Canto VIII.Sumantra's Speech. But splendid,just,and great of mind, The childless king for offspring pined. No son had he his name to grace, Transmitter of his royal race. Long had his anxious bosom wrought, And as he pondered rose the thought: “A votive steed'twere good to slay, So might a son the gift repay.” Before his lords his plan he laid, And bade them with their wisdom aid: Then with these words Sumantra,best Of royal counsellors,addressed: “Hither,Vaśishṭha at their head, Let all my priestly guides be led.” To him Sumantra made reply: “Hear,Sire,a tale of days gone by. To many a