  Then to the saint supremely wise King Janak spoke in suppliant guise: “Deign, Hermit, with attentive ear, Mv race's origin to hear. When kings a daughter's hand bestow, 'Tis right their line and fame to show. There was a king whose deeds and worth Spread wide his name through heaven and earth, Nimi, most virtuous e'en from youth, The best of all who love the truth. His son and heir was Mithi, and His Janak, first who ruled this land. He left a son UdÁvasu, Blest with all virtues, good and true. His son was Nandivardhan, dear For pious heart and worth sincere. His son Suketu, hero brave, To DevarÁt, existence gave. King DevarÁt, a royal sage, For virtue, glory of the age, Begot Vrihadratha; and he Begot, his worthy heir to be, The splendid hero MahÁbÍr Who long in glory governed here. His son was Sudhriti, a youth Firm in his purpose, brave in sooth, His son was Dhris?aketu, blest With pious will and holy breast. The fame of royal saint he won: Harya?va was his princely son. Harya?va's son was Maru, who Begot PratÍndhak, wise and true. Next KÍrtiratha held the throne, His son, for gentle virtues known. Then followed Devamidha, then Vibudh, MahÁndhrak, kings of men. MahÁndhrak's son, of boundless might, Was KÍrtirÁt, who loved the right. He passed away, a sainted king, And MahÁromÁ following To Swar?aromÁ left the state. Then Hra?varomÁ, good and great, Succeeded, and to him a pair Of sons his royal consort bare, Elder of these I boast to be: Brave Ku?adhwaj is next to me.251 Me then, the elder of the twain, My sire anointed here to reign. He bade me tend my brother well, Then to the forest went to dwell. He sought the heavens, and I sustained The burden as by law ordained, And noble Ku?adhwaj, the peer Of Gods, I ever held most dear. Then came SÁnkÁ?yÁ's mighty lord, SudhanvÁ, threatening siege and sword, And bade me swift on him bestow ?iva's incomparable bow, [pg 083]And SÍtÁ of the lotus eyes: But I refused each peerless prize. Then, host to host, we met the foes, And fierce the din of battle rose, SudhanvÁ, foremost of his band, Fell smitten by my single hand. When thus SÁnkÁ?yÁ's lord was slain, I sanctified, as laws ordain, My brother in his stead to reign, Thus are we brothers, Saint most high The younger he, the elder I. Now, mighty Sage, my spirit joys To give these maidens to the boys. Let SÍtÁ be to RÁma tied. And UrmilÁ be Lakshma?'s bride. First give, O King, the gift of cows, As dowry of each royal spouse, Due offerings to the spirits pay, And solemnize the wedding-day. The moon tonight, O royal Sage, In MaghÁ's252 House takes harbourage; On the third night his rays benign In second PhÁlguni253 will shine: Be that the day, with prosperous fate, The nuptial rites to celebrate.” |
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