Mute, with clasped hands, his head he bent,

And stood before him reverent.

His honoured guest he greeted well,

Who bade him of his welfare tell;

Gave water for his blessed feet,

Brought offerings,[48] and prepared a seat.

In honoured place the God Most High

Sate down, and bade the saint sit nigh.

There sate before Válmíki's eyes

The Father of the earth and skies;