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मम लालप्यमानस्य सुतार्थं नास्ति वै सुखम्। तदर्थं हयमेधेन यक्ष्यामीति मतिर्मम॥

Consistent with duty and interest,-Ever pining on account of a son, I know no happiness,-therefore it is my intention that I should celebrate a horse sacrifice.

तदहं यष्टुमिच्छामि शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा। कथं प्राप्स्याम्यहं कामं बुद्धिरत्र विचिन्त्यताम्॥

I intend to celebrate it according to the ordinance. Do you, therefore, consider how I may attain my object.

ततः साध्विति तद्वाक्यं ब्राह्मणाः प्रत्यपूजयन्। वसिष्ठप्रमुखाः सर्वे पार्थिवस्य मुखेरितम्॥

Thereat, the Brāhmaṇas with Vasiştha at their head, exclaiming well! Well 1 approved the words that had fallen from the lips of the monarch.

ऊचुश्च परमप्रीताः सर्वे दशरथं वचः। सम्भाराः सम्ध्रियन्तां ते तुरगश्च विमुच्यताम् ॥ सरय्वाश्चोत्तरे तीरे यज्ञभूमिर्विधीयताम्। सर्वथा प्राप्स्यसे पुत्रानभिप्रेतांश्च पार्थिव ॥ यस्य ते धार्मिकी बुद्धिरियं पुत्रार्थमागता।

And exceedingly pleased, they asked Daſaratha,-“Do you order the necessary articles, loose the horse, and prepare the sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayû." And, king, since with the intention of obtaining offspring your purpose so piously, you will surely obtain sons after your heart.

ततस्तुष्टोऽभवद् राजा श्रुत्वैतद् द्विजभाषितम्॥ अमात्यानब्रवीद् राजा हर्षव्याकुललोचनः। सम्भाराः सम्भ्रियन्तां मे गुरूणां वचनादिह ॥ समर्थाधिष्ठितश्चाश्वः सोपाध्यायो विमुच्यताम्। सरय्वाश्चोत्तरे तीरे यज्ञभूमिर्विधीयताम्॥ शान्तयश्चापि वर्धन्तां यथाकल्पं यथाविधि। शक्यः प्राप्तुमयं यज्ञः सर्वेणापि महीक्षिता ॥ नापराधो भवेद् कष्टो यद्यस्मिन् क्रतुसत्तमे। छिद्रं हि मृगयन्ते स्म विद्वांसो ब्रह्मराक्षसा ॥

And hearing these words of the regenerate ones, the king was highly gratified. And with eyes expanded in delight, he asked his ministers, Do to procure the necessary sacrificial articles, according to the injunction of my spiritual preceptors; and loose a horse protected by a competent person, and followed by one of the chief family priests; and prepare the sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayū; and in due order and according to the ordinance perform the śānti rites required to secure an uninterrupted completion to the ceremony. This ceremony is incapable of being celebrated by every king. Particular care should be taken that the sacrifice is not defective on account of any serious omission; inasmuch as with learned Brahma-Rākṣasas ever on the look-out to spy shortcomings in the ceremony.

विधिहीनस्य यज्ञस्य सद्यः कर्ता विनश्यति। तद्यथा विधिपूर्वं मे क्रतुरेष समाप्यते॥

The performer thereof speedily perishes, should anything take place not consonant to the ordinance. And do you possessed of ability so arrange, that this sacrifice may be completed in harmony with the ritual.

तथा विधानं क्रियतां समर्थाः साधनेष्विति। तथेति चाब्रुवन् सर्वे मन्त्रिणः प्रतिपूजिताः॥

Thus addressed with due respect, the counsellors listened to the word of the monarch, and said, So be it.

पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य तद् वाक्यं यथापूर्वं निशम्य ते। तथा द्विजास्ते धर्मज्ञा वर्धयन्तो नृपोत्तमम्॥ अनुज्ञातास्ततः सर्वे पुनर्जग्मुर्यथागतम्।

Then hearing those words of that best king again, as heard before, conversant with their duty, having blessed the monarch, taking permission of the king, they returned to their respective quarters.

विसर्जयित्वा तान् विप्रान् सचिवानिदमब्रवीत्॥ ऋत्विग्भिरुपसंदिष्टो यथावत् क्रतुराप्यताम्।

Dismissing those Brāhmaṇas, the king spoke to his ministers, saying, Do you, even as the family priests have ordered, arrange for the sacrifice!

इत्युक्त्वानृपशार्दूलः सचिवान् समुपस्थितान्॥ विसर्जयित्वा स्वं वेश्म प्रविवेश महामतिः।

Having said this, that mighty-minded tiger among nen dismissed his ministers, and himself entered into the inner apartment.

ततः स गत्वा ताः पत्नीनरेन्द्रो हृदयंगमाः॥ उवाच दीक्षां विशत यक्ष्येऽहं सुतकारणात् ।

And coming there, that lord of men said to his favourite wives, Do you know it for certain that in order to obtain a son I am going to perform a sacrifice.

तासां तेनातिकान्तेन वचनेन सुवर्चसाम्। मुखपद्मान्यशोभन्त पद्मानीव हिमात्यये॥

And hearing those sweet words, the countenances of those shining dames looked resplendent, like lotuses after the cold season is over.

एतच्छ्रुत्वा रहः सूतो राजानमिदमब्रवीत्। श्रूयतां तत् पुरावृत्तं पुराणे च मया श्रुतम्॥

Hearing all about it, the king's charioteer addressed the monarch in private, saying, Do you listen to what is related in the Purānas, and to what I have heard myself!

ऋत्विग्भिरुपदिष्टोऽयं पुरावृत्तो मया श्रुतः। सनत्कुमारो भगवान् पूर्वं कथितवान् कथाम्॥ ऋषीणां संनिधौ राजंस्तव पुत्रागमं प्रति।

This horse-sacrifice is enjoined by the family priests; and I have myself heard the following story celebrated in ancient chronicle. And what the worshipful Sanatkumāra had said formerly in the presence of the saints, applies, O king, to the case of your having a son.

काश्यपस्य च पुत्रोऽस्ति विभाण्डक इति श्रुतः॥ ऋष्यशृङ्ग इति ख्यातस्तस्य पुत्रो भविष्यति। स वने नित्यसंवृद्धो मुनिर्वनचरः सदा ॥

Kaśyapa has a son known by the name of Vibhāņdaka. He will get a son called Rșyasſiga. And he will grow up and pass his days in the forests.

नान्यं जानाति विप्रेन्द्रो नित्यं पित्रनुवर्तनात्। द्वैविध्यं ब्रह्मचर्यस्य भविष्यति महात्मनः॥ लोकेषु प्रथितं राजन् विप्रैश्च कथितं सदा।

And that foremost of Brāhmaṇas will not know anything else save following his father. And, O king, it is rumoured abroad, and also always said by the Vipras, that the high-souled one will practise (Those that assume the staff and the kamaņdalu are reckoned the first order; while those that continue to live with their wives are considered as next in worth.) the two modes of Brahmacarya life.

तस्यैवं वर्तमानस्य काल: समभिवर्तत॥ अग्नि शुश्रूषमाणस्य पितरं च यशस्विनम्। एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु रोमपातः प्रतापवान्॥ अङ्गेषु प्रथितो राजा भविष्यति महाबलः। तस्य व्यतिक्रमाद् राज्ञो भविष्यति सुदारुणा ॥ अनावृष्टिः सुघोरा वै सर्वलोकभयावहा।

And he spent some time in serving the sacrificial fire and his famous sire. At this time, the powerful Romapāda of exceeding strength will be famed as king of the Angas. And in consequence of some default on his part, there will occur in his kingdom a terrible and dreadful drought, capable of striking terror in the all.

अनावृष्टयां तु वृत्तायां राजा दुःखसमन्वितः॥ ब्राह्मणाञ्छ्रुतसंवृद्धान् समानीय प्रवक्ष्यति। भवन्तः श्रुतकर्माणो लोकचारित्रवेदिनः॥ समादिशन्तु नियमं प्रायश्चित्तं यथा भवेत्।

And filled with grief on account of this drought, the king will call about him Vedaaccomplished Brāhmaṇas, and speak to them, saying, You are conversant with the Vedic ritual and the social duties. Do therefore, tell me how to expiate for this evil.

इत्युक्तास्ते ततो राज्ञा सर्वे ब्राह्मणसत्तमाः॥ वक्ष्यन्ति ते महीपालं ब्राह्मणा वेदपारगाः।

Thus accosted by the king, those excellent Brāhmaṇas versed in the Vedas, will say to the ruler of earth.

विभाण्डकसुतं राजन् सर्वापायैरिहानय ॥ आनाय्य तु महीपाल ऋष्यशृङ्ग सुसत्कृतम्। विभाण्डकसुतं राजन् ब्राह्मणं वेदपारगम्। प्रयच्छ कन्यां शान्तां वै विधिना सुसमाहितः॥

Do you, O monarch, by all means, bring Vibhandaka's son. And having, Oking, brought that Brāhmaṇa versed in the Vedas, Vibhandaka's son Rsyaśộnga, and duly honoured him, do you, O monarch, with a concentrated mind, perform the betrothal of your daughter śāntā, with him according to the ordinance.

तेषां तु वचनं श्रुत्वा राजा चिन्तां प्रपत्स्यते। केनोपायेन वै शक्यमिहानेतुं स वीर्यवान्॥

And hearing those words of theirs, the king will began to think as to how he can bring over that one endowed with energy.

