Though sharp and fierce their tenour ran,

Thus to his brother chief began:

“O Lakshmaṇ, thou art much to blame

Leaving alone the Maithil dame,

And flying hither to my side:

O, may no ill my spouse betide!

But ah, I know my wife is dead,

And giants on her limbs have fed,

So strange, so terrible are all

The omens which my heart appal.