This wicked prince who aye withstood The counsel of the wise and good, Who plagued the people in his hate, His father banished from the state. His son, kind-spoken, brave, and tall, Was Anśumán, beloved of all. Long years flew by. The King decreed To slay a sacrificial steed. Consulting with his priestly band He vowed the rite his soul had planned, And, Veda-skilled, by their advice Made ready for the sacrifice." CANTO XL THE CLEAVING OF THE EARTH The hermit ceased--the tale was done:-- Then in a transport Raghu's son Again addressed the ancient sire Resplendent as a burning fire:-- "O holy man, I fain would hear The tale repeated full and clear How he from whom my sires descend Brought the great rite to happy end," The hermit answered with a smile:-- "Then listen, son of Raghu, while My legendary tale proceeds To tell of high-souled Sagar's deeds. Within the spacious plain that lies From where Himálaya's heights arise To where proud Vindhya's rival chain Looks down upon the subject plain-- A land the best for rites declared-- His sacrifice the king prepared. And Anśumán the prince--for so Sagar advised--with ready bow Was borne upon a mighty car To watch the steed who roamed afar. But Indra, monarch of the skies, Veiling his form in demon guise, Came down upon the appointed day And drove the victim horse away. Reft of the steed the priests, distressed, The master of the rite addressed:-- 'Upon the sacred day by force A robber takes the victim horse. Haste, King! now let the thief be slain; Bring thou the charger back again: The sacred rite prevented thus Brings scathe and woe to all of us. Rise, Monarch, and provide with speed That nought its happy course impede.' King Sagar in his crowded court Gave ear unto the priests' report. He summoned straightway to his side His sixty thousand sons, and cried:-- 'Brave sons of mine, I know not how These demons are so mighty now-- The priests began the rite so well All sanctified with prayer and spell. If in the depths of earth he hide, Or lurk beneath the ocean's tide, Pursue, dear sons, the robber's track; Slay him and bring the charger back. The whole of this broad earth explore, Sea-garlanded, from shore to shore: Yea, dig her up with might and main Until you see the horse again. Deep let your searching labor reach, A league in depth dug out by each. The robber of our horse pursue, And please your sire who orders you. My grandson, I, this priestly train, Till the steed comes, will here remain.'