermit's see. The verse unconscious though has made, no longer be the task delayed. Seek not to trace, with labour vain, the unpremeditated stray. The tuneful lines thy lips rehearse, spontaneous from thy gruesome bust. Then come, O, best of she has relay, the life of Rama, Good and Great. The tale that saintly Narath told, in all its glorious length unfold. Of all the deeds Islam has done upon his earth, omit not one. And thus the noble life record of that wise, brave and virtuous lord his every act today displayed, his secret life to none betray. How Lakshman, how the giants fought, with high empress and hidden thought. And all that Janak's child befell, where all could see, where none could tell. The whole of this shall truly be, made known O, best of saints to thee. In all thy poem, through my grace, no word of falsehood shall have place. Begin the story, and rehearse, the tale divine in charm inverse. As long as, in this firm succulent, the stream shall flow, the mountains stand. So long throughout the world be sure, the great Ramaine shall endure. While the Ramaine's ancient strength shall glorious in the earth remind. To higher spheres shall thou arise, and well with me above the skies. He spoke and vanished into air, and left omity wondering there. The peoples of the holy man, moored by their love of him, began. To chant that verse, and even more, they marveled as they sang it all. Behold the four-lined, balanced rhyme, repeated over many a time. In words that, from the karmic brogue, in shock of grief, becomes a slope. This measure, now Valmiki chose, wherein his story to compose. In renders of such verses, sweet with equal lines and even feet. In the saintly quiet lofty soul, the glorious deeds of Rama are told. End of Invocation and Cantos 1 and 2 of Book 1 Ramaine of Valmiki translated by Ralph T.S. Griffith M.A. Cantos 3 to 7 of Book 1 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Present recording is by Raju from Burleson, Texas, United States. Aminah 45 at hotmail.com Cantos 3, The Argument The hermit, thus with watchful heed, received the poem's pregnancy and looked with eager thought around if fuller knowledge might be found. He slipped with water first with dew, he sat in reverent attitude. On holy grass, the points all bent together toward the orient and thus in meditation he entered the path of pussy. Then clearly through his virtuous mind, all lay discovered to his sight whatever deferred to all their life, Rama his brother and his wife and Dasarada and each being at every time in every scene his people too of every sort, the nobles of Hispansali court whatever was said, whatever decreed, each time they said, each plan and deed, for holy thought and fervent right therefore refined his keener sight, that by his sanctity his view the present, past and future new. And he with mental eye could grasp like fruit within his finger its glass the life of Rama great and good roaming with Sita in the wood. He told with secret piercing eyes the tale of Rama's high-end prize each listening ear that shall entice a sea of pearls of highest price. Good balmy e sage divine rehearsed the tale of Raghu's line as Narad heavenly saint before had traced the story's outline over. He sang of Rama's princely birth, his kindness and heroic work, his love for all his patient youth, his gentleness and constant truth and many a tale of legend old by holy Vishwamitra told how Janak's child he would and won hard broke the bow that bent to none how he with every virtue fraud his namesake Rama met and fought. The choice of Rama for the throne the malice by Kalsai he shone whose evil counsel marred the plan and drove him forth a banished man how the king grieved and groaned and cried and stoned away and pining died the subjects woven thus bereft and how the following crowds he left with Bhuha talk and firmly stern ordered his driver to return how Ganga's father shore he gave by Bharadwaja entertained by whose advice he journeyed still and came to Chitraputra's hill how there he dwelt and built a court how Bharad journeyed to the spot his earnest supplication made trink offerings to their father paid the sandals given by Rama's hand as emblems of his scribe to stand how from his presence Bharat when and years in Nandigrama spent how Rama entered Dandakur and in Suthikna's presence stood the favor Anasuya showed the wondrous balsam she bestowed how Sarabanga's welling plays they saw saw Indra face to face the meeting with Agastya again a heavenly bow from him obtained how Rama with Virala met their home in Panchavata set how Surpanagar underwent the mockery and disfigurement of Trigraha and Karasfall of Ravan house that vengeance call Marisha doomed without escape the fair Videham ladies rape how Rama wept and raved in vain and how the vulture king was slain how Rama fears Kabanda slew then to the side of Kampadru met Hanuman and her whose wows were kept beneath the green wood boughs how Raghu's son the lofty soul on Pampas Bank wept and controlled then journeyed to reach and of Sugriva then had speech the friendship made which both had sought how Bali and Sugriva fought how Bali in the strife was slain and how Sugriva came to reign the treaty Tara spoiled lemon the rainy nights and watching spin the wrath of Raghu's lion son the gathering of the hosts in one the sending of the spice above and all the regions pointed out the ring by Rama's hand bestowed the cave where in the barrow boat the fast proposed their lives to end some party gained to be their friend the scaling of the hill the leap of Hanuman's across the deep potions command that made them seek Minaka of the lofty peak the death of Sinhika the site of Lanka with her palace bright how Hanuman stolen at Eve is planned the Giants to deceive how through the square he made his way to chambers where the women lay within the Ashoka garden cave and their found Rama's captive dame his colloquy with her he sought and giving of the ring he brought how Sita gave a gem or joy how Hanuman the grow destroyed how Giants is trembling fled and servant friends were smitten dead how Hanuman was seized derived when Lanka blessed with hostile fire his keep across the sea once more the eating of the honey store how Rama he consoled and how he showed the gem from Sita's bro with ocean Rama's interview the bridge that Nala over it through the crossing and the sitting down at night round Lanka's royal town the treaty with Vibhishan made the plan for Ravana slaughter late how Kumbhagarna in his pride and Meghanada fought and died how Ravana in the fight was slain and captive Sita brought again Vibhishan set upon the throne the flying chariot Pushpaksha how Rama and the gods appeared and Sita was doubted on her clear how in the flying car they rode to Bharatwaja's cabin aboard the wind god's son sent on a far how Bharat met the flying car how Rama then was king ordained the legions their discharge obtained how Rama cast his queen away how grew the people's love each day thus did the saint Palmyki tell whatever in Rama's life befell and in the closing verse all that it took come will once before end of Tanto 3 Tanto 4 the Rhapsodies went to the end the tale was brought rose in the sage's mind the thought now who threw out the speck will go and tell it forth that all may know as thus he mused with anxious breast behold in hermit's premium dress Khusa and Lava came to greet their master and embrace his feet the twins he saw that princely pair sweet voice would wealth beside him there none for the task could be more filled for skilled were they in holy writ and so the great Rama in fraud with Lord divine to them he taught the lay whose verses sweet and clear take with delight the listening ear that tell of Seetha's noble life and raven