Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/475

Rh property; home, friends and establishment; in short, every object of natural affection is gathered up as the strands of a rope wherewith to attach his soul to my feet. He regards all things as alike, without any preference, and with a soul unmoved either by joy, sorrow or fear. A saint like this is as fixed in my soul as money is in the heart of a miser. Good men like you are my friends, and it is only for their benefit that I have become incarnate.

"Virtuous and devoted believers, who are steadfast in uprightness, strict inbpious observances, and who love and revere Bráhmans, are the men whom I regard as my own soul.

"Hearken, Prince of Lanká; all these good qualities are yours, and you are therefore very dear to me." On hearing Ráma's speech, all the assembled monkeys exelaimed, 'Glory to the All-merciful!' But Vibhishan, on hearing such ambrosial sounds, could not contain himself; time after time he clasped his lotus feet, his heart bursting with boundless joy. "Hearken, my God, lord of all creation, friend of the suppliant, reader of men's thoughts; I had at first another wish in my mind; but devotion to my lord's feet has come upon me like a torrent and swept it away: now in your mercy grant me such pure faith as that which ever gladdens Siva's soul." 'So be it,' said the Lord, the valiant in fight, and then at once called for water from the sea. "It was not part of your wish, friend, but the sight of me brings a reward with it all over the world." So saying Ráma marked his forehead with the royal tilak: an infinite shower of flowers rained from heaven.

Thus did Raghunáth protect the humble Vibhíshan from Rávan's fiery wrath, fanned by the strong blast of his breath, and gave him secure dominion and all the good fortune which Siva had formerly bestowed upon the ten-headed Rávan.

Men who forsake such a lord to worship any other are mere beasts without the tails and horns. All the monkeys were charmed with the Lord's amiability, who had recognized a servant and claimed him for his own. Then the All-wise, who dwelleth in the hearts of all, assuming any form at will, though himself formless and passionless, the champion of religion, the friend of men, and the destroyer of all the demon race, spoke and said: "Hearken, monkey