"O King of men, mine ancient friend, (Thus Daśaratha prayed), Thy Śántá with her husband send My sacrifice to aid." Said he who ruled the Angas, "Yea," And his consent was won:-- And then at once he turned away To warn the hermit's son. He told him of their ties beyond Their old affection's faithful bond:-- "This King," he said, "from days of old A well beloved friend I hold. To me this pearl of dames he gave From childless woe mine age to save, The daughter whom he loved so much, Moved by compassion's gentle touch. In him thy Śántá's father see:-- As I am, even so is he. For sons the childless monarch yearns, To thee alone for help he turns. Go thou, the sacred rite ordain To win the sons he prays to gain:-- Go, with thy wife thy succor lend, And give his vows a blissful end." The hermit's son with quick accord Obeyed the Angas' mighty lord, And with fair Śántá at his side To Daśaratha's city hied. Each king, with suppliant hands upheld, Gazed on the other's face:-- And then by mutual love impelled Met in a close embrace. Then Daśaratha's thoughtful care, Before he parted thence, Bade trusty servants homeward bear The glad intelligence:-- "Let all the town be bright and gay, With burning incense sweet; Let banners wave, and water lay The dust in every street." Glad were the citizens to learn The tidings of their lord's return, And through the city every man Obediently his task began. And fair and bright Ayodhyá showed, As following his guest he rode Through the full streets, where shell and drum Proclaimed aloud the King was come. And all the people with delight Kept gazing on their king, Attended by that youth so bright, The glorious Rishyaśring. When to his home the King had brought The hermit's saintly son, He deemed that all his task was wrought, And all he prayed for won. And lords who saw the stranger dame So beautiful to view, Rejoiced within their hearts, and came And paid her honor, too. There Rishyaśring passed blissful days, Graced like the King with love and praise, And shone in glorious light with her, Sweet Śántá for his minister, As Brahmá's son Vaśishtha, he Who wedded Saint Arundhatí. CANTO XI THE SACRIFICE DECREED