ततो राजा विनिश्चित्य सह मन्त्रिभिरात्मवान्। पुरोहितममात्यांश्च प्रेषयिष्यति सत्कृतान्॥

Then in consultation with his counsellors, the prudent king having come to a conclusion will, honouring them duly, desire his priest and his courtiers to set out in quest of Rsyaśộnga.

ते तु राज्ञो वचः श्रुत्वा व्यथिता विनताननाः। न गच्छेम ऋषेईता अनुनेयन्ति तं नृपम्॥

Thereupon hearing the king's words, with aggrieved hearts, and with heads hanging down, they will beseech the monarch, saying, Afraid of the saint, Vibhāndaka, we shall not be able to repair thither.

वक्ष्यन्ति चिन्तयित्वा ते तस्योपायांश्च तान् क्षमान्। आनेयामो वयं विप्रं न च दोषो भविष्यति॥

Anon hitting upon the appropriate means, they say, 'We will search for the Vipra, and no blame shall accrue to us.'

एवमङ्गाधिपेनैव गणिकाभिषेः सुतः। आनीतोऽवर्षयत् देवः शान्ता चास्मै प्रदीयते॥

Thus by help of courtesans, the saint's son was brought by the lord of the Angas. And then the god (Indra) poured down showers; and the king conferred on him śānta.

ऋष्यशृङ्गस्तु जामाता पुत्रांस्तव विधास्यति। सनत्कुमारकथितमेतावद् व्याहृतं मया॥

And now your son-in-law Rşyaśộnga will help you in obtaining a son. Now I have related to you what Sanatkumāra had communicated.

अथ हृष्टो दशरथः सुमन्त्रं प्रत्यभाषत। यथर्घ्यशृङ्गस्त्वानीतो येनोपायेन सोच्यताम्॥

Thereupon king Dasaratha, well pleased, asked Sumantra, Do you now tell me by what means Rşyaśộnga was brought over (by the lord of the Angas).

सुमन्त्रश्चोदितो राज्ञा प्रोवाचेदं वचस्तदा। यथर्घ्यशृङ्गस्त्वानीतो येनोपायेन मन्त्रिभिः॥

Thus asked by the king, Sumantra said these words-I will relate to you how the counsellors brought Rşyaśộnga. Do you listen with your counsellors!

रोमपादमुवाचेदं सहामात्यः पुरोहितः। उपायो निरपायोऽयमस्माभिरभिचिन्तितः॥

The priest together with the counsellors spoke to Romapada, saying, 'The means that we have hit upon can never fail of effect.'

ऋष्यशृङ्गो वनचरस्तपः स्वाध्यायसंयुतः। अनभिज्ञस्तु नारीणां विषयाणां सुखस्य च॥

Rşyaśộnga has been brought up in woods; and is engaged in austerities and the study of the Vedas. He is ignorant of the pleasure that ensues from contact with women,

इन्द्रियार्थैरभिमतैनरचित्तप्रमाथिभिः। पुरमानाययिष्यामः क्षिप्रं चाध्यवसीयताम्॥

By help of things agreeably ministering to the sense, and ravishing the soul, we shall bring him to the city. Do you, therefore, arrange for them!

गणिकास्तत्र गच्छन्तु रूपवत्यः स्वलंकृताः। प्रलोभ्य विविधोपायैरानेयन्तीह सत्कृताः॥

Let courtezans of comely presence, clad in ornaments, repair thither. And if well treated, they will by various means bring him here.'

श्रुत्वा तथेति राजा च प्रत्युवाच पुरोहितम्। पुरोहितो मन्त्रिणश्च तदा चक्रुश्च ते तथा॥

Hearing this, the king said to the priest, 'So be it!' Then the priest and courtiers acted accordingly.

वारमुख्यास्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा वनं प्रविविशुर्महत्। आश्रमस्याविदूरेऽस्मिन् यत्नं कुर्वन्ति दर्शने॥ ऋषेः पुत्रस्य धीरस्य नित्यमाश्रमवासिनः। पितुः स नित्यसंतुष्टो नातिचक्राम चाश्रमात्॥

In accordance with the instructions, the courtezans entered that great forest; and remaining at some distance from the hermitage, endeavoured to meet with the sober son of the saint ever dwelling in the woods. And satisfied with serving his sire, he never strayed from the hermitage.

न तेन जन्मप्रभृति दृष्टपूर्वं तपस्विना। स्त्री वा पुमान् वा यच्चान्यत् सत्त्वं नगरराष्ट्रजम्॥

Since his birth he had never before seen men and women, or any other creatures living in cities and towns.

