For much I long to hear the tale.”

Moved by his words, the saintly man

Viśálá's ancient tale began:

“List, Ráma, list, with closest heed

The tale of Indra's wondrous deed,

And mark me as I truly tell

What here in ancient days befell.

Ere Krita's famous Age[200] had fled,

Strong were the sons of Diti[201] bred;

And Aditi's brave children too