ith thee will take my way."

Canto XXXII. The Gift Of The Treasures.

That speech so noble which conveyed
His friendly wish, the chief obeyed,
With steps made swift by anxious thought
The wise Suyajna's home he sought.
Him in the hall of Fire(307) he found,
And bent before him to the ground:
"O friend, to Rama's house return,
Who now performs a task most stern."
He, when his noonday rites were done,
Went forth with fair Sumitra's son,
And came to Rama's bright abode
Rich in the love which Lakshmi showed.
The son of Raghu, with his dame,
With joined hands met him as he came,
Showing to him who Scripture knew
The worship that is Agni's due.
With armlets, bracelets, collars, rings,
With costly pearls on golden strings,
With many a gem for neck and limb
The son of Raghu honoured him.
Then Rama, at his wife's request,
The wise Suyajna thus addressed:
"Accept a necklace too to deck
With golden strings thy spouse's neck.
And Sita here, my friend, were glad
A girdle to her gift to add.
And many a bracelet wrought with care,
And many an armlet rich and rare,
My wife to thine is fain to give,
Departing in the wood to live.
A bed by skilful workmen made,
With gold and various gems inlaid--
This too, before she goes, would she
Present, O saintly friend, to thee.
Thine be my elephant, so famed,
My uncle's present, Victor named;
And let a thousand coins of gold,
Great Brahman, with the gift be told."
Thus Rama spoke: nor he declined
The noble gifts for him designed.
On Rama, Lakshman, Sita he
Invoked all high felicity.

In pleasant words then Rama gave
His best to Lakshman prompt and brave,
As Brahma speaks for Him to hear
Who rules the Gods' celestial sphere:
"To the two best of Brahmans run;
Agastya bring, and Kusik's son,
And precious gifts upon them rain,
Like fostering floods upon the grain.
O long-armed Prince of Raghu's line,
Delight them with a thousand kine,
And many a fair and costly gem,
With gold and silver, give to them.
To him, so deep in Scripture, who,
To Queen Kausalya, ever true,
Serves her with blessing and respect,
Chief of the Taittiriya sect(308)--
To him, with women-slaves, present
A chariot rich with ornament,
And costly robes of silk beside,
Until the sage be satisfied.
On Chitraratha, true and dear,
My tuneful bard and charioteer,
Gems, robes, and plenteous wealth confer--
Mine ancient friend and minister.
And these who go with staff in hand,
Grammarians trained,