ततः कदाचित् तं देशमाजगाम यदृच्छया। विभाण्डकसुतस्तत्र ताश्चपश्यद् वराङ्गनाः॥

It came to pass that on one occasion, walking about at will, Vibhandaka's son came to that spot and beheld the courtezans.

ताश्चित्रवेषाः प्रमदा गायन्त्यो मधुरस्वरम्। ऋषिपुत्रमुपागम्य सर्वा वचनमब्रुवन्॥

Colourfully attired, and singing sweet songs, the women came to the saint's son and said.

कस्त्वं किं वर्तसे ब्रह्मज्ञातुमिच्छामहे वयम्। एकस्त्वं विजने दूरे वने चरसि शंस नः॥

Who are you? And where are you going, O Brahman? We wish to learn all this. And why is it that you range alone this far-off forest?

अदृष्टरूपास्तास्तेन काम्यरूपा वने स्त्रियः। हार्दात्तस्य मतिर्जाता आख्यातुं पितरं स्वकम्॥

Beholding these beautiful damsels never seen before, he from delight, hastened to inform them of his lineage.

पिता विभाण्डकोऽस्माकं तस्याहं सुत औरसः। ऋष्यशृङ्ग इति ख्यातं नाम कर्म च मे भुवि॥

My father is Vibhăndaka; and I am his son. My name is Rşyasſiga and my occupation is known the world over.

इहाश्रमपदोऽस्माकं समीपे शुभदर्शनाः। करिष्ये वोऽत्र पूजां वै सर्वेषां विधिपूर्वकम्॥

This auspicious hermitage hard by belongs to us; and there I shall receive you all in due form O' lovely ones! .

ऋषिपुत्रवचः श्रुत्वा सर्वासां मतिरास वै। तदाश्रमपदं द्रष्टुं जग्मुः सर्वास्ततोऽङ्गनाः॥

Hearing the words of the saint's son, they all consented, and the women went to behold that asylum.

गतानां तु ततः पूजामृषिपुत्रश्चकार ह। इदमर्ध्यमिदं पाद्यमिदं मूलं फलं च नः॥

When they had come there, the saint's son received them hospitably, saying, 'Here is Arghya,' 'Here is water for washing the feet,' 'Here are fruits and roots.'

प्रतिगृह्य तु तां पूजां सर्वा एव समुत्सुकाः। ऋषेईताश्च शीघ्रं तु गमनाय मतिं दधुः॥

And thereupon they readily received his hospitality. And actuated by the fear of the saint, Vibhāndaka, they bent their minds upon departing soon.

अस्माकमपि मुख्यानि फलानीमानि हे द्विज । गृहाण विप्र भद्रं ते भक्षयस्व च मा चिरम्॥

They said, Do you also, O twice-born one, receive from us these excellent fruits! O Vipra! good betide you, eat them without delay.

ततस्तास्तं समालिङ्गय सर्वा हर्षसमन्विताः। मोदकान् प्रददुस्तस्मै भक्ष्यांश्च विविधाञ्शुमान्॥

Thereupon, embracing him joyfully, they gave him sweetmeats and various kinds of savoury viands.

तानि चास्वाद्य तेजस्वी फलानीति स्म मन्यते। अनास्वादितपूर्वाणि वने नित्यनिवासिनाम्॥

And tasting those things, the glorious one took them for fruits, never tasted before by the dwellers of the forest.

आपृच्छय च तदा विप्रं व्रतचर्यां निवेद्य च। गच्छन्ति स्मापदेशात्ता भीतास्तस्य पितुः स्त्रियः॥

Then, having accosted him the women, feigning the observance of some vow, went away, inspired with the fear of his father.

गतासु तासु सर्वासु काश्यपस्यात्मजो द्विजः। अस्वस्थहृदयश्चासीद् दुःखाच्च परिवर्तते॥

And when they had gone, that twice-born one, Kasyapa's son, became sad, and suffered from grief of heart and became restless due to sadness.

ततोऽपरेधुस्तं देशमाजगाम स वीर्यवान्। विभाण्डकसुतः श्रीमान् मनसाचिन्तयन्मुहुः॥ मनोज्ञा यत्र ता दृष्टा वारमुख्याः स्वलंकृताः।

And the next day his mind momentarily running upon it, the graceful son of Vibhāņdaka, endowed with prowess, came to that spot where he had encountered the comely courtesans, adorned with ornaments.

दृष्ट्वैव च ततो विप्रमायान्तं हृष्टमानसाः॥ उपसृत्य ततः सर्वास्तास्तमूचुरिदं वचः। एह्याश्रमपदं सौम्य अस्माकमिति चाब्रुवन् ॥

As soon as they observed him coming, they came forward, and said, Do you, O Brāhmaṇa, come into our hermitage.

चित्राण्यत्र बहूनि स्युर्मूलानि च फलानि च। तत्राप्येष विशेषेण विधिर्हि भविता ध्रुवम्॥

There are in that asylum diverse kinds of fruits and roots; and there you will surely feed your fill.

