I count this thing an omen fair

That thou shouldst thus thy wish declare,

And I, my Prince, will gladly teach

The way Agastya's home to reach.

Southward, dear son, direct thy feet

Eight leagues beyond this still retreat:

Agastya's hermit brother there

Dwells in a home most bright and fair.

'Tis on a knoll of woody ground,

With many a branching Pippal[426] crowned: