Sublime in air his course he took

O'er wood and rock and lake and brook.

He passed at length the sounding sea

Where monstrous creatures wander free,—

Seat of Lord Varuṇ's ancient reign,

Controller of the eternal main.

The angry waves were raised and tossed

As Rávaṇ with the lady crossed,

And fish and snake in wild unrest

Showed flashing fin and gleaming crest.