श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तासां सर्वासां हृदयङ्गमम्। गमनाय मतिं चक्रे तं च निन्युस्तथा स्त्रियः॥

Thereupon hearing those words of theirs capable of influencing the heart, he became bent upon going, and the women brought him away.

तत्र चानीयमाने तु विप्रे तस्मिन् महात्मनि । ववर्ष सहसा देवो जगत् प्रह्लादयंस्तदा॥

When that great-souled Vipra had been brought over, the god, Indra, suddenly poured forth plenteous showers, enlivening the spirits of men.

वर्षेणैवागतं विप्रं तापसं स नराधिपः। प्रत्युद्गम्य मुनिं प्रह्वः शिरसा च महीं गतः॥

When the ascetic had arrived, with showers, the king approached him in bumble guise, bending his head to the ground.

अर्घ्यं च प्रददौ तस्मै न्यायतः सुसमाहितः। वने प्रसादं विप्रेन्द्रान्मा विप्रं मन्युराविशेत् ॥

He offered him Arghya in due form, and with a collected mind; and asked for his favour, so that wrath could not influence the Vipra.

अन्तःपुरं प्रवेश्यास्मै कन्यां दत्त्वा यथाविधि। शान्तां शान्तेन मनसा राजा हर्षमवाप सः॥

And taking him into the inner apartments, and in due form conferring upon him in sober mood his daughter śāntā, the king became happy.

एवं स न्यवसत् तत्र सर्वकामैः सुपूजितः। ऋष्यशृङ्गो महातेजाः शान्तया सह भार्यया॥

Thus the highly powerful Rşyaśřnga together with his wife śāntä, began to live there, respectfully ministered to in regard to every desire.

भूय एव हि राजेन्द्र शृणु मे वचनं हितम्। यथा स देवप्रवरः कथयामास बुद्धिमान्॥

And he said again, O foremost of monarchs, do you listen to me as I relate how that intelligent Sanatkumāra, best of deities, spoke.

इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले जातो भविष्यति सुधार्मिकः। नाम्ना दशरथो राजा श्रीमान् सत्यप्रतिश्रवः॥

In the line of Ikşvāku will be born a righteous king, named Dasaratha, fair of form, and firm in promise.

अङ्गराजेन सख्यं च तस्य राज्ञो भविष्यति। कन्या चास्य महाभागा शान्ता नाम भविष्यति॥ पुत्रस्त्वङ्गस्य। राज्ञस्तु रोमपाद इति श्रुतः। तं स राजा दशरथो गमिष्यति महायशाः।४॥ अनपत्योऽस्मि धर्मात्मन्शान्ताभर्ता मम क्रतुम्। आहरेत त्वयाऽऽज्ञप्त: संतानार्थे कुलस्य च ॥

That king will contract friendship with the ruler of the Angas. And the latter will have a highly pious daughter, śāntā by name. And the (old) king of the Angas will have a son, named Romapāda. And repairing to him, the highly famous king Dasaratha will speak to Romapada, O righteous-souled one! I am without issue. Let śāntā's husband, desired by you, take charge of this sacrifice of mine, to be celebrated with the object of my obtaining a son to perpetuate the race.

श्रुत्वा राज्ञोऽथ तद्वाक्यं मनसा स विचिन्त्य च। प्रदास्यते पुत्रवन्तं शान्ताभर्तारमात्मवान्॥

Hearing these words of the king, and having pondered well, he will make over to him Rsyasînga of subdued senses, together with Santa and his children.

प्रतिगृह्य च तं विप्रं स राजा विगतज्वरः। आहरिष्यति तं यज्ञं प्रहृष्टेनान्तरात्मना ॥

And taking that Vipra, that king, his mind free from anxiety, with a glad heart, will prepare for that sacrifice.

तं च राजा दशरथो यशस्कामः कृताञ्जलिः। ऋष्यशृङ्ग द्विजश्रेष्ठं वरयिष्यति धर्मवित्॥ यज्ञार्थं प्रसवार्थं च स्वर्गार्थं च नरेश्वरः। लभते च स तं कामं द्विजमुख्याद् विशांपतिः॥

And king Dasaratha, knowing duty and desirous of fame, with the intention of obtaining offspring and heaven, with folded hands, will appoint that best of Brahmanas, Rsyasriga, to conduct the ceremony. And that bringer of good will attain his object at the hands of that foremost of Brāhmaṇas.

पुत्राश्चास्य भविष्यन्ति चत्वारोऽमितविक्रमाः। वंशप्रतिष्ठानकराः सर्वभूतेषु विश्रुताः॥ एवं स देवप्रवरः पूर्वं कथितवान् कथाम्। सनत्कुमारो भगवान् पुरा देवयुगे प्रभुः॥

And four sons will be born to him of immeasurable prowess, bringing fame to the family, and known by all.' Thus spoke formerly in the divine age, that worshipful and foremost of deities, Sanatkumāra.

स त्वं पुरुषशार्दूल समानय सुसत्कृतम्। स्वयमेव महाराज गत्वा सबलवाहनः॥

Therefore, do you, O tiger among men, repairing there, accompanied with your forces and equipage, yourself, O mighty king, bring Rşyasſrga over with due honours.

सुमन्तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा हृष्टो दशरथोऽभवत्। अनुमान्य वसिष्ठं च सूतवाक्यं निशाम्य च॥ सान्तःपुरः सहामात्यः प्रययौ यत्र स द्विजः।

Hearing Sumantra's words, Dasaratha was exceedingly delighted. And hearing these words, and permitted by Vasistha, he, accompanied with the ladies, and his courtiers, set out for the place where that twice-born one was.

वनानि सरितश्चैव व्यतिक्रम्य शनैः शनैः॥ भचक्राम तं देशं यत्र वै मुनिपुङ्गवः।

And gradually passing by woods and fells, he arrived at the place where that foremost of ascetics was.

आसाद्य तं द्विजश्रेष्ठं रोमपादसमीपगम्॥ ऋषिपुत्रं ददर्शाथो दीप्यमानमिवानलम्।

And coming before that best of regenerate ones, he saw that sage's son near Romapāda, like that of a flaming fire.

ततो राजा यथायोग्यं पूजां चक्रे विशेषतः॥ सखित्वात् तस्य वै राज्ञः प्रहष्टेनान्तरात्मना। रोमपादेन चाख्यातमृषिपुत्राय धीमते॥ सख्यं सम्बन्धकं चैव तदा तं प्रत्यपूजयत्।

Then the king received him respectfully, and with a delighted mind, on account of the friendship he bore him. He communicated to the intelligent son of the saint, the fact of their intimacy, and then the latter paid homage to Dasaratha.

एवं सुसत्कृतस्तेन सहोषित्वा नरर्षभः॥ सप्ताष्टदिवसान् राजा राजानमिदमब्रवीत्। शान्ता तव सुता राजन् सह भर्ना विशाम्पते॥ मदीयं नगरं यातु कार्य हि महदुद्यतम्।

Having passed seven or eight days with Romapäda, receiving high honours, that foremost of men, Dasaratha spoke to Romapada,. saying, Let your daughter, O king, together with her husband, O lord of men, repair to my city. I am going to be engaged in a mighty enterprise.

तथेति राजा संश्रुत्य गमनं तस्य धीमतः॥ उवाच वचनं विप्रं गच्छ त्वं सह भार्यया। ऋषिपुत्रः प्रतिश्रुत्य तथेत्याह नृपं तदा॥

Hearing this as to the journey of that intelligent one, the king said to that Vipra, Do you repair with your wife! Thereupon the saint's son, promising to go, said to the king, So be it!

स नृपेणाभ्यनुज्ञातः प्रययौ सह भार्यया। तावन्योन्याञ्जलिं कृत्वा स्नेहात्संश्लिष्य चोरसा ॥ ननन्दतुर्दशरथो रोमपादश्च वीर्यवान्। ततः सुहृदमापृच्छ्य प्रस्थितो रघुनन्दनः॥

Then with the king's permission, he set out with his wife. Dasaratha and the puissant Romapāda clasping each other by the palm, and embracing each other in affection, attained excess. of joy. Then Raghu's son, bidding farewell to his friend, set out.

पौरेषु प्रेषयामास दूतान् वै शीघ्रगामिनः। क्रियतां नगरं सर्वं क्षिप्रमेव स्वलंकृतम्॥ धूपितं सिक्तसम्मृष्टं पताकाभिरलंकृतम्।

He despatched swift messengers to the citizens, saying, Let the entire city be embellished; let it be perfumed with dhupa, and watered and decked with pennons.

ततः प्रहृष्टाः पौरास्ते श्रुत्वा राजानमागतम्॥ तथा चक्रुश्च तत् सर्वं राज्ञा यत् प्रेषितं तदा।

Hearing of the king's approach, the citizens joyfully did every thing as per message they had been communicated.

ततः स्वलंकृतं राजा नगरं प्रविवेश ह॥ शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिहादैः पुरस्कृत्वा द्विजर्षभम्।

Then the monarch, preceded by the foremost of Brāhmanas before him, entered the decorated city, to the blares of conches and drums.