fall in battle strife great joy to all who hear they bring sweet to recite and sweet to sing for music sevenfold notes are there and triple measure wrought with care with melody and tone and time and flavors that enhance the rhyme heroic might has ample place and loathing of the false and base with anger, milk and terror blend with tenderness surprise content when half the hermit's grace to gain and half because they loved the string the youth within their hearts had stored the poem that he slips out toward Valmiki kissed them on the head as at his feet they bowed and said recite a this heroic song in tranquil shades where sage's throng recited where the good resort in lowly home and royal court the hermit sees the tuneful pair like heavenly minstrel sweet and fair in music's arts divinely skill their saintly masters word fulfilled like Rama's self for whom they came they share their size in face and frame as though from some fast sculptured stone to self same images had grown super times the pair rose up to sing surrounded by a holy ring were seated on the grass bad man full mini abusing anchorette the tears be dimmed those gentle eyes as transport took them in surprise and as they listened everyone cried in delight well done well done though sage's worst in holy lord praised the sweet minstrel's more and more and wondered at the singer's skill and the board's verses sweeter still which like so clear before the eye the glorious needs of the days gone by thus by the virtue's hermit's praise inspirited their voice they raised pleased with the song this holy man would give the youths a water can one gave a fair ascetic dress or sweet fruit from the wilderness one saint a black deers hide would bring on a sacrificial string one a clay picture from his whore and one a twisted monja card and in his joy and axe would find one braid their pitted lobs to mine one gave a sacrificial cup one rope to tie their faggots up while feel at their feet was laid or hermit's tool of victory may all gave or if they gave not none forget at least a benison some saints delighted with their lace to promise health and length of days others with surest words would add some moon to make their spirit glad in such degree of honor then that song was held by holy men that living song which life can give by which shall many a minstrel live in seat of kings and crowded hall they sang the poem priced of all and Rama chants to hear their lay while he the votive steed would slay and sent fit messengers to bring the minstrel pair before the king they came and found the monarch high enthroned in gold his brothers nine while many a minster below and noble satan length and rope the youthful pair a while he viewed graceful and modest attitude and then in words like this address his brother Lakshman and the rest come listen to the wondrous train recited by these godlike twine sweet stringers of the story fraud with melody and lofty thought the pair with voices sweet and strong rolled the full tide of noble song with tone and accent deftly blend to suit the changing argument mid that assembly loud and clear rang forth the play so sweet to hear that universal rapture stole through each man's frame and heart and soul these minstrels blessed with every sign that marks a high and princely line in holy shades who dwell enthroned in St. Paul Mickey's lay a monument to live for I my deeds and song shall tell thus Rama spoke their breastfire fired and the great tea as if inspired the youths began to sing while every heart with transport swell and mutant wrapped attention held the concourse and the king end of canto for canto fight Ayodhya Iqshua whose sons from days of old were ever brave and mighty soul the land their arms had made their own was bounded by the sea alone their holy words have won them price through countless years from Manu's days their ancient Sarva Sagar ki whose high command dug out the sea with 60,000 sons to throng around him as he marched along from them this glorious day proceeds the great Rama and tells their deeds this noble song whose lines contain lessons of duty love and gain who too will know what length decide while good men listen with delight on surduce bank of ample size the happy realm of causal lies with fertile length of fresh champagne and flocks and herds and wealth of grain they are famous in her old renown Ayodhya stands the royal town in bygone ages built and planned by saint at Manu's day hand imperial seat her walls extend 12 measured leaks from end to end and three in width from side to side the square and palace beautified her gates at even distant stand her ample roads are wisely planned bright glorious is her royal street where streams allay the dust and heat on level grounding even row her houses rise in goodly show terrace and palace arch and gate the queenly city decorate high are her ramparts strong and vast by ways at even distance past with circling moon both deep and wide and store of weapons fortified King the Sarada lofty soul the city guarded and controlled with the towering salt trees beltered round and many a grove and pleasure ground as royal Indra thrown on high rules his varsity in the sky she seemed a painted city fair with just borderline and even square and cool buffs straight the lovely lake where weary men their tusk makes lake their glider chariots dayman shine and stately piles the gods enshrined their guest eight people ever throng to festival and dance and song a minus she of gems and sheen the darling home of fortune screen with no less sort of drink and meat the fairest fries and golden wheat and fragrant with chaplet scent with holy oil and incense blends with many an elephant and seed and means for drought and cars for speed with envoys sent by distant kings and merchants with their precious things with banners over her roofs that play and weapons that a hundred slay all warlike engines frame by man and every class of artisan a city rich beyond compare with bars and minstrels gathered there and men and damsels went rounds the soul with play and song and dance in every street is heard the lute the drum the tablet and the flute the Veda chanted soft and low the ringing of Fortress bow with bands of godlike heroes killed in every warlike weapon filled and kept by warriors from the foe as Naga's guard their home below their vices promise evermore the flame of worship feet and worst in all the Vedas gore their lives of virtue lead truthful and pure they freely give they keep each sense controlled and in their holy fervour live like the great signs of old 10 of Tanto 5 Tanto 6 the king they are reigned a king of name revered to country and to town India great Asradha Buddha sage well-read in scriptures holy page on his kingdoms be intent mighty and brave and proud and the pride of old Ikshvaku seed for lofty thought and righteous deed pure of the saints for virtue's fame for full subdued and passion's team a rival in his wealth and love of Indra and the lord of gold like Manu first of kings he reigned and worthy he stayed maintained for firm and just and ever true love duty game he kept in view and truly set the rich and free like Indra's Amaraki and worthy of so far a place there built a just and happy race with troops of children blessed each man contended sought no more not long with envy for the store by richer friends bosses for poverty was there unknown and each man countered as his own steves and gold and grain all dressed in ramean bright and clean and every towns man might be seen with earrings rate or chain none dain to feed on broken fire and none was also stingy there a piece of gold the smallest pig was earned by labor for a day on every arm were bracelets worn and none was with his force own a braggart or unkind none lived