And sought his onward way anew.

He pierced the mighty forest where

Roamed many a deer and pard and bear:

Its ruined pools he scarce could see.

For creeper rent and prostrate tree,

Where shrill cicada's cries were heard,

And plaintive notes of many a bird.

Deep in the thickets of the wood

With Lakshmaṇ and his spouse he stood,

There in the horrid shade he saw