Shall lead us forth to rout and slay.

Not ours to bribe or soothe or part

The foeman's force with gentle art,

Doomed, conquered by our might, to feel

The vengeance of the warrior's steel.”

The Rákshas monarch heard, and moved

By flattering hopes the speech approved:

“Hear me,” he cried, “great chieftain, tell

What in the olden time befell,—

A secret tale which, long suppressed,