But none of all the host was found To clear the sea with desperate bound, Though each, as Angad bade, declared His proper power and what he dared. Then spake good Jámbavan the sage, Chief of them all for reverend age; 'I, Vánar chieftains, long ago Limbs light to leap could likewise show, But now on frame and spirit weighs The burthen of my length of days.
Still task like this I may not slight, When Ráma and our king unite. So listen while I tell, O friends, What lingering strength mine age attends. If my poor leap may aught avail, Of ninety leagues, I will not fail. Far other strength in youth's fresh prime I boasted, in the olden time, When, at Prahláda's solemn rite, I circled in my rapid flight Lord Vishnu, everlasting God, When through the universe he trod.
But now my limbs are weak and old, My youth is fled, its fire is cold, And these exhausted nerves to strain In such a task were idle pain,'
Then Angad due obeisance paid, And to the chief his answer made: 'Then I, ye noble Vánars, I Mvself the mighty leap will try: Although perchance the power I lack To leap from Lanká's island back'
Thus the impetuous chieftain cried, And Jámbavan the sage replied: 'Whate'er thy power and might may be, This task, O Prince, is not for thee. Kings go not forth themselves, but send The servants who their best attend. Thou art the darling and the boast, The honoured lord of all the host.
In thee the root, O Angad, lies Of our appointed enterprise; And thee, on whom our hopes depend, Our care must cherish and defend.'
Then Báli's noble son replied: 'Needs must I go whate'er betide, *** For, if no chief this exploit dare, What waits us all save blank despair,-- Upon the ground again to lie In hopeless misery, fast, and die? For not a hope of life I see If we neglect our king's decree' Then spoke the aged chief again:
'***Now your attempt shall not be in vain, For to the task will I incite A chieftain of sufficient might.'