upon another's wealth none pined with dread or broken health or dark disease of mine high soul were all the slanderous word the boastful lie were never heard each man was constant to his wows and lived devoted to his spouse no other love his fancy new and she was tender kind and true her dames were fair of form and face the charm of it and gentle grace with modest ramean simply neat and winning manner soft and sweet the twice-ponsages whose delight was scripture's page and holy rite their common settle course pursued now sought the many a multitude in many a scripture each was worse and each the flame of worship nurse and gave with lavish hand each paid to heaven the offerings due and none was godless or untrue in all that holy bank to brahmans as the laws are bane the warrior cast forever fame the reverence due to pay and these the vices peaceful crowd who trade and toil for gain were proud to honor and obey and all were by the sudra served who never from their duties were their proper worship all addressed to brahman spirits garden guests pure and unmixed their rights remind their rich honor never was stained cheered by his grandsons sons and wife each passed a long and happy life this was that famous city held by one who all his race excelled rest in his gentle rain as the whole land a four times way by Manu prince of men obey her king from main to main and heroes kept her strong and brave as lines guard their mountain cave fierce as devouring flame they burn and fought till death but never turned horses had she of noblesse breed like Indras for their form and speed from Wally's hills and Sindhu's sand one you and Cambodia's land her noble elephants had strayed through Indian and Himalayan shade gigantic in their Balkan height get gentle in their mattress mind they rivaled well the world spread fame of the great stock from which they came of warm and vast of size of Mahapatmas glorious line Tain Aujan and Airaat Tain upholders of the skies with those enrolled in four fold class who all their mighty king surpass whom men Matanga's name and Murgha spotted black and white and badras of unwearied might and Mandra's heart to tame thus worthy of the name she bore Ayodhya for a league or more cast a bright glory round where the Sarada Vaishan grade governed his fair ancestral state with every virtue crowned like Indra in the skies he reigned in that good town whose wall contained high domes and terrors proud with gates and arts of crime decked and sturdy barriers to protect her gay and countless crowd 10 of Kanto 6 Kanto 7 the ministers two sages holy saints had he his ministers and priests to be a sister faithful to advice and Vamadeva scripture wise 8 other lords around him stood all skilled to counsel vice and good Jayanta Vijay Drishti bold in fight affairs of war control Siddharth and Ardasadak true watched over expense and revenue and dermapal and vice Ayo of right and law and justice spoke with these the sage Sumantra skill to arrest the car high station fill all this in knowledge duly trained each passion and each sense of mind with modest manners nobly bred each plan and not and look they read upon their neighbors good intent most active and benevolent as said the Vasus their king and they sat around him counseling they never in virtues loftier pride another slowly gifts decried in fire and simply guard a raid no weak and certain plans they made well skilled in business they gained the people's love and trust and thus without oppression store the swelling treasury of their land bounded street friendship each to each they spoke kind thoughts in gentle speech they looked alike with equal eye on every cast on low and high devoted to their king they sought air his tongue spoke to learn his thought and knew as each occasion rose to buy their counsel or disclose in foreign land or in their own whatever past to them was known by secret spice they timely knew what men were doing or would do skilled in the grounds of warranties they saw the monarch's state increase watching his will be conquering I that never let occasion by while nature lent her aid to bless their labors with unbought success never for anger lust or gain would they their lips with falsehood stain inclined to mercy they could scan the weakness and the strength of man they fairly judged both high and low and never would wrong a gill class four yet if a fault were true each one would punish even his own dear son but there and in the kingdom's bound no thief or man impure was found none of loose life or evil fame no temper of another same contended with their lot each cast calm days in blissful quiet past and all in fitting tasks employed country and town deep rest enjoyed with these vice lords around his throne the monarch justly read and making every heart his own a love of all men gained with trusty agents as disease each distendrel he scan as the sun visits with his beams each corner of the land never would he on a mighty foe with hostile troops advanced nor at an equal strike a blow in war's delusive chance these lords and councils bore their part with ready brain and faithful heart with skill and knowledge sense and tag good to advice and bold to act and high and endless fame he won with these to guide his schemes as risen in his might the sun wins glory with his beams end of cantos seven end of cantos three to seven of book one Ramayana Valmiki translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith M.A. this is a recording by Raju from Valence and Texas United States Amina45HHotmail.com The Ramayana by Valmiki translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the present recording is by Raju from Burleson Texas Ramayana45Hotmail.com Cantos eight to eleven of the Ramayana Cantos eight Sumantra speech but splendid just and great of mind the childless king for offspring find no son had he is named to grace transmitter of his royal race long had his anxious bosom wrought and as he pondered rose the thought a votive steed were good to slay so might a son the gift repay before his lords his plan he laid and bed them with their wisdom aid then with these words Sumantra best of royal counsellors addressed Hither Vasishta at their head let all my priestly gates be led to him Sumantra made reply here sire a tale of days gone by to many a sage in time of old Sankumar the saint foretold how from thine ancient line o king a son when years came around bring here dwells it was thus the seer began of Kaushyap's race a holy man vibant that name to him shall spring a son the famous rishis ring bred with the deer that round him roam the wood shall be that hermits home to him no mortal shall be known except his holy sire alone still by those laws shall he abide which leaves of youthful brahman's gate obedient to the strictest rule that forms a young ascetic school and all the wandering world shall hear of his turn life and penance deer is care to nurse the holy fire and do the bidding of his sire then seated on the Anga's throne shall Lomapad to him be known but folly wrought by that great king a plague upon the land shall bring no rain for many a year shall fall and grievous drought shall ruin all the troubled king with many a prayer shall bid the priest Sankur declare the lore of heaven its yours to know nor are a blind to things below declare o holy man the way this plague to expiate and stay those best of brahman's shall reply by every that o monarch try hither to bring Vibhandak's child persuaded captured or bigger and when the boy is hither led to him thy daughter duly wed but how to bring that wondrous boy his troubled thoughts will long employ and hopeless to achieve the task he counsel of his lords will ask and bid his priests and servants bring with honor saintly rishis ring but when