The mighty hermit's tale was o'er, He closed his lips and spoke no more. The holy men on every side, "Well done! well done," with reverence cried, "The mighty men of Kuśa's seed Were ever famed for righteous deed. Like Brahmá's self in glory shine The high-souled lords of Kuśa's line. And thy great name is sounded most, O Saint, amid the noble host. And thy dear sister--fairest she Of streams, the high-born Kauśikí-- Diffusing virtue where she flows, New splendor on thy lineage throws." Thus by the chief of saints addressed The son of Gádhi turned to rest; So, when his daily course is done, Sinks to his rest the beaming sun. Ráma, with Lakshman, somewhat stirred To marvel by the tales they heard, Turned also to his couch, to close His eyelids in desired repose. CANTO XXXVI THE BIRTH OF GANGÁ The hours of night now waning fast On Śona's pleasant shore they passed. Then, when the dawn began to break. To Ráma thus the hermit spake:-- "The light of dawn is breaking clear, The hour of morning rites is near. Rise, Ráma, rise, dear son, I pray, And make thee ready for the way." Then Ráma rose, and finished all His duties at the hermit's call-- Prepared with joy the road to take, And thus again in question spake:-- "Here fair and deep the Śona flows, And many an isle its bosom shows: What way, O Saint, will lead us o'er And land us on the farther shore?" The saint replied: "The way I choose Is that which pious hermits use." For many a league they journeyed on Till, when the sun of mid-day shone, The hermit-haunted flood was seen Of Jáhnaví, the Rivers' Queen. Soon as the holy stream they viewed, Thronged with a white-winged multitude Of sárases and swans, delight Possessed them at the lovely sight; And then prepared the hermit band To halt upon that holy strand. They bathed as Scripture bids, and paid Oblations due to God and shade. To Fire they burnt the offerings meet, And sipped the oil, like Amrit sweet. Then pure and pleased they sate around Saint Viśvámitra, on the ground. The holy men of lesser note, In due degree, sate more remote, While Raghu's sons took nearer place By virtue of their rank and race. Then Ráma said: "O Saint, I yearn The three-pathed Gangá's tale to learn."