Source page 195

Ornamented with ornaments, the horse himself adorned every ornament; even the sun’s steeds were ashamed at seeing him. Jewels were braided into his lovely mane, and little bells rang at his feet.

His jeweled saddle of gold brocade shone with extraordinary beauty; the deceptive splendor of its saddlecloth stole even Kama’s heart.

His tight, graceful breast-band seemed a snare for every mind; a brocaded girth wrapped his belly, spreading its splendid radiance.

Lovely reins and straps, marked with his name, adorned him; a beautiful threefold jeweled crest bent proudly above his head.

Whichever way a rider turned him, he arrived there in an instant—coming and going in a breath. He planted his feet, halted, and pranced upon the earth, displaying a delightful gait.

His waist was slender, his hooves broad as trays, and fresh shoes were fastened to them. When he leapt, he could cross the heaving ocean in a single bound.

When his flying hooves struck the earth, even the sun’s horses trembled in their hearts. Over water, over land, or upon the path of wind, he never knew fear.

The rushing wind could not overtake him, and Garuda abandoned his pride. Raghunandana’s beloved horse displayed incomparable arts.

The horse named Samuda brought joy to all; Bharata sat proudly upon him. Handsomely arrayed, he moved with a restless gait at Sri Raghunandana’s right.

When the reins restrained him, he grew fiercely excited and began to quiver. He stamped and sprang in graceful rhythm, delighting the fortunate eye.

Now he rose into the sky and astonished the gods; now he stirred delight upon the earth, as though creating a staircase joining heaven and ground.