सर्ग ३४

Thus spoke the dame in mournful mood, And Hanumán his speech renewed: “O lady, by thy lord’s decree I come a messenger to thee. Thy lord is safe with steadfast friends, And greeting to his queen he sends, And Lakshmaṇ, ever faithful bows His reverent head to Ráma’s spouse.”

Through all her frame the rapture ran, As thus again the dame began: “Now verily the truth I know Of the wise saw of long ago: “Once only in a hundred years True joy to living man appears.”

He marked her rapture-beaming hue, And nearer to the lady drew, But at each onward step he took Suspicious fear her spirit shook. “Alas, Alas,” she cried in fear. “False is the tale I joyed to hear. ’Tis Rávaṇ, ’tis the fiend, who tries To mock me with a new disguise. If thou, to wring my woman’s heart, Hast changed thy shape by magic art, And wouldst a helpless dame beguile, The wicked deed is doubly vile. But no: that fiend thou canst not be: Such joy I had from seeing thee. But if my fancy does not err, And thou art Ráma’s messenger, The glories of my lord repeat: For to these ears such words are sweet.”

The Vánar knew the lady’s thought,(856) And gave the answer fondly sought: “Bright as the sun that lights the sky Dear as the Moon to every eye. He scatters blessings o’er the land Like bounties from Vaiśravaṇ’s(857) hand. Like Vishṇu strong and unsubdued, Unmatched in might and fortitude. Wise, truthful as the Lord of Speech, With gentle words he welcomes each. Of noblest mould and form is he, Like love’s incarnate deity. He quells the fury of the foe, And strikes when justice prompts the blow. Safe in the shadow of his arm The world is kept from scathe and harm. Now soon shall Rávaṇ rue his theft, And fall, of realm and life bereft. For Ráma’s wrathful hand shall wing His shafts against the giant king. The day, O Maithil Queen, is near When he and Lakshmaṇ will be here, And by their side Sugríva lead His countless hosts of Vánar breed. Sugríva’s servant, I, by name Hanumán, by his order came. With desperate leap I crossed the sea To Lanká’s isle in search of thee, No traitor, gentle dame, am I: Upon my word and faith rely.”