they hear the monarch's speech all these their master will beseech with trembling hearts and looks of woe to spare them for their fear to go and many a plan will they declare and crafty plots will frame and promise fab to show him their unforced with none to blame on every word his lord shall say the king will meditate and on the third returning day recall them to debate then this shall be the plan agreed the damsel shall be sent battered in holy hermit's weed and skilled in blandish men that day the hermit may beguile with every art and amorous vile whose use they knew so well and by their witchery seduce the unsuspecting young recluse to leave his father's cell then when the boy with willing feet shall wonder from his calm retreat and in that city stand the troubles of the king shall end and streams of blessed rain upon the thirsty land thus shall the holy rishis ring to lama path the mighty king by wedlock be allied for santa farrest of the fair in mind and grace beyond compare shall be his royal bride he at the offering of the steed the flames with holy oil shall feed and for king Dasaratha again sons whom his prayers have begged in vain I have repeated sir thus far the words of old sanat kumar in order as he spoke them then amid the crowd of holy men then Dasaratha cried with joy say how they brought the hermit boy end of kanto 8 kanto 9 rishis ring the wise sumantra thus addressed unfolded at the king's behest the plan the lords and council laid to draw the hermit from the shade the priest amid the lordly crowd to lama path thus spoke allowed here king the plot our thoughts have framed a harmless trick by all unblamed far from the world that hermit's child lives lonely in the distant wild a stranger to the joys of sense is bliss is pain and abstinence and all unknown are ruined yet to him a holy anchorette the gentle passions we will wake that with restless influence shake the hearts of men and he drawn by enchantment strong and sweet shall follow from his lone retreat and come and visit thee let ships be formed with utmost care that artificial trees may bear and sweet fruit deftly made let goodly ramiant rich and rare and flowers and many a bird be there beneath the leafy shade upon the ships thus decked a band of young and lovely girls shall stand rich in each charm that wakes desire and eyes that burn with amorous fire well skilled to sing and play and dance and ply their trade with smile and glance let these attired in hermit's dress we take them to the wilderness and bring the boy of life austere a voluntary captive here he ended and the king agreed by the priest council won and all the ministers took heed to see his bedding done in ships with wondrous art prepared the way the lovely women fared and soon beneath the shade they stood of the wild lonely dreary wood and there the leafy card they found where dwelt the devotee and looked with eager eyes around the hermit's son to see still of when the sore afraid they hid behind the creeper's shade but when by careful watch they knew the elder saint was far from you with bolder steps they ventured nigh to cast the youthful hermit's eye then all the damsel's blith and gay at various games began to play they tossed the flying ball about with dance and song and merry shout and moved their center tresses bound with reach in messy motion round some girls as if by love possessed sang to the earth in faint unrest up starting quickly to pursue their intermittent game anew it was a lovely sight to see those far ones as they played while fragrant robes were floating free and bracelets clashing in their glee a present tinkling maid the anglers chimed the coils with music filled with plays as twirled some city in the sky which heavenly minstrel's grace with each voluptuous art they strove to win the tenet of the grove and with their graceful forms inspire his modest soul with soft desire with arch of brow with beckon's smile with every passion waking while of glance and lotus hand with all enticements that excite the longing for unknown delight which boys in vain withstand forth came the hermit's son to view the wondrous sight to him so new and gazed in rapt surprise far from his natal hour till then on woman or the sons of men he never had cast his eyes he saw them with their wish so slim with farrest shape and faultless limb in variegated robes arrayed and sweetly singing as they played near and more near the hermit drew and watched them at their game and stronger still the impulse grew to question whence they came they mark the young ascetic gaze with curious eye and wild amaze and sweet the long eyed damsel sang and shrill their merry laughter rang then came they nearer to his side and languishing with passion cried who son o youth and who art thou come suddenly to join us now and widest thou or lonely dwell in the wild wood we pray thee tell we wish to know thee gentle youth come tell us if thou wilt the truth he gazed upon the sight he never had seen before of girls so far and out of love a longing rose is sire and lineage to disclose my father thus he may reply is Kasiap son assigned most high Vibhantak styled from him I came and rishis ring he calls my name our hermit caught is near this place come to the oh a fair of face there be it mine with honor due a gentle youths to welcome you they heard his speech and gave consent and gladly to his cottage when Vibhantak son received them well beneath the shelter of his cell with guest gift water for their feed and woodland fruit and roots to eat they smiled and spoke sweet words like these delighted with his courtesies we to have goodly fruit in store grown on the trees that shade our door come if thou wilt kind hermit haste the produce of our grow to taste and let oh good ascetic first this holy water quench thy thirst they spoke and they gave him comfort sweet prepared ripe fruits to counterfeit and many a dainty cake beside and lucius mead their store supplied the seeming fruits in taste and look the unsuspecting hermit took for strange to him their form beguiled the dweller in the lonely wild then round his neck firearms were flung and there the laughing themselves clung and pressing nearer and more near with sweet lips spurred at his ear while rounded limb and swelling breast the youthful hermit softly pressed the pleasing charm of that strange bow the touch of a tender limb over his yielding spirit stole and sweetly vanquished him but vows they said must now be paid they bade the boy farewell and of the aged saint a fright prepared to leave the dell with ready guile they told him where their hermit dwelling lay then lest the sire should find them there sped by wild paths away they fled and left him there alone by longing love possess and with the heart no more his own he roamed about distressed the aged saint came home to find the hermit boy distraught revolving in his troubled mind on solitary thought why does though not my son he cried thy due obeisance pay why do I see in the tide of well-being taught today a devotee should never wear a mean so sad and strange come quickly dearest child declare the reason of the change and reshuffling when question does made answer in this voice oh sir there came to visitors some men with lovely eyes about my neck soft arms they wound and kept me tightly held the tender breast so soft and round that strangely heaved and swelled they sing more sweetly as they dance than ever I heard till now and play with many a sidelong glance and arching of the bro my son said he thus joins Rome where holy hermits are and wander round their peaceful home their rights austere to mar I charge thee thou must never lay thy trust in them dear boy they seek thee only to betray and move but to destroy thus having warned him of his force that