On, on; and if his wrath grow hot, Thine answer be, ‘I heard thee not.’ ” Sumantra, at the chief’s behest, Dismissed the crowd that toward him pressed, And, as he bade, to swiftest speed Urged on his way each willing steed.

In plain words: Rama tells Sumantra to keep going, and if the king is angry, to say he did not hear him. Sumantra obeys, sends the crowd back, and drives the horses at full speed.