If a false and lying scandal brings a faithful woman shame,
Witness of our sins and virtues, may this fire protect my fame!
If in lifelong loving duty I am free from sin and blame,
Witness of our sins and virtues, may this fire protect my fame!
R. C. Dutt's trans.
32
THE CORONATION OF RAMA AND SITA
Fearlessly she then leapt amidst the flames and vanished, while all lamented around her. Rama cried: “This day have I sinned, because she is innocent.”
In that hour a great wonder was wrought. Suddenly the Deva-rishis and Gandharvas and the gods appeared in the air. At the same time the red flames of the mighty pyre were divided, and the god Agni came forth with Sita, whom he delivered to Rama, saying: “Receive thy wife who is without sin or shame.”