Thou turnedst to thy rites away

Leaving the earth to Kaśyap's sway,

And wentest far a grove to seek

Beneath Mahendra's[255] mountain peak.

Now, mighty Hermit, art thou here

To slay us all with doom severe?

For if alone my Ráma fall,

We share his fate and perish all.”

As thus the aged sire complained

The mighty chief no answer deigned.