And moment of auspicious power.

Vaśishṭha, virtuous, far renowned,

Whose young disciples girt him round,

With sacred things without delay

Through the fair city took his way.

He traversed, where the people thronged,

And all for Ráma's coming longed,

The town as fair in festive show

As his who lays proud cities low.[278]

He reached the palace where he heard