The Ramayana and Mahabharata,

Romesh C. Dutt Tr.

[1899]

This is an abridged verse translation of the two longest epic poems in world literature, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This translation is surprisingly readable and very moving once you get used to the rhymed couplet format. This also serves as an ideal introduction to the sprawling plots of these epic tales.

A complete Ramayana translation can be found here, and a complete Mahabharata translation can be found here.

Introduction
Book I: The Bridal of Sita
Book II: The Banishment
Book III: The Death of the King
Book IV: The Meeting of the Princes
Book V: On the Banks of the Godavari
Book VI: Sita Lost
Book VII: In the Nilgiri Mountains
Book VIII: Sita Discovered
Book IX: The Council of War
Book X: The War in Ceylon
Book XI: Rama's Return and Consecration
Book XII: Sacrifice of the Horse
Conclusion
Epilogue
Book I: The Tournament
Book II: The Bride's Choice
Book III: The Imperial Sacrifice
Book IV: The Fatal Dice
Book V: Woman's Love
Book VI: Cattle-Lifting
Book VII: The Council of War
Book VIII: Fall of Bhishma
Book IX: Fall of Drona
Book X: Fall of Karna
Book XI: Funeral Rites
Book XII: Sacrifice of the Horse
Conclusion
Epilogue
Glossary