Canto XII.The Sacrifice Begun. Again the spring with genial heat Returning made the year complete. To win him sons,without delay His vow the king resolved to pay: And to Vaśishṭha,saintly man, In modest words this speech began: “Prepare the rite with all things fit As is ordained in Holy Writ, And keep with utmost care afar Whate'er its sacred forms might mar. Thou art,my lord,my trustiest guide, Kind-hearted,and my friend beside; So is it meet thou undertake This heavy task for duty's sake.” Then he,of twice-born men the best, His glad assent at once expressed: “Fain will I do whate'er