His brethren to his soul are dear.

And if the throne Prince Ráma fill

Bharat will share the empire still.”

She ceased. The troubled damsel sighed

Sighs long and hot, and thus replied:

“What madness has possessed thy mind,

To warnings deaf, to dangers blind?

Canst thou not see the floods of woe

That threaten o'er thine head to flow:

First Ráma will the throne acquire,