ततः प्रमुदिताः सर्वे दृष्ट्वा वै नागरा द्विजम् ॥ प्रवेश्यमानं सत्कृत्य नरेन्द्रणेन्द्रकर्मणा। यथा दिवि सुरेन्द्रेण सहस्राक्षेण काश्यपम्॥

And beholding that Brāhmaṇa entering the city, duly honoured by the prime of men; subservient to Indra, like to Kaśyapa's son entering the celestial regions honoured of the thousand eyed lord of the celestials, all the citizens rejoiced exceedingly.

अन्तःपुरं प्रवेश्यैनं पूजां कृत्वा च शास्त्रतः। कृतकृत्यं तदात्मानं मेने तस्योपवाहनात्॥

Then taking him into the inner apartment, and paying him homage according to the ordinance, the king considered himself as having gained his object, in consequence of the presence of that Brahmana.

अन्त:पुराणि सर्वाणि शान्तां दृष्ट्वा तथागताम्। सह भ; विशालाक्षीं प्रीत्यानन्दमुपागमन्॥

And all the inmates of the inner apartment, seeing the large-eyed Săntă thus arrived with her husband, experienced excess of joy.

पूज्यमाना तु ताभिः सा राज्ञा चैव विशेषतः। उवास तत्र सुखिता कञ्चित् कालं सहद्विजा ॥

Then honoured by them and the king in especial, she happily spent there some time along with that twice-born one.

पुनः प्राप्ते वसन्ते तु पूर्णः संवत्सरोऽभवत्। प्रसवार्थं गतो यष्टुं हयमेधेन वीर्यवान्॥

When after a full one year, spring had again appeared on the face of the earth, the puissant king, intent upon getting offspring through the horse-sacrifice, sough Vasistha's side.

अभिवाद्य वसिष्ठं च न्यायतः प्रतिपूज्य च। अब्रवीत् प्रश्रितं वाक्यं प्रसवार्थं द्विजोत्तमम्॥

Having saluted Vasiştha and duly paid him homage, he humbly spoke to that best of twiceborn ones, with the intention of having offspring.

यज्ञो मे क्रियतां ब्रह्मन् यथोक्तं मुनिपुङ्गव। यथा न विघ्नाः क्रियन्ते यज्ञाङ्गेषु विधीयताम्॥

O Brahman, undertake to perform this sacrifice of mine, according to the ordinance, O foremost of ascetics! do you order so that no impediment may happen to the sacrifice!.

भवान् स्निग्धः सुहृन्मह्यं गुरुश्च परमो महान्। वोढव्यो भवता चैव भारो यज्ञस्य चोद्यतः॥

You are my kind friend, and prime and mighty spiritual guide. Engaged in it, you will have to bear the entire burden of the ceremony.

तथेति च स राजानमब्रवीद् द्विजसत्तमः। करिष्ये सर्वमेवैतद् भवता यत् समर्थितम्॥

Thereupon that best of Brāhmaṇas said to the king, 'So be it! I will do all that you asked.

ततोऽब्रवीद् द्विजान् वृद्धान् यज्ञकर्मसु निष्ठितान्। स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान् परमधार्मिकान्॥ कर्मान्तिकाशिल्पकारान् वर्धकीन् खनकानपि। गणकाशिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान्॥ तथा शुचीशास्त्रविदः पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान्। यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात्॥

He then said to the old Brāhmaṇas well-up in sacrificial affairs, and experienced car-makers, and highly pious aged people, and servants, carrying on the ceremonial operations till the end, and artists, and carpenters, and diggers, and astrologers, and artizans, and dancers, and conductors of theatres, and pure and learned persons variously versed in knowledge, Do you, in obedience to the royal mandate, engage in the sacrificial work!

इष्टका बहुसाहस्री शीघ्रमानीयतामिति। उपकार्याः क्रियन्तां च राज्ञो बहुगुणान्विताः॥

And fetch bricks by thousands. And do raise structures for the kings, commanding every convenience.

ब्राह्मणावसथाश्चैव कर्तव्याः शतशः शुभाः। भक्ष्यान्नपानैर्बहुभिः समुपेताः सुनिष्ठिताः॥

Do you rear goodly and comfortable buildings by hundreds for the Brāhmaṇas, replenished with various meats and drinks.

तथा पौरजनस्यापि कर्तव्याश्च सुविस्तराः। आगतानां सुदूराच्च पार्थिवानां पृथक् पृथक् ॥ वाजिवारणशालाश्च तथा शय्यागृहाणि च। भटानां महदावासा वैदेशिकनिवासिनाम्॥

You should provide spacious apartments for the citizens and the dwellers, of provinces, and separate quarters for the princes, coming from foreign parts. And stables and sleeping apartments be raised for warriors coming from foreign countries.

