Home > Library > New > Anonymous > The Ramayana > Book Vi. Canto Xxx. S'ard'ula's Speech

Book Vi. Canto Xxx. S'ard'ula's Speech

Canto Xxx.: Srdla'S Speech.


They told their lord that Rma still

Lay waiting by Suvela's hill.

The tyrant, flushed with angry glow,

Heard of the coming of the foe,

And thus with close inquiry pressed

S'rdla spokesman for the rest:

'Why art thou sad, night-rover? speak:

Has grief or terror changed thy cheek?

Have the wild Vnars' hostile bands

Assailed thee with their mighty hands?

S'rdla heard, but scarce might speak;

His trembling tones were faint and weak;

'O Giant King, in vain we try

The purpose of the foe to spy.

Their strength and number none may tell,

And Rma guards his legions well.

He leaves no hope to prying eyes,

And parley with the chiefs denies:

Each road and path a Vnar guard,

Of mountain size, has closed and barred.

Soon as my feet an entrance found

By giants was I seized and bound,

And wounded sore I fell beneath

Their fists and knees and hands and teeth.

Then trembling, bleeding, wellnigh dead

To Rma's presence was I led.

He in his mercy stooped to save,

And freedom to the captive gave.

With rocks and shattered mountains he

Has bridged his way athwart the sea,

And he and all his legions wait

Embattled close to Lank's gate.

Soon will the host thy wall assail,

And, swarming on, the rampart scale,

Now, O my King, his consort yield,

Or arm thee with the sword and shield.

This choice is left thee: choose between

Thy safety and the Maithil queen. 1
john 14 old testament| john 14 old testament
Home > Library > New > Anonymous > The Ramayana > Book Vi. Canto Xxx. S'ard'ula's Speech