That worlds might weep by thee undone,

Thou like the dead henceforth shalt be:

Such is the curse I lay on thee.”

Senseless he lay, nor spoke nor stirred;

Such was the power of Brahmá's word.

But Rávaṇ, troubled for his sake,

Thus to the Self-existent spake:

“Who lops the tree his care has reared

When golden fruit has first appeared?

Not thus, O Brahmá, deal with one