Page:Stories of India's Gods & Heroes.djvu/57

Rh came forth and received them with honour. From the Brahman Satananda the princes heard the story of Viswamitra's earlier days and his struggle with Vasishtha, the tale of which has been told.

Next day, Janaka bade men bring the bow for Rama and his brother to see. Many princes had striven to bend it, but all had failed. So huge it was that it had to be borne in a wagon drawn by stalwart men. But the youthful Rama, when it was shown to him, easily took the bow and strung it; then, while assembled thousands gazed in wonder—

Dire was the clang of the bursting bow; the neighbourhood was shaken, and the spectators were stricken senseless.

Then Janaka, according to his promise, bestowed his daughter Sita upon Rama, and sent messengers to Ayodhya to invite Dasaratha. He, on receiving the glad news, set out in fitting state for Mithila, and was worthily received by Janaka, who had invited likewise his younger brother, Kusadhwaja, also a king. In view of the great importance of the marriage, the genealogy of either party was related in presence of the state assembly; Vasishtha recited that of Rama, while Janaka told his own. To complete the happiness of the occasion, Janaka bestowed his other daughter, Urmila, on Bharat, and to Lakshman and Satrughna were betrothed the two daughters of Kusadhwaja.

Then a dais with a fair canopy was raised, and