Spent the long years in sternest rites.”

Canto XLIX. Ahalyá Freed.

Then Ráma, following still his guide,

Within the grove, with Lakshmaṇ, hied,

Her vows a wondrous light had lent

To that illustrious penitent.

He saw the glorious lady, screened

From eye of man, and God, and fiend,

Like some bright portent which the care