Trees in the forest blossomed and bore fruit throughout the year; the elephant and the lion lived together as friends. Nay, birds and beasts of every description had forgotten their natural animosities and developed friendly relations with one another. Birds sang and beasts fearlessly moved about in the woods in distinct herds, making merry all the time. The air breathed cool, soft and fragrant; bees hummed even as they expostulation), (2) DŒna (inducement in the shape of gift etc.), (3) Da˜˛a (use of force or corporal punishment) and (4) Bheda (sowing seeds of dissension); it is the last two of the above four methods that are evidently referred to in this context. There is however, a pun on these words. The word ‘Da˜˛a’ when used with reference to a recluse denotes the staff which he is required to carry as a symbol of self-restraint; and ‘Bheda’ ordinarily means variety. The poet thus seeks to convey through this verse that during Ýr¶ RŒma’s reign such absolute harmony and moral uprightness prevailed throughout the world that the last two methods of persuasion had become entirely obsolete. The word ‘Da˜˛a’ was understood only in the sense of a staff carried by a Sa¯nyŒs¶ and the word ‘Bheda’ merely conveyed the variety of notes and cadence displayed in music and dancing. Similarly, since there was no enemy to conquer, the only object to be conquered was the mind. 980 * ÝR” RMACARITAMNASA* moved about laden with honey. Creepers and trees dropped honey to those who asked for it; cows yielded milk to one’s heart’s content. The earth was ever clothed with crops; even in the TretŒ age the conditions of the Satyayuga prevailed. Conscious of the fact that the Ruler of the earth was no other than the Universal Spirit, the mountains brought to light their mines containing jewels of every description. Every river carried in it excellent water—cool, transparent and pleasant to the taste. The oceans kept within their bounds and scattered jewels on their shores for men to gather. Ponds were all thick with lotuses and every quarter was clear and bright. (1—5)