The circling year had filled its course, And back was brought the wandering horse:-- Then upon Sarjú's northern strand Began the rite the King had planned. With Rishyaśring the forms to guide, The Bráhmans to their task applied, At that great offering of the steed Their lofty-minded King decreed. The priests, who all the Scripture knew, Performed their part in order due, And circled round in solemn train As precepts of the law ordain. Pravargya rites were duly sped:-- For Upasads the flames were fed. Then from the plant the juice was squeezed, And those high saints, with minds well pleased, Performed the mystic rites begun With bathing ere the rise of sun. They gave the portion, Indra's claim, And hymned the King whom none can blame. The mid-day bathing followed next, Observed as bids the holy text. Then the good priests with utmost care, In form that Scripture's rules declare, For the third time pure water shed On high-souled Daśaratha's head. Then Rishyaśring and all the rest To Indra and the Gods addressed Their sweet-toned hymn of praise and prayer, And called them in the rite to share. With sweetest song and hymn intoned They gave the Gods in heaven enthroned, As duty bids, the gifts they claim, The holy oil that feeds the flame. And many an offering there was paid, And not one slip in all was made. For with most careful heed they saw That all was done by Veda law. None, all those days, was seen oppressed By hunger or by toil distressed. Why speak of human kind? No beast Was there that lacked an ample feast. For there was store for all who came, For orphan child and lonely dame; The old and young were well supplied, The poor and hungry satisfied. Throughout the day ascetics fed, And those who roam to beg their bread:-- While all around the cry was still, "Give forth, give forth," and "Eat your fill." "Give forth with liberal hand the meal, And various robes in largess deal." Urged by these cries on every side Unweariedly their task they plied, And heaps of food like hills in size In boundless plenty met the eyes:-- And lakes of sauce, each day renewed, Refreshed the weary multitude. And strangers there from distant lands, And women folk in crowded bands The best of food and drink obtained At the great rite the King ordained. Apart from all, the Bráhmans there, Thousands on thousands, took their share Of various dainties sweet to taste, On plates of gold and silver placed-- All ready set, as, when they willed, The twice-born men their places filled. And servants in fair garments dressed Waited upon each Bráhman guest.