night at home he spent and when the morrow sun arose forth to the forest bend but rishis ring with eager pace sped forth and hurried to the place where he those visitants had seen of dainty waste and charming mane when from afar they saw the son of saint Ibantha toward them run to meet the hermit boy they hide and healed him with a smile and cried oh come we pray dear lord behold our lovely home of which we told do honor that to thee we will pay and speed thee on thy homeward way pleased with the gracious words they said he followed where the damsel slid as with his gaze he steps he bent that brahman high of earth a flood of rain from heaven was sent that gladden all the earth Ibantha took his homeward road and veered by the heavy load of woodland fruit he bore entered at lost his cottage door feigned for his son he looked around but desolate the cell he found he stayed not then to bathe his feet though fainting with the toil and heat but hurried forth and roamed about calling the boy with cry and shout he such the wood but all in vain now tidings of his son could gain one day beyond the forest bound the wandering saint village found and asked the swings and nether there who owned the land so rich and fair with all the hamlets of the plain and herds of kind and fields of grain they listened to the hermit's words and all the guardians of the herds with supply and hands together pressed this answer to the saint address the Angos lord who bears the name of Lomapad renowned by fame bestowed these hamlets with their kind and all their riches as a sign of grace on riches ring and he Ibantha's son is said to be the hermit with exulting breast the mighty will of weight confessed by meditations I discerned and cheerful to his home return a stately ship at early morn the hermit's son away had borne loud rode the clouds as on his bed the sky grew blacker overhead till as he reached the royal town a mighty flood of rain came down by the great rain the monarch's mind the coming of his guest to meet the honored youth he went and low to earth his head he bent with his own priest to lead the trade he gave the gift high guests obtained and sought with all who dwelt within the city walls his grace to win he fed him with the daintiest fair he served him with unceasing care and ministered with anxious eyes lest anger in his breast should rise and gave to the brahman's bride his own fair daughter lotus eyed thus loud and honored by the king the glorious brahman rishis ring passed in that royal town his life with Santas his beloved wife end of canto nine canto ten rishis ring invited again oh best of kings give here my saving words and listen to the tale of old by that illustrious brahman's told of famed Ikshwakus line shall spring first thus he spoke a pious king named Dasaratha good and great proved his word and fortunate he with the Angas mighty lord shall ever live in sweet accord and his daughter fair shall be Santa of happy destiny but Lomapad the Angas chief still pining in his childless grief to Dasaratha thus shall say give me thy daughter friend I pray thy Santa of the tranquil mind the noblest one of mankind the father swift to feel for woe shall on his friend his child bestow and he shall take her and depart to his own town with joyous heart the maiden home in triumph led to rishis ring the king shall win and he with loving joy and pride shall take her for his honored bride and Dasaratha to your right the best of brahman's shall invite with supplicating prayer to celebrate the sacrifice to win him sons and paradise that he will faint prepare from him the lord of men at length the boon he seek shall gain and see four sons of boundless strength his royal line maintain thus did the god like saint of old the will of fate declare and all that should befall unfold amid the sages there oh prince supreme of men go thou consult thy holy gate and win to aid thee in thy vow this brahman's to thy side Sumantra's counsel wise and good king Dasaratha heard then by Vasishtha's side he stood and thus with him conferred Sumantra counsels thus do thou my priestly gate the plan allow Vasishtha gave his glad consent and forth the happy monarch went with lords and servants on the road that led to rishis rings aboard for us and rivers duly passed he reached the distant town at last of Lomopod's the Angas king and entered it with welcoming on through the crowded streets he came and radiant as the kindle flame he saw within the monarch's house the hermit's son most glorious their Lomopod with joyful breast to him all honor paid for friendship for his royal guest his faithful bosom swayed thus entertained with utmost care seven days or eight he tarried there and then that best man thus broke his purpose to the king and spoke oh king of men my ancient friend Dasaratha prayed thy santa with her husband sent my sacrifice to aid said he who ruled the Angas he and his consent Vasan and then at once he turned away to warm the hermit's son he told him of their ties beyond their old affections faithful bond this king he said from days of old a well-beloved friend I hold to me this pearl of dames he gave from childless old mind age to save the daughter whom he loved so much moved by compassion's gentle touch in him thy santa's father see as I am even so he see for sons childless monarch yearns to be alone for help he turns go though sacred right ordain to win the sons he prays to gain go with thy wife thy sucker lend and give his vows a blissful end the hermit's son with quick accord obeyed the Angas mighty lord and with fair santa at his side to Dasaratha city high each king with suppliant hands appealed gazed on the other's face and then by mutual love impaled met in a close embrace then Dasaratha thoughtful care before he parted then's great trusty servant's homeward bear the glad intelligence let all the town be bright and gay with burning incense sweet let banners wave and water lay the dust in every street glad were the citizens to learn the tidings of their lord's return and through the city every man obediently his task began and far and bright Ayyadya showed as following his guest he rode through the full streets where shell and drum proclaimed aloud the king was come and all the people with delight kept guessing on their king attended by that youth so bright the glorious rishis ring went to his home the king had brought the hermit saintly son he deemed that all his task was wrought and all he prayed for one and lords who saw that stranger game so beautiful to view rejoice within their hearts and came and paid their honor to their rishis ring past their days graced like the king with love and praise and shone in glorious light with her sweet Santa for his minister as Brahma's son Vasishta he who wedded saint Arundhati end of canto 10 canto 11 the sacrifice decreed the duee season came and when the spring returned again then would the king with mind intent his sacrifice ordained he came to rishis ring and bowed to him of divine and bade him aid his offering vowed for airs to save his line now would the youth his aid deny he spake the monarch fire and prayed him for that right so high all the rishis prepare the king to vice sumantra cried who stood a ready near go summon quick each holy gate to counsel and to hear obedient to his lords behest away sumantra's bed and brought Vasishta and the rest in scripture deeply read came obedient everyone king Dasarada met them there and duly honored each and spoke in present verses fire and salutary speech in childish longing doomed to point no happiness or lords is mine so have I for this cause decreed to slay the sacrificial steam fain would I pay that offering high wherein the horses doomed to die with rishis ring his aid to lend and with your glory to befriend with loud applause each holy man received his speech approved the plan and by the vice Vasishta led gave praises to the king and said the sons though crevice shalt thou see of fairest glory born to thee whose holy feelings bid thee take this righteous course for offspring's sake cheered by the ready praise of those whose aid he sought his spirits rose and thus the king's speech renewed with looks of joy and gratitude let what the coming rights require be ready as the priest desire and let the horse ordained to bleed with fitting God and priest be freed yonder on Sarju's northern side the sacrificial ground provide and let the saving rights that not ill omen may occur be wrought the offering I announced today each lord of earth may claim to pay provided that his care gain God the holy right by flaws unmarked for wandering friends whose watchful spite waits eagerly to spoil each right hunting with keenest I detect the slightest slip the least neglect and when the sacred work is crossed the workmen is that moment lost let preparation do be made your powers the change can meet that so the noble right be paid in every point complete and all the brahmins answered he his mandate honoring and gladly promised to obey the order of the king they cried with voices raised allowed success attend dying aim then bed farewell and lowly bowed and he has an Wednesday came king the Saratha went within his well-loved wise to see and said you lustrel rights begin for these shall prosper me a glorious offering I prepare that precious fruit of sons may bear their lily faces bright and fast those present words to hear as lilies in the winter's past in lowlier hues appear end of canto 11 end of cantos 8 to 11 this recording is from Raju from Burleson Texas United States Ramina 45 at hotmail.com the Ramayana by Walmiki translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the present recording is by Raju from Burleson Texas United States Ramina 45 at hotmail.com section 4 book 1 cantos 12 to 15 of the Ramayana canto 12 the sacrifice begun again the spring with genial heat returning made the year complete to win him sons without delay his vow the king resolved to pay and to Vasishta saintly man in modest words the speech began prepare the right with all things fit as is ordained in holy writ and keep with utmost care of our whatever its sacred forms might mar the art my lord my trustiest gain kind hearted and my friend beside so is to meet thou undertake this heavy task for duty's sake then he of twice born men the best is glad ascent at once expressed feign will I do whatever may be desired o honored king by thee to ancient precy spoke who trained in holy rites deep skill had gained here guards be stationed good and sage religious men of trusted age and various workmen send and call who frame the door and build a wall with men of every art and trade who read the stars and pliers paid and minds and minstrels hither bring and damsels trained to dance and sing then to the learned man he said in many a page of scripture read be yours each rite performed to see according to the king's decree and stranger brahmins quickly call to this great rite that welcomes all pavilions for the princess deck with art and ornament erect and handsome boots by thousands made the brahmins visitors to shade arranged in order side by side with meat and rink and all supplied and ample stables we shall need for many an elephant and steed and chambers where the men may lie and vast apartments broad and high fit to receive the countless bands of warriors come from distant lands for our own people to provide sufficient tents extended wide and stores of meat and rink prepare and all that can be needed there and food in plenty must be found for guests from all the country round of various viands presents make for honor not for pity's sake that fit regard and worship be paid to each cast in due degree and let not wish or wrath excite your heart's the meanest guest to slight and still observe with special grace those who obtain the foremost place whether for happier skill in not or barring in the rite their part do you I pray with friendly mind perform the task to you assigned and work the rite as bits the law without omission slip or flop they answered as thou seeest fit so will we do and not omit the sage Vasishtha then address sumantra call that is behest the princess of the earth invite and famous lords who guard the rite priest, warrior, merchant, lowly thrall in countless thousand summon all wherever their home be far or near gather the good with honor here and Janak whose imperial sway the men of Mithila obey the form of vau the dread of foes who all the lore of scripture knows invite him here with honor I king the Sarada's old Ali and Kasi's lord of gentle speech who finds a pleasant word for each in length of days our monarch spear illustrious king invite him here the father of our rulers bride known for his virtues far and wide the king whom KKR's prince obey him with his son invite I pray and Lomapad the Anga's king truth is vows and godlike bring for be thine invitation sent to west and south and orian call those who ruled Surashtras land Suviras realm and Sindhu strand and all the kings of earth beside in friendships born with us allied invite them all to hazen in with retinue and kith and kin Vasishtha's speech without delay sumantra bent him to obey and sent his trusty invoice forth eastward and westward south and north obedient to the saints request himself he harried forth and pressed each nobler chief and lord and king to hasten to the gathering before the saint Vasishtha stood all those who wrought with stone and wood and showed the work which everyone in furtherance of the right had done rejoiced their ready zeal to see dust to the craftsmen also dey I charge a master's seat to this that there be nothing done amiss and this I pray in mind be born that no one gift they give in scorn whenever scorn a gift attends great cynicism who thus offends and now some days and nights had passed and kings began to gather fast and precious gems in liberal store as gifts to the Sarada bore then joy thrilled through Vasishtha's breast as thus the monarchy addressed obedient to die high decree the kings my lord are come to thee and it has been my cat to greet and honor all with reverence meet die servant's task is ended quiet and all is ready for the right come forth then to the sacred ground where all in order will be found then reassuring confirm the tale not did their words to move him feel the stars proficient influence when forth the words great ruler when then by the sage Vasishtha led the priest begun to speed those glorious rites wherein is shed the lifeblood of the steed end of canto 12 canto 13 the sacrifice finished the circling year had filled its course and back was brought the wandering horse then upon Sarju's northern stand began the ride the king had planned with the forms to gate the Brahmins to their task applied at that great offering of the steed their lofty minded king decreed the priest who called the scripture new performed their part in order due and circled around in solemn train as precepts of the law ordained Pravadya rites were duly sped for upusads the flames were fed then from the plant the juice was squeezed and those high saints with minds well pleased performed the mystic rites begun with bathing air the rise of sun they gave the portion Indra's claim and him the king whom none can blame the midday bathing followed next observed as bits the holy text then the good priests with utmost care informed that scriptures rule declare for the third time pure water shed on high soul Dasaratha's head then rishis ring and all the rest to Indra and the gods addressed their sweet