The task was done, as laws prescribe:-- The monarch, glory of his tribe, Bestowed the land in liberal grants Upon the sacred ministrants. He gave the region of the east, His conquest, to the Hotri priest. The west the celebrant obtained, The south the priest presiding gained-- The northern region was the share Of him who chanted forth the prayer. Thus did each priest obtain his meed At the great Slaughter of the Steed, Ordained, the best of all to be, By self-existent deity. Ikshváku's son, with joyful mind, This noble fee to each assigned-- But all the priests with one accord Addressed that unpolluted lord:-- "'Tis thine alone to keep the whole Of this broad earth in firm control. No gift of lands from thee we seek, To guard these realms our hands were weak. On sacred lore our days are spent, Let other gifts our wants content." The chief of old Ikshváku's line Gave them ten hundred thousand kine, A hundred millions of fine gold, The same in silver four times told. But every priest in presence there With one accord resigned his share. To Saint Vaśishtha, high of soul, And Rishyaśring they gave the whole. That largess pleased those Bráhmans well, Who bade the prince his wishes tell. Then Daśaratha, mighty King, Made answer thus to Rishyaśring:-- "O holy Hermit, of thy grace, Vouchsafe the increase of my race." He spoke; nor was his prayer denied-- The best of Bráhmans thus replied:-- "Four sons, O Monarch, shall be thine, Upholders of thy royal line." CANTO XIV RÁVAN DOOMED The saint, well-read in holy lore, Pondered awhile his answer o'er, And thus again addressed the King, His wandering thoughts regathering:-- "Another rite will I begin Which shall the sons thou cravest win, Where all things shall be duly sped And first Atharva texts be read."