Classic Poem

Not in dastard terror Ravan sought his safety in his flight,
But to seek fresh steeds of battle ere he faced his foeman's might,

Harnessing his gallant coursers to a new and glorious car,
Sunlike in its radiant splendour, Ravan came once more to war.

Gods in wonder watched the contest of the more than mortal foes,
Ravan mighty in his vengeance, Rama lofty in his woes,

Gods in wonder marked the heroes, lion-like in jungle wood,
I NDRA sent his arms and chariot where the human warrior stood!

" Speed, Matali , " thus spake I NDRA , " speed thee with my heavenly car ,
Where on foot the righteous Rama meets his mounted foe in war,

Speed, for Ravan's days are ended, and his moments brief and few,
Rama strives for right and virtue, — Gods assist the brave and true! "

Brave Matali drove the chariot drawn by steeds like solar ray,
Where the true and righteous Rama sought his foe in fatal fray,

Shining arms and heavenly weapons he to lofty Rama gave, —
When the righteous strive and struggle, Gods assist the true and brave!

" Take this car, " so said Matali, " which the helping Gods provide,
Rama, take these steeds celestial, I NDRA'S golden chariot ride,

Take this royal bow and quiver, wear this falchion dread and dire,
V ISWA-KARMAN forged this armour in the flames of heavenly fire,

I shall be thy chariot driver and shall speed the thund'ring car,
Slay the sin-polluted Ravan in this last and fatal war! "

Rama mounted on the chariot clad in arms of heavenly sheen,
And he mingled in a contest mortal eyes have never seen!