Ramayana 2.242

Thus having said to Lakshman, he Addressed in turn Sumantra: "Be Most diligent to-night, my friend, And with due care thy horses tend." The sun had set: Sumantra tied His noble horses side by side, Gave store of grass with liberal hand, And rested near them on the strand. Each paid the holy evening rite, And when around them fell the night, The charioteer, with Lakshman's aid, A lowly bed for Rama laid. To Lakshman Rama bade adieu, And then by Sita's side he threw His limbs upon the leafy bed Their care upon the bank had spread. When Lakshman saw the couple slept, Still on the strand his watch he kept, Still with Sumantra there conversed, And Rama's varied gifts rehearsed. All night he watched, nor sought repose, Till on the earth the sun arose: With him Sumantra stayed awake, And still of Rama's virtues spake. Thus, near the river's grassy shore Which herds unnumbered wandered o'er, Repose, untroubled, Rama found, And all the people lay around. The glorious hero left his bed, Looked on the sleeping crowd, and said To Lakshman, whom each lucky line Marked out for bliss with surest sign: