Page:Echoes from East and West.pdf/25

Then spake the messenger in grief: "The task is all too hard,
For, how can I unfold his feats, who am no cunning bard?

"The Demon-host did ne'er before see such a leader brave;
Tho' mild at home, yet in the field he bore a figure grave.

"His battle-cry did shake, my lord, the heart of ev'ry foe;
His bow he bent, his shafts he sent, and laid whole legions low.

"His arrows flash'd and flash'd; their blaze, reflected in the sky,
Did make a sunbow when the cloud of dust had risen high.

"Upon his shoulders clang'd his shield, his brand was in his hand,
No fear had he of Rama's arms, nor of his Monkey-band.

"His skill he show'd in bending bow, in wielding sword and shield,
Death-blows he dealt on ev'ry side, and dyed the battle-field."

The messenger stopt short in grief, for he could speak no more;
The Lord of Lanka wail'd and wept, deep-wounded in the core.

Then to his courtiers Ravan said: Come, from the house-top high
Look we upon Virbahu's death and soothe our eager eye."