[paragraph continues] Who in his splendour, might, and worth,
Surpassed the sire who gave him birth.
The heavenly Asvins, swift and fair,
Were fathers of a noble pair,
Who, Dwivida and Mainda named,
For beauty like their sires were famed.
Varun was father of Sushen;
Of Sarabh, he who sends the rain [Parjanya].
Hanuman, best of monkey kind,
Was son of him who breathes the wind;
Like thunderbolt in frame was he,
And swift as Garud's self could flee.
These thousands did the gods create,
Endowed with might which none could mate,
In monkey forms that changed at will,
So strong their wish the fiend to kill." [**]

In due time the four sons of Dasaratha were born; and from infancy the strongest affection existed between Rama the firstborn and Lakshman, and between Bharat and Satrughna.

When Rama was about sixteen years of age, a saint named Visvamitra came to Dasaratha's court, asking his assistance against two demons, named Maricha and Suvahu, who were commanded by Ravana to annoy him, and prevent the completion of his sacrifices. At first the king pleaded the youthfulness of his son as an excuse for refusing to allow him to undertake a work so arduous; but at length his scruples were overcome, and Rama with the faithful Lakshman set out for the hermitage. When the travellers reached the banks of the Sarju, the saint gave Rama two spells which he was to employ whilst bathing, and which were so to affect him that he should have no equal in heaven or hell:

"None in the world with thee shall vie,
O sinless one, in apt reply,

[paragraph continues] In knowledge, fortune, wit, and tact,
Wisdom to plan, and skill to act." [**]

On their journey to the hermitage they visit several places of importance, and Visvamitra beguiles the time with numerous legends; he also bestows on Rama various arms and powers. On reaching the end of their journey, for six days and nights they have to watch for the demons; just as the sacrifice was about to end, these disturbers of the hermitage appear, are conquered by Rama, and their attendants by Lakshman. The saint, addressing Rama, says--

"My joy, O prince, is now complete:
Thou hast obeyed my will;
Perfect before, this calm retreat
Is now more perfect still." [*+]