He raised his voice the king to bless,

And sate him on a seat where he

Full in his brother's sight should be.

The chieftain there, while none could hear,

Spoke his true speech for Rávaṇ's ear,

And to his words of wisdom lent

The force of weightiest argument:

“O brother, hear! since Ráma's queen

A captive in thy house has been,

Disastrous omens day by day