Canto XXVI. The Vánar Chiefs.

“Not if the Gods in heaven who dwell,

Gandharvas, and the fiends of hell

In banded opposition rise

Against me, will I yield my prize.

Still trembling from the ungentle touch

Of Vánar hands ye fear too much,

And bid me, heedless of the shame,

Give to her lord the Maithil dame.”

Thus spoke the king in stern reproof;