tone him of praise and prayer and call them in the right to share with sweetest song and him in tone they give the gods in heaven enthroned as duty bits the gifts they claim the holy oil that feeds the flame and many an offering there was paid and not one slip in all was made for with most careful heat they saw that all was done by Veda Allah none all those days was seen oppressed by hunger or by toil distressed why speak of humankind no beast was there that lacked an ample feast for there was store for all who came for often child and lonely day the old and young were well supplied the poor and hungry satisfied throughout the day aesthetics fed and those who roam to beg their bread while all around the cry was still give forth give forth and eat your fill give forth with labor hand the meal and various robes in largest deal urged by these cries on every side and weirdly their task they applied and heaps of food like heels in size in boundless plenty meant their eyes and lakes of sauce each day renewed refreshed the weary multitude and strangers there from distant lands and women folk in crowded banks the best of food and drink obtained at the great right the king ordained apart from all the brahmins there thousands and thousands took their share of various dainties sweet to taste on plates of gold and silver placed already set as when they will the twice born men their places filled and servants and fair governments dressed waited upon each brahman guest of cheerful mind and me and the day with golden dwelled earrings gay the best of brahman's priced the fair of countless sorts of flavor rare and thus to Raghu's son they cried we bless thee and are satisfied between the right some brahman spend the time in learned argument with ready flow of speech sedate and keen to vanquish in debate there day by day the holy train performed all rates as rules ordained no priest in all that host was found but kept the wows that held him bound none but the holy Vedas knew and all their six fold signs too no brahman there was found unfit to speak with eloquence and wit and now the appointed time came near the sacrificial post to rear they brought them and prepared to fix of bell and kathir six and six six made of pulsar's tree of fig would one apart to be of slishman and devgar one column each the mightiest far so thick the two the arms of man their ample girth would fail to span all these with utmost care were wrought by hand of priests in scripture taught and all with gold were glided bright to add new splendor to the right twenty and one those takes in all each one and twenty cubits tall and one and twenty ribbons there hung on the pillars bright and fair form in the earth they stood at last where cunning craftsmen fixed them fast and their unshake and each remind octagonal and smoothly then ribbons overall were hung and flowers and sent around them flung thus they cast a glory forth like the great saints who star the north the sacrificial altar then was raised by skilful twice born men in shape and figure to behold an eagle with his wings of gold with twice nine pits and form three fold each for some special guard beside the pillars where the victims tied the birds that roam the wood they air the water and the land were there and snakes and things of reptile birth and healing herbs that spring from earth as text prescribed in scripture found three hundred victims there were bound the steed devoted to the host of what's the gem they honor most was duly sprinkled then the queen causally with delighted man with reverent steps around him paste and with sweet reads the victim graced then with three swords in order due she smote the steed with joy and slough that night the queen a son to gain with calm and steady heart was feigned by the debt charger side to stay from evening till the break of day then came three priests their cat to lead the other queens to touch the steed upon causally us to attend their company and ate to lend as by the horse she still reclaimed with happy man and cheerful mind with rishis rings the twice born came and praised and blessed the royal flame the priest who well his duty knew and every sense could well subdue from out of the bony chambers freed and boiled the marrow of the steed above the steam the monarch Ben and as he smelled the fragrant scent in time and order draw a far all error that his hopes could mark then sixteen priests together came and cast into the sacred flame the severed members of the horse made ready all in ordered force on piles of holy fig tree reached the meaner victims bodies blazed the steed of all the creatures slain alone required a pile of cane three days as is by law decreed lasted that offering of the steed the chatto stone began the right and when the sun renewed his light the uktia followed after came the other task holy flame these were the rights and many more arranged by light of holy power the aptorium of mighty power and each performed in proper hour the abhijith and visvajith with every form and service fit and with the sacrifice at night the joshestum and eyes right the task was done as laws prescribe the monarch glory of his tribe bestowed the land in liberal grants upon the sacred minstrants he gave the region of the east his conquest to the whole three priests the celebrant obtained the south the priests presiding gain the northern region was the share of him who chanted for the prayer thus did each priest obtain his meat at the great slaughter of the steed all in the best of all to be by self-existent deity Ikshwaku's son with joyful mind this noble fee to each assigned but all the priests with honor called address that unpolluted lord it's alone to keep the whole of this broad earth in firm control no gift of lands from DVC to God these realms our hands were weak on sacred lower our days are spent let other gifts our wants content the chief of old Ikshwaku's line gave them ten hundred thousand kind a hundred millions of fine gold the same in silver four times told but every priest in presence there with one accord assigned his share to Saint Vasishtha high of soul and Russia's ring they gave the whole that largest priest those Brahmins well who bade the prince his wishes tell then Dasratha mighty king made answer thus to Russia's ring oh holy hermit of thy grace which saved the increase of my race he spoke now was his prayer denied the best of Brahmins thus replied four sons oh monarch shall be dined a polders of thy royal line end of canto thirteen canto fourteen raven do the saint well read in holy lord pondered a while his answer over and thus again address the king is wandering thoughts re-gathering another right will I begin which shall the sons thou cravest win where all things shall be duly sped and first Atarva text be read then by Vibandak's gentle son was that high sacrifice begun the king's advantage seeking still and zealous to perform his will now all the gods are gathered there each one for his allotted share Brahma the ruler of the sky Tanu Narayan lord most high and holy Indra men might view with Maruth for his retinue the heavenly chorister and saint and spirit pure from earthly tame with one accord had sought the place the high-sold monarch's right to grace then to the gods who came to take their proper share the hermit's pick for you has the Sarthas lane the vote you steed a son to gain stern penance writes the king has tried and in firm faith on you relied and now with undiminished care a second right would be in prepare but oh ye gods then to grant the longing of your supplicant for him beseeching hands I lift and pray you all to grant the gift that four farsons of high renown the offerings of the king may crown they to hermit's son replied his longing shall be gratified for brahman