(It is the sullen apathy of stoicism, which constitutes the true wisdom and happiness of asceticism also). 29. Ah! when will this continuous fever of my worldliness abate, which has irritated my whole body by its inward heat, and deranged my humours out of their order! 30. When will this heart of mine cease to throb from its cares, like the light of the lamp ceasing to flutter without the wind; and when will my understanding gain its light, after dispersion of the gloom of my ignorance. 31. When will these organs and members of my body, have their respite from their incessant functions; and when will this parched frame of mine get over the sea (flame?) of avarice, like the phœnix rising from its ashes. 32. When will the light of reason like the clear atmosphere of the autumnal sky, dispel this dark cloud of my ignorance, that envelopes my heavenly essence under the veil of this sorry and miserable form. 33. Our minds are filled with the weeds of the mandára plants of the garden of paradise (_i.e._ desiring the enjoyments of heaven). But my soul pants for its restitution in the Supreme spirit. 34. The dispassionate man is said to be set in the pure light of reason; it is therefore that passionless state of my mind which I long to attain. 35. But my restless mind has made me a prey to the dragon of despair, and I cry out in my sorrow, O my father and mother! help me to get out of this difficulty. 36. I exclaim also saying:—O my sister understanding! condescend to comply with the request of thy poor brother; and consider well the words of the wise sage for our deliverance from misery. 37. I call thee also, O my good sense to my aid, and beg of thee, O progeny of thy virtuous mother! to remain firm by my side, in my struggle of breaking the bonds of the world. 38. Let me first of all reflect on the sayings of the sage on Resignation (Vairágya), and then on the conduct of one who longs for his liberation, and next about the creation of the world, (in the Srishti Prakarana). 39. Let me remember afterwards all that he has said on the Existence of the universe (Sthiti Prakarana), together with its beautiful illustrations; all of which are replete with sound wisdom and deep philosophy. 40. Although a lesson may be repeated a hundred times over, it proves to be of no effect, unless it is considered with good understanding and right sense of its purport. Otherwise it is as the empty sound of autumn clouds without a drop of rain. CHAPTER III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ROYAL ASSEMBLY. Argument. The Meeting of the next morning, and the concourse of attendants. Válmíki continued:—Ráma passed in this manner the live-long night, in his lengthened chain of reflection; and in eager expectation of dawn, as the lotus longs for the rising sun at day break.