nak speaks, dread liege, by us:
"I made a promise and decree
That valour's prize my child should be.
Kings, worthless found in worth's assay,
With mien dejected turned away.
Thy sons, by Visvamitra led,
Unurged, my city visited,
And peerless in their might have gained
My daughter, as my vow ordained.
Full in a vast assembly's view
Thy hero Rama broke in two
The gem of bows, of monstrous size,
That came a treasure from the skies.
Ordained the prize of hero's might,
Sita my child is his by right.
Fain would I keep my promise made,
If thou, O King, approve and aid.
Come to my town thy son to see:
Bring holy guide and priest with thee.
O lord of kings, my suit allow,
And let me keep my promised vow.
So joying for thy children's sake
Their triumph too shalt thou partake,
With Visvamitra's high consent."
Such words with friendship eloquent
Spoke Janak, fair Videha's king,
By Satananda's counselling."

The envoys thus the king addressed,
And mighty joy his heart possessed.
To Vamadeva quick he cried,
Vasishtha, and his lords beside:
"Lakshman, and he, my princely boy
Who fills Kausalya's soul with joy,
By Visvamitra guarded well
Among the good Videhans dwell.
Their ruler Janak, prompt to own
The peerless might my child has shown,
To him would knit in holy ties
His daughter, valour's lovely prize.
If Janak's plan seem good to you,
Come, speed we to his city too,
Nor let occasion idly by."

He ceased. There came a glad reply
From priest and mighty saint and all
The councillors who thronged the hall.
Then cried the king with joyous heart:
"To-morrow let us all depart."

That night the envoys entertained
With honour and all care remained.

Canto LXIX. Dasaratha's Visit.

Soon as the shades of night had fled,
Thus to the wise Sumantra said
The happy king, while priest and peer,
Each in his place, were standing near:
"Let all my treasurers to-day,
Set foremost in the long array,
With gold and precious gems supplied
In bounteous store, together ride.
And send you out a mighty force,
Foot, chariot, elephant, and horse.
Besides, let many a car of state,
And noblest steeds, my will await.
Vasishtha, Vamadeva sage,
And Markandeya's reverend age,
Javali, Kasyap's godlike seed,
And wise Katyayana, shall lead.
Thy care, Sumantra, let it be
To yoke a chariot now for me,
That so we part without delay:
These envoys hasten me away."

So fared he forth. That host, with speed,
Quadruple, as