He carries her in his chariot to Lanka,
the fair city built on an island of the sea. By the assistance of a
large army of monkeys, Rama marches against Lanka, and when they stand
helpless--for the water separates them from Ceylon--he then invokes the
goddess of the sea, as Achilles did Thetis, and she comes in radiant
beauty, telling them how to bridge the waves. The monkeys bring timber
and stones, the bridge is built, Lanka reached, and the battle begins.
Indra sends his own chariot down from heaven to Rama, who mounts it, and
vanquishes Ravana in single combat, upon which Sita is restored to her
husband. E.W.
THE RAMAYANA
INVOCATION
Praise to Valmiki, bird of charming song,
Who mounts on Poesy's sublimest spray,
And sweetly sings with accent clear and strong
Rama, aye Rama, in his deathless lay.
Where breathes the man can listen to the strain
That flows in music from Valmiki's tongue,
Nor feel his feet the path of bliss attain
When Rama's glory by the saint is sung?
The stream Ramayan leaves its sacred fount
The whole wide world from sin and stain to free.
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