And now my shaft shall strike his heart.

Vatápi, by his magic power

Made heedless saints his flesh devour,

Then, from within their frames he rent

Forth bursting from imprisonment.

But once his art in senseless pride

Upon the mightiest saint he tried,

Agastya's self, and caused him taste

The baited meal before him placed.

Vátápi, when the rite was o'er,