Canto I. Nárad.[7]
To sainted Nárad, prince of those
Whose lore in words of wisdom flows.
Whose constant care and chief delight
Were Scripture and ascetic rite,
The good Válmíki, first and best
Of hermit saints, these words addressed:[9]
“In all this world, I pray thee, who
Is virtuous, heroic, true?
Firm in his vows, of grateful mind,