To Lakshmaṇ spake the lord of men:

“Now first the shades of night descend

Since to the wilds our steps we bend.

Joy to thee, brother! do not grieve

For our dear home and all we leave.

The woods unpeopled seem to weep

Around us, as their tenants creep

Or fly to lair and den and nest,

Both bird and beast, to seek their rest.

Methinks Ayodhyá's royal town