Ramayana on Family

The Three-and-thirty,(187) freed from fear, Sought their bright homes with hopeful cheer. Still rose the great tempestuous sound As Sagar's children pierced the ground. When thus the whole broad earth was cleft, And not a spot unsearched was left, Back to their home the princes sped, And thus unto their father said: "We searched the earth from side to side, While countless hosts of creatures died. Our conquering feet in triumph trod On snake and demon, fiend and God; But yet we failed, with all our toil, To find the robber and the spoil. What can we more? If more we can, Devise, O King, and tell thy plan."

Then Rama, as his brother prayed Beneath his feet the sandals laid, And these with fond affection gave To Bharat's hand, the good and brave. Then Bharat bowed his reverent head And thus again to Rama said: "Through fourteen seasons will I wear The hermit's dress and matted hair: With fruit and roots my life sustain, And still beyond the realm remain, Longing for thee to come again. The rule and all affairs of state I to these shoes will delegate. And if, O tamer of thy foes, When fourteen years have reached their close, I see thee not that day return, The kindled fire my frame shall burn."

The pious king, with grief distressed, The noble hundred thus addressed: "With patience, daughters, bear your fate, Yours was a deed supremely great When with one mind you kept from shame The honour of your father's name. Patience, when men their anger vent, Is woman's praise and ornament; Yet when the Gods inflict the blow Hard is it to support the woe. Patience, my girls, exceeds all price: 'Tis alms, and truth, and sacrifice. Patience is virtue, patience fame: Patience upholds this earthly frame. And now, I think, is come the time To wed you in your maiden prime. Now, daughters, go where'er you will: Thoughts for your good my mind shall fill."

Now, Bharat, lord of men be thou, And o'er Ayodhya reign: The silvan world to me shall bow, King of the wild domain. Yea, let thy joyful steps be bent To that fair town to-day, And I as happy and content, To Dandak wood will stray. The white umbrella o'er thy brow Its cooling shade shall throw: I to the shadow of the bough And leafy trees will go. Satrughna, for wise plans renowned, Shall still on thee attend; And Lakshman, ever faithful found, Be my familiar friend. Let us his sons, O brother dear, The path of right pursue, And keep the king we all revere Still to his promise true."

He spoke; and soon the anchorite, With joyous looks that beamed delight, With Rama and his brother stood Within the consecrated wood. Soon as they saw the holy man, With one accord together ran The dwellers in the sacred shade, And to the saint their reverence paid, And offered water for his feet, The gift of honour and a seat; And next with hospitable care They entertained the princely pair. The royal tamers of their foes Rested awhile in sweet repose: Then to the chief of hermits sued Standing in suppliant attitude: "Begin, O best of saints, we pray, Initiatory rites to-day. This Perfect Grove shall be anew Made perfect, and thy words be true."

Then the sad women when they saw Rama the choice bark round her draw, Rained water from each tender eye, And cried aloud with bitter cry: "O, not on her, beloved, not On Sita falls thy mournful lot. If, faithful to thy father's will, Thou must go forth, leave Sita still. Let Sita still remaining here Our hearts with her loved presence cheer. With Lakshman by thy side to aid Seek thou, dear son, the lonely shade. Unmeet, one good and fair as she Should dwell in woods a devotee. Let not our prayers be prayed in vain: Let beauteous Sita yet remain; For by thy love of duty tied Thou wilt not here thyself abide."

Low in the dust he saw her lie, And Khara's wrath grew fierce and high. Aloud he cried to her who came Disgracefully with baffled aim: "I sent with thee at thy request The bravest of my giants, best Of all who feed upon the slain: Why art thou weeping here again? Still to their master's interest true, My faithful, noble, loyal crew, Though slaughtered in the bloody fray, Would yet their monarch's word obey. Now I, my sister, fain would know The cause of this thy fear and woe, Why like a snake thou writhest there, Calling for aid in wild despair. Nay, lie not thus in lowly guise: Cast off thy weakness and arise!"

Beneath this rock, O Lakshman, see, My peerless consort sat with me, And gently talked to thee the while, Her sweet lips opening with a smile. Here is that fairest stream which she Loved ever, bright Godavari. Ne'er can the dame have passed this way: So far alone she would not stray, Nor has my darling, lotus-eyed, Sought lilies by the river's side, For without me she ne'er would go To streamlets where the wild flowers grow, Tell me not, brother, she has strayed To the dark forest's distant shade Where blooming boughs are gay and sweet, And bright birds love the cool retreat. Alone my love would never dare,-- My timid love,--to wander there.

