And quelled thee in victorious fray?”

His breast with burning fury fired,

Thus Khara of the fiend inquired:

And then with many a tear and sigh

Thus Śúrpaṇakhá made reply:

“'Tis Daśaratha's sons, a pair

Strong, resolute, and young, and fair:

In coats of dark and blackdeer's hide,

And like the radiant lotus eyed:

On berries roots and fruit they feed,