Canto XXII. Dasaratha's Speech.

His tortured senses all astray,

While the hapless monarch lay,

Then slowly gathering thought and strength

To Viśvámitra spoke at length:

“My son is but a child, I ween;

This year he will be just sixteen.

How is he fit for such emprise,

My darling with the lotus eyes?

A mighty army will I bring