Dire battle with the demon foes.”

While thus spoke Ráma borne away

By longing for the deadly fray,

See! bursting from the altar came

The sudden glory of the flame.

Round priest and deacon, and upon

Grass, ladles, flowers, the splendour shone,

And the high rite, in order due,

With sacred texts began anew.

But then a loud and fearful roar