आवासा बहुभक्ष्या वै सर्वकामैरुपस्थिताः। तथा पौरजनस्यापि जनस्य बहुशोभनम्॥ दातव्यमनं विधिवत् सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया। सर्वे वर्णा यथा पूजां प्राप्नुवन्ति सुसत्कृताः॥ न चावज्ञा प्रयोक्तव्या कामक्रोधवशादपि।

And dwellings filled with diverse kinds of viands, and commanding everything desirable, and mansions for the lower orders of the citizens, exceedingly beautiful to behold. And meats should be duly dispensed with all hospitality, and not in the indifference of festive occasions, so that all may regard themselves as honourably entertained. And none should be disregarded out of lust or passion.

यज्ञकर्मसु ये व्यग्राः पुरुषाः शिल्पिनस्तथा॥ तेषामपि विशेषेण पूजा कार्या यथाक्रमम्।

Those persons, and artizans, that will labour eagerly in the sacrifice, should by turns, be especially entertained.

ये स्युः सम्पूजिताः सर्वे वसुभिर्भोजनेन च॥ यथा सर्वं सुविहितं न किंचित् परिहीयते। तथा भवन्तः कुर्वन्तु प्रीतियुक्तेन चेतसा ।१७॥

And servants, who being entertained with gifts, do everything completely, and omit nothing. And do you, with hearts mollified by love, act so, that all our friends be well pleased with us.

ततः सर्वे समागम्य वसिष्ठमिदमब्रुवन्। यथेष्ठं तत् सुविहितं न किंचित् परिहीयते॥ यथोक्तं तत् करिष्यामो न किंचित् परिहास्यते। ततः सुमन्त्रमाहूय वसिष्ठो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ निमन्त्रयस्व नृपतीन् पृथिव्यां ये च धार्मिकाः। ब्राह्मणान् क्षत्रियान् वैश्याशूद्रांश्चैव सहस्रशः॥

Then they approached Vasistha, saying, Everything has been performed properly, without anything being left out. And what you say shall be performed, and nothing words, Do you invite all those kings that are pious, and Brāhmaṇas, and Kșatriyas and Sūdras, by thousands. And do you with due honours bring people from all countries.

समानयस्व सत्कृत्य सर्वदेशेषु मानवान्। मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यवादिनम्॥ तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृतम्। पूर्वं सम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा ततः पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते॥

With proper honour yourself bring the righteous, truthful, and heroic Janaka, lord of Mithilā. And it is because he is our old friend that I first mention him.

तथा काशिपति स्निग्धं सततं प्रियवादिनम्। सद्वृत्तं देवसंकाशं स्वयमेवानयस्व ह ॥

Then do yourself bring the amiable and ever fair-spoken lord of Kāśī, of excellent character, resembling a celestial.

तथा केकयराजानं वृद्धं परमधार्मिकम्। श्वशुरं राजसिंहस्य सपुत्रं तमिहानय॥

Then do you bring here along with his son, the highly-pious, old king of Kekaya, who is the father-in-law of this tiger of a monarch.

अङ्गेश्वरं महेष्वासं रोमपादं सुसत्कृतम्। वयस्यं राजसिंहस्य सपुत्रं तमिहानय॥

Then also bring with due honours the king of Anga, and that mighty archer, the illustrious Romapada, the friend of that lion among the kings, along with his son.

तथा कोसलराजानं भानुमन्तं सुसत्कृतम्। मगधाधिपति शूरं सर्वशास्त्रविशारदम्॥ प्राप्तिज्ञं परमोदारं सत्कृतं पुरुषर्षभम्। राज्ञः शासनमादाय चोदयस्व नृपर्षभान्। प्राचीनान् सिन्धुसौवीरान्सौराष्ट्रेयांश्च पार्थिवान्॥ दाक्षिणात्यान् नरेन्द्रांश्च समस्तानानयस्व ह। सन्ति स्निग्धाश्च ये चान्ये राजानः पृथिवीतले ॥ तानानय यथा क्षिप्रं सानुगान् सहबान्धवान्। एतान् दूतैर्महाभागैरानयस्व नृपाज्ञया॥

Also bring with due respect the puissant king of Kosala. The heroic, and highly generous lord of Magadha, versed in all branches of learning. And in accordance with the mandate of the king, do invite the foremost monarchs! And summon the king, of the East, of the Sindhu and Sauvīra countries, and of Saurastra, and of the South! And speedily bring those monarchs that are attached to us, together with their friends and followers, the mandate of the monarch, bring over these, despatching dignified emissaries.

वसिष्ठवाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितं तदा। व्यादिशत् पुरुषांस्तत्र राज्ञामानयने शुभान्॥

Having heard those words of Vasistha, Sumantra speedily ordered the emissaries to bring the kings.

स्वयमेव हि धर्मात्मा प्रयातो मुनिशासनात्। सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितो भूत्वा समानेतुं महामतिः॥

The virtuous Sumantra, in accordance with the injunction of the ascetic, himself speedily set out for the purpose of bringing the monarchs.