in most high degree we love the king and honor thee these words the gods in answer said and vanished thence by Indra led this to the lord the worlds who made the immortals all assembled prayed O Brahma mighty by thy grace raven who rules the giant race torments us in his senseless pride and penance loving saints beside for thou well pleased in days of old gave us the boon that makes him bold the god nor demon ever should kill his charmed life for so thy will we honoring that high behest bear all his rage though sore distressed that lord of giant's fears and fell cover just the earth and heaven and hell bad with thy boon his impious rage smites saint and bard and garden sage the sun himself withholds his glow the wind in fear for bats to blow the fire restrains his haunted heat where stand the dreaded raven's feet and necklace with the wandering where the sea before him fears to rave Kuvera's self in sad defeat is driven from his blissful seat we see we feel the giant's might and woe comes over us and affright to thee O lord thy suppliance pray to find some cure displayed to stay thus by the gathered gods address he pondered in his secret breast and said only one way I find to slay this fiend of evil mind he prayed me once his life to god from demon god and heavenly bard and spirits of the earth and air and I consenting heard his prayer but the proud giant in inns con wrecked not of man of woman born none else may take his life away but only man the fiend may slay the gods with Indra at their head rejoiced to hear the words he said then crowned with glory like a flame lord Vishnu to the council came his hands shall maze and discuss bore out saffron where the robes he wore riding his eagle through the crowd as the sun rides upon a cloud with bracelets of fine gold he came loud welcomed by the gods acclaim his praise they sang with unconsent and cried in lowly reverence bent O lord whose hand fears Madhu slew be thou our refuge from untrue friend of the suffering world's odd thou we pray thee help thy supplicants now then Vishnu speck ye gods declare what may I do to grant your prayer King Dasaratha thus cried they fervent in penance many a day the sacrificial steed exclaimed longing for sons but all in vain now at the cry of us forlorn incarnate as his seed be born three queens has he each lovely dame like beauty modesty or fame divide thyself in foreign bee is offspring by these noble three man's nature take and slay in fight raven who loves at heavenly might this commons covers this ranking thorn whom the three worlds too long have borne for raven in the senseless pride of might unequal as defied the host of heaven and plagues with woe angel and board and saint below crushing each spirit and each who plays in Nandan's heavenly shade O conquering lord to thee we bow our surest hope and trust odd thou regard the world of men below and slay the gods tremendous foe when thus the supply and gods had prayed his wise reply Narayan made what task demands my presence there and whence this dread ye gods declare the gods replied we fear oh lord fears raven our abode be thine the glorious task we pray in human form this fiend to slay by thee of all the blessed alone this sinner may be overthrown he gained by penance long and dire the favor of the mighty sire then he who every gift bestows God at the fiend from heavenly foes and gave a pledges life that kept from all things living man except on him thus no other foe than man may deal the deadly blow assume oaking a mortal birth and strike the demon to the earth then Vishnu god of gods the lord supreme by all the worlds adored to Brahma and the supply and spake this means you are fear for your dear sake in battle realize might him dead the cruel fiend the immortals dread and lords and ministers and all his kitten kin with him shall fall then in the world of mortal men ten thousand years and hundreds ten I as a human king will reign and guard the earth as my domain god said out nymph and minstrel throng with heavenly voices raise their song in hymns of triumph to the god whose conquering feet on Madhu trod champion of gods as men appear this cruel raven slay then taunt that saints hermit's fear the plague that none can stay in savage fury uncontrolled his pride forever grows he dares the lord of gods to hold among his deadly foes end of canto 14 canto 15 the nectar when wisest Vishnu thus had given his promise to the gods of heaven he pondered in his secret mind a suited place of birth to find then he decreed the lotus eyed in for his being to divide and the sardar gracious king he chose as sire from whom to spring that childless prince of high renown who smote in war his foremen down at that same time with utmost care prepared the right that wins an heir then Vishnu feigned on earth to dwell bed the almighty sire farewell and vanished while a reverent crowd of gods and saints and worship bowed the monarch watched the sacred rite when a vast form of awful might of matchless splendor strength and size was manifest before his eyes from forth the sacrificial flame dark robed in red the being came his voice was drum like loud and low his face suffused with rosy glow like a huge lion's mane appeared the long locks of his hair and beard he shone with many a lucky sign many an ornament divine a towering mountain in his high a tiger in his gate and might no precious mine more rich could be no burning flame more bright than he his arms embraced in loving hold like a dear wife a vase of gold whose silver lining had a drought of nectar as in heaven is quaffed a vase so vast so bright to view these cares could count the vision true upon the king is icy bent and said the lord of life has sent his servant down opens to be a messenger from heaven to thee the king with all his nobles by raised reverent hands and may reply welcome oh glorious being say how can my care thy grace repay envoy of him whom all adore thus to the king he is paid once more the gods accept thy worship they give thee the blessed fruit today approach and take oh glorious king this heavenly nectar which I bring for it shall give thee sons and wealth and bless thee with store of health give it to those fire queens of dying and beat them off in the drink divine and they the princely sons shall bear long sought by sacrifice and prayer he owe my lord the monarch said and took the vase upon his said the gift of God's a fine gold rod with store of heavenly liquor fought he honored filled with transport new that wonders being fair to view as round the envoy of the god with reverential steps he trod his ran done that form of light arose and vanished from the site high rapture filled the monarch's soul possessed of that celestial bow as when a man by want distressed with unexpected wealth is blessed and rays of transport seem to fall illuminating bower and hall as when the autumn moon rides high and floods with lovely light the sky quick to the ladies bower he sped and thus to Queen Kausariya said this genial nectar taped and coiffed he spoke and gave the lady half part of the nectar that remind Sumitra from his hand obtained he gave to make her fruitful to take half the residue a portion yet reminding that he passed a while to think then give Sumitra with her share the remnant of the drink this on each queen of those far three apart the king bestowed and with sweet hope a child to see their earning bosoms glowed the heavenly bow the king supplied their longing souls relieved and soon with rapture and with pride each royal dame conceived he gazed upon each lady's face and framed as he gazed as Indra in his royal palace by gods and spirits praised end of canto 15 end of cantos 12 to 15 of the Ramayana recording by Raju from Burleson Texas United States Ramina 45 at hotmail.com