My cooks shall mince thy flesh with steel

And serve it for my morning meal.”

Thus with terrific threats to her

Spake Rávaṇ, cruel ravener.

Mad with the rage her answer woke

He called the fiendish train and spoke:

“Take her, ye Rákshas dames, who fright

With hideous form and mien the sight,

Who make the flesh of men your food,—

And let her pride be soon subdued.”