They answered: "As thou seest fit So will we do and nought omit." The sage Vaśishtha then addressed Sumantra, called at his behest:-- "The princes of the earth invite, And famous lords who guard the rite, Priest, Warrior, Merchant, lowly thrall, In countless thousands summon all. Where'er their home be, far or near, Gather the good with honor here. And Janak, whose imperial sway The men of Mithilá obey, The firm of vow, the dread of foes, Who all the lore of Scripture knows, Invite him here with honor high, King Daśaratha's old ally. And Káśi's lord of gentle speech, Who finds a pleasant word for each-- In length of days our monarch's peer, Illustrious King, invite him here. The father of our ruler's bride, Known for his virtues far and wide, The King whom Kekaya's realms obey, Him with his son invite, I pray. And Lomapád, the Angas King, True to his vows and godlike, bring. Far be thine invitations sent To west and south and orient. Call those who rule Suráshtra's land, Suvíra's realm and Sindhu's strand, And all the kings of earth beside In friendship's bonds with us allied:-- Invite them all to hasten in With retinue and kith and kin." Vaśishtha's speech without delay Sumantra bent him to obey, And sent his trusty envoys forth Eastward and westward, south and north. Obedient to the saint's request Himself he hurried forth, and pressed Each nobler chief and lord and king To hasten to the gathering. Before the saint Vaśishtha stood All those who wrought with stone and wood, And showed the work which every one In furtherance of the rite had done. Rejoiced their ready zeal to see, Thus to the craftsmen all said he:-- "I charge ye, masters, see to this, That there be nothing done amiss. And this, I pray, in mind be borne, That not one gift ye give in scorn; Whenever scorn a gift attends Great sin is his who thus offends." And now some days and nights had passed, And Kings began to gather fast, And precious gems in liberal store As gifts to Daśaratha bore. Then joy thrilled through Vaśishtha's breast As thus the monarch he addressed:-- "Obedient to thy high decree The Kings, my lord, are come to thee. And it has been my care to greet And honor all with reverence meet. Thy servants' task is ended quite, And all is ready for the rite. Come forth then to the sacred ground Where all in order will be found." Then Rishyaśring confirmed the tale:-- Nor did their words to move him fail. The stars propitious influence lent When forth the world's great ruler went. Then by the sage Vaśishtha led, The priest began to speed Those glorious rites wherein is shed The lifeblood of the steed. CANTO XIII THE SACRIFICE FINISHED