Then, reverent hand to hand applied, Thus Bharat to his brother cried: "Thy realm, O King, is now restored, Uninjured to the rightful lord. This feeble arm with toil and pain, The weighty charge could scarce sustain. And the great burthen wellnigh broke The neck untrained to bear the yoke. The royal swan outspeeds the crow: The steed is swift, the mule is slow, Nor can my feeble feet be led O'er the rough ways where thine should tread. Now grant what all thy subjects ask: Begin, O King, thy royal task. Now let our longing eyes behold The glorious rite ordained of old, And on the new-found monarch's head Let consecrating drops be shed."

Thus Rama spoke, and Lakshman then Made answer to the prince of men: "Yea, if the Vanar, undeterred By fear of vengeance, break his word, Loss of his royal power ere long Shall pay the traitor for the wrong. Nor deem I him so void of sense To brave the bitter consequence. But if enslaved to joy he lie, And scorn thy grace with blinded eye, Then let him join his brother slain: Unmeet were such a wretch to reign. Quick rises, kindling in my breast, The wrath that will not be repressed, And bids me in my fury slay The breaker of his faith to-day. Let Bali's son thy consort trace With bravest chiefs of Vanar race."

He spoke, the fire in order laid With holy oil due offerings made, And Sarabhanga, glorious sire, Laid down his body in the fire. Then rose the flame above his head, On skin, blood, flesh, and bones it fed, Till forth, transformed, with radiant hue Of tender youth, he rose anew, Far-shining in his bright attire Came Sarabhanga from the pyre: Above the home of saints, and those Who feed the quenchless flame,(414) he rose: Beyond the seat of Gods he passed, And Brahma's sphere was gained at last. The noblest of the twice-born race, For holy works supreme in place, The Mighty Father there beheld Girt round by hosts unparalleled; And Brahma joying at the sight Welcomed the glorious anchorite.

Thus twice seven thousand fiends, a band With impious heart and bloody hand, By Raghu's son were overthrown, A man, on foot, and all alone. Of all who met on that fierce day, Khara, great chief, survived the fray, The monster of the triple head,(470) And Raghu's son, the foeman's dread. The other demon warriors, all Skilful and brave and strong and tall, In front of battle, side by side, Struck down by Lakshman's brother died. When Khara saw the host he led Triumphant forth to fight Stretched on the earth, all smitten dead, By Rama's nobler might, Upon his foe he fiercely glared, And drove against him fast, Like Indra when his arm is bared His thundering bolt to cast.

She stooped, her hands with flowers to fill, But gazed upon the marvel still: Gazed on its back and sparkling side Where silver hues with golden vied. Joyous was she of faultless mould, With glossy skin like polished gold. And loudly to her husband cried And bow-armed Lakshman by his side: Again, again she called in glee: "O come this glorious creature see; Quick, quick, my lord, this deer to view. And bring thy brother Lakshman too." As through the wood her clear tones rang, Swift to her side the brothers sprang. With eager eyes the grove they scanned, And saw the deer before them stand. But doubt was strong in Lakshman's breast, Who thus his thought and fear expressed:

"O Prince, the Self-existent gave This boon to Ravan; he may brave All foes in fight; no fiend or snake, Gandharva, God, his life may take. His brother Kumbhakarna vies In might with him who rules the skies. The captain of his armies--fame Perhaps has taught the warrior's name-- Is terrible Prahasta, who King Manibhadra's(930) self o'erthrew. Where is the warrior found to face Young Indrajit, when armed with brace And guard(931) and bow he stands in mail And laughs at spear and arrowy hail? Within his city Lanka dwell Ten million giants fierce and fell, Who wear each varied shape at will And eat the flesh of those they kill. These hosts against the Gods he led, And heavenly might discomfited."

When Lakshman, who had joined them there, Had heard the converse of the pair, His mien was changed, his eyes o'erflowed, His breast no more could bear its load. The son of Raghu, sore distressed, His brother's feet with fervour pressed, While thus to Sita he complained, And him by lofty vows enchained: "If thou wilt make the woods thy home, Where elephant and roebuck roam, I too this day will take my bow And in the path before thee go. Our way will lie through forest ground Where countless birds and beasts are found, I heed not homes of Gods on high, I heed not life that cannot die, Nor would I wish, with thee away, O'er the three worlds to stretch my sway."

"O brother Lakshman, look on these Reclining at the roots of trees; All care of house and home resigned, Caring for us with heart and mind, These people of the city yearn To see us to our home return: To quit their lives will they consent, But never leave their firm intent. Come, while they all unconscious sleep, Let us upon the chariot leap, And swiftly on our journey speed Where naught our progress may impede, That these fond citizens who roam Far from Ikshvaku's ancient home, No more may sleep 'neath bush and tree, Following still for love of me. A prince with tender care should heal The self-brought woes his people feel, And never let his subjects share The burthen he is forced to bear."

