What hermit dwelt here long ago.”

Then to the prince his holy guide,

Most eloquent of men, replied:

“O Ráma, listen while I tell

Whose was this grove, and what befell

When in the fury of his rage

The high saint cursed the hermitage.

This was the grove—most lovely then—

Of Gautam, O thou best of men,

Like heaven itself, most honoured by