Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/480

416 Terrified Ocean clasped the Lord's feet: "Pardon me, Sire, all my offences. Air, wind, fire, water and earth are all, my lord, naturally dull and slow to change. They have been produced by the delusive power that you sent forth with a view to creation—so all the scriptures declare—and as each has been fixed by the Lord's command, so it must remain, to secure its own happiness. My lord has done well in giving me this lesson; but still it was you who first fixed my bounds. A drum, a clown, a churl, a beast, and a woman are all fit subjects for beating. By my lord's favor, I shall be dried up, the army will cross over, and my glory will be at an end; the scriptures declaro the word of the Lord to be unchangeable; do then at once what seemeth you good."

The Lord smiled to hear this exceedingly humble speech, and said, "Tell me, father, some device, how the monkey host may cross over?"

"My lord, there are two monkey brothers, Nila and Nala, who from childhood have been instructed by a sage. The mightiest mountains touched by them will by your favor float upon the waves. I too, remembering your majesty, will assist to the best of my power. In this manner, my lord, you will bridge the sea and the glorious deed will be sung in earth, heaven and hell. With this arrow, Sire, slay the dwellers on my northern shore, who are vile criminals." The All-merciful, on hearing Ocean's grievance, at once removed it, the valiant Ráma. At the sight of his mighty vigour Ocean rejoiced and became easy of mind, and after telling him all that had taken place, bowed at his feet and took his leave.

Ocean returned home and Ráma approved his counsel. These his acts, which remove all the impurities of this sinful age, has Tulsi Dás sung to the best of his ability. The excellencies of Raghupati are a treasure of delight, a panacea for all doubt, a purge for every sorrow, and they who are wise of heart will abandon all other hope and confidence and be ever singing them or hearing them sung.