Source page 196

He bounded in four lovely, restless beats, measuring even lightning’s swiftness. Who could adequately describe the colorful steed of Prince Bharata?

The horse named Champa possessed a sharp and sparkling gait; Shatrughna rode upon him. Dancing before the entire company, he put the peacock itself to shame.

If he lifted his forelegs only slightly, they rose many hands into the air. Again and again his rider coaxed and caressed him, yet still he would not settle.

When the reins were gathered, he walked with measured, swaying steps, and the gods themselves grew bashful and bewildered at the sight of that gait.

He pushed fearlessly through the ranks of kings, never faltering as he planted his feet. Ripudamana’s handsome horse unfolded countless feats.

Lakshmana’s spirited horse was named Lakshmi, formidable and exceedingly swift. He flew upward into the realm of wind; scarcely an eye could see him touch the ground.

For an instant he flashed across the sky, casting beauty upon beauty; moment after moment he danced in new ways and astonished everyone.

He leapt and wheeled beside Lakshminidhi’s horse; all the Raghus considered it proper sport, and Rama too smiled gently.

Like a mass of clouds he bounded and made the dwellings of the gods tremble; the beat of his hooves seemed to measure the very circle of the sun.

Where cannon and musket roared, he would charge straight there. Filled with the flavor of battle, he crushed the enemy and won glory among heroes.

Such a mighty and powerful war-horse struck, wheeled, and drove opponents away. Since he had dwelt in Janakpur, whoever beheld him