Down to the nails upon thy feet,

First of the household thou shalt go

And pay with scorn each battled foe.”

Kaikeyí's praise the damsel heard,

And thus again her lady stirred,

Who lay upon her beauteous bed

Like fire upon the altar fed:

“Dear Queen, they build the bridge in vain

When swollen streams are dry again.

Arise, thy glorious task complete,