While Raghu's sons took nearer place

By virtue of their rank and race.

Then Ráma said: “O Saint, I yearn

The three-pathed Gangá's tale to learn.”

Thus urged, the sage recounted both

The birth of Gangá and her growth:

“The mighty hill with metals stored,

Himálaya, is the mountains' lord,

The father of a lovely pair

Of daughters fairest of the fair: