Would take the giant form he wore,

But Saint Agastya knew his wile

And checked the giant with smile.

“Vátápi, thou with cruel spite

Hast conquered many an anchorite

The noblest of the Bráhman caste,—

And now thy ruin comes at last.”

Now if my power he thus defies,

This giant, like Vátápi dies,

Daring to scorn a man like me,