Leave foes unworthy of thy might.”

Thus Lakshmaṇ spoke: and Lanká's lord

Heard the dread thunder of the cord.

And mad with burning rage and pride

In hasty words like these replied:

“Joy, joy is mine, O Raghu's son:

Thy fate to-day thou canst not shun.

Slain by mine arrows thou shalt tread

The gloomy pathway of the dead.”

Thus as he spoke his bow he drew,