Suyajna, Vamadeva came,
Javali, Kasyap's son,
And old Vasishtha, dear to fame,
Obedient, every one.
King Dasaratha met them there
And duly honored each,
And spoke in pleasant words his fair
And salutary speech:--
"In childless longing doomed to pine,
No happiness, O lords, is mine.
So have I for this cause decreed
To slay the sacrificial steed.
Fain would I pay that offering high
Wherein the horse is doomed to die,
With Rishyasring 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 wise Vasishtha led,
Gave praises to the King, and said:--
"The sons thou cravest 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 his speech renewed
With looks of joy and gratitude:--
"Let what the coming rites require
Be ready, as the priests desire,
And let the horse, ordained to bleed,
With fitting guard and priest, be freed.
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