The son of Raghu heard: he knew His brother's rede was wise and true; And, honouring his friendly guide, In gentle words he thus replied: "Whate'er a hero firm and bold, Devoted, true, and lofty-souled Should speak by deep affection led, Such are the words which thou hast said. I cast away each pensive thought That brings the noblest plans to naught, And each uninjured power will strain Until the purposed end we gain. Thy prudent words will I obey, And till the close of rain-time stay, When King Sugriva will invite To action, and the streams be bright. The hero saved in hour of need Repays the debt with friendly deed: But hated by the good are they Who take the boon and ne'er repay."

When Visvamitra, glorious saint, Had heard the boy's heart-rending plaint. He soothed his grief, his tears he dried, Then called his sons to him, and cried: "The time is come for you to show The duty and the aid bestow For which, regarding future life, A man gives children to his wife. This hermit's son, whom here you see A suppliant, refuge seeks with me. O sons, the friendless youth befriend, And, pleasing me, his life defend. For holy works you all have wrought, True to the virtuous life I taught. Go, and as victims doomed to bleed, Die, and Lord Agni's hunger feed. So shall the rite completed end, This orphan gain a saving friend, Due offerings to the Gods be paid, And your own father's voice obeyed."

But in the monarch's palace, when Sped from the bower that lord of men, Up from the weeping women went A mighty wail and wild lament: "Ah, he who ever freely did His duty ere his sire could bid, Our refuge and our sure defence, This day will go an exile hence, He on Kausalya loves to wait Most tender and affectionate, And as he treats his mother, thus From childhood has he treated us. On themes that sting he will not speak, And when reviled is calm and meek. He soothes the angry, heals offence: He goes to-day an exile hence. Our lord the king is most unwise, And looks on life with doting eyes, Who in his folly casts away The world's protection, hope, and stay."

Then Guha quickly bade his train Give water to the steeds, and grain. And Rama, ere the night grew dark, Paid evening rites in dress of bark, And tasted water, on the strand, Drawn from the stream by Lakshman's hand. And Lakshman with observance meet Bathed his beloved brother's feet, Who rested with his Maithil spouse: Then sat him down 'neath distant boughs. And Guha with his bow sat near To Lakshman and the charioteer, And with the prince conversing kept His faithful watch while Rama slept. As Dasaratha's glorious heir, Of lofty soul and wisdom rare, Reclining with his Sita there Beside the river lay-- He who no troubles e'er had seen, Whose life a life of bliss had been-- That night beneath the branches green Passed pleasantly away.

Lakshman, the chief whose arrows laid His foemen low, his word obeyed; And Rama thus again addressed The swift performer of his hest: "Prepare the venison thou hast shot, To sacrifice for this our cot. Haste, brother dear, for this the hour, And this the day of certain power." Then glorious Lakshman took the buck His arrow in the wood had struck; Bearing his mighty load he came, And laid it in the kindled flame. Soon as he saw the meat was done, And that the juices ceased to run From the broiled carcass, Lakshman then Spoke thus to Rama best of men: "The carcass of the buck, entire, Is ready dressed upon the fire. Now be the sacred rites begun To please the God, thou godlike one."

They heard his speech: the car was brought; That shady grove the warders sought Where, mourning Rama night and day, The melancholy lady lay. They placed her in the car and through The yielding air they swiftly flew. The lady looked upon the plain, Looked on the heaps of Vanar slain, Saw where, triumphant in the fight, Thronged the fierce rovers of the night, And Vanar chieftains, mournful-eyed, Watched by the fallen brothers' side. There stretched upon his gory bed Each brother lay as lie the dead, With shattered mail and splintered bow Pierced by the arrows of the foe. When on the pair her eyes she bent, Burst from her lips a wild lament Her eyes o'erflowed, she groaned and sighed And thus in trembling accents cried:

The hundred girls, to wonder stirred, The wooing of the Wind-God heard, Laughed, as a jest, his suit aside, And with one voice they thus replied: "O mighty Wind, free spirit who All life pervadest, through and through, Thy wondrous power we maidens know; Then wherefore wilt thou mock us so? Our sire is Kusanabha, King; And we, forsooth, have charms to bring A God to woo us from the skies; But honour first we maidens prize. Far may the hour, we pray, be hence, When we, O thou of little sense, Our truthful father's choice refuse, And for ourselves our husbands choose. Our honoured sire our lord we deem, He is to us a God supreme, And they to whom his high decree May give us shall our husbands be."

On that same day that saw the king His gift of kine distributing, The lord of Kekaya's son, by name Yudhajit, Bharat's uncle, came, Asked of the monarch's health, and then Addressed the reverend king of men: "The lord of Kekaya's realm by me Sends greeting, noble King, to thee: Asks if the friends thy prayers would bless Uninterrupted health possess. Right anxious, mighty King, is he My sister's princely boy to see. For this I sought Ayodhya fair The message of my sire to bear. There learning, O my liege, that thou With sons and noble kinsmen now Wast resting here, I sought the place Longing to see my nephew's face." The king with kind observance cheered His friend by tender ties endeared, And every choicest honour pressed Upon his honourable guest.

When Rama thus had made reply Kaikeyi's heart with joy beat high. She, trusting to the pledge she held, The youth's departure thus impelled: "'Tis well. Be messengers despatched On coursers ne'er for fleetness matched, To seek my father's home and lead My Bharat back with all their speed. And, Rama, as I ween that thou Wilt scarce endure to linger now, So surely it were wise and good This hour to journey to the wood. And if, with shame cast down and weak, No word to thee the king can speak, Forgive, and from thy mind dismiss A trifle in an hour like this. But till thy feet in rapid haste Have left the city for the waste, And to the distant forest fled, He will not bathe nor call for bread."

Thus with due praise the long-eyed dame, Ennobled by her spotless fame, With wreaths of flowers and precious scent Worshipped the Gods, most reverent. A high-souled Brahman lit the fire, And offered, at the queen's desire, The holy oil ordained to burn For Rama's weal and safe return. Kausalya best of dames, with care Set oil, wreaths, fuel, mustard, there. Then when the rites of fire had ceased, For Rama's bliss and health, the priest, Standing without gave what remained In general offering,(299) as ordained. Dealing among the twice-horn train Honey, and curds, and oil, and grain, He bade each heart and voice unite To bless the youthful anchorite. Then Rama's mother, glorious dame Bestowed, to meet the Brahman's claim, A lordly fee for duty done: And thus again addressed her son:

So Raghu's son, his foemen's dread, With Sita and his brother sped, Girt round by many a twice-born sage, To good Sutikshna's hermitage.(420) Through woods for many a league he passed, O'er rushing rivers full and fast, Until a mountain fair and bright As lofty Meru rose in sight. Within its belt of varied wood Ikshvaku's sons and Sita stood, Where trees of every foliage bore Blossom and fruit in endless store. There coats of bark, like garlands strung, Before a lonely cottage hung, And there a hermit, dust-besmeared, A lotus on his breast, appeared. Then Rama with obeisance due Addressed the sage, as near he drew: "My name is Rama, lord; I seek Thy presence, saint, with thee to speak. O sage, whose merits ne'er decay, Some word unto thy servant say."

"Art thou the brother of the Lord Of Gold by all the world adored, And sprung of that illustrious seed Wouldst now attempt this evil deed? I tell thee, impious Monarch, all The giants by thy sin will fall, Whose reckless lord and king thou art, With foolish mind and lawless heart. Yea, one may hope to steal the wife Of Indra and escape with life. But he who Rama's dame would tear From his loved side must needs despair. Yea, one may steal fair Sachi, dame Of Him who shoots the thunder flame, May live successful in his aim And length of day may see; But hope, O giant King, in vain, Though cups of Amrit thou may drain, To shun the penalty and pain Of wronging one like me."

"Slain by mine arrows Rama lies, And closed in death are Lakshman's eyes. Dead are the mighty princes who Dushan and Khara smote and slew. The Gods and fiends may toil in vain To free them from the binding chain. The haughty chief, my father's dread, Who drove him sleepless from his bed, While Lanka, troubled like a brook In rain time, heard his name and shook: He whose fierce hate our lives pursued Lies helpless by my shafts subdued. Now fruitless is each wondrous deed Wrought by the race the forests breed, And fruitless every toil at last Like cloudlets when the rains are past." Then rose the shout of giants loud As thunder from a bursting cloud, When, deeming Rama, dead, they raised Their voices and the conqueror praised.

Thus Rama spake. For meet reply The lady of the large black eye Attended to the door her lord, And blessings on his head implored: "The majesty and royal state Which holy Brahmans venerate, The consecration and the rite Which sanctifies the ruler's might, And all imperial powers should be Thine by thy father's high decree, As He, the worlds who formed and planned, The kingship gave to Indra's hand. Then shall mine eyes my king adore When lustral rites and fast are o'er, And black deer's skin and roebuck's horn Thy lordly limbs and hand adorn. May He whose hands the thunder wield Be in the east thy guard and shield; May Yama's care the south befriend, And Varun's arm the west defend; And let Kuvera, Lord of Gold, The north with firm protection hold."

Thus for their deep affection's sake The hero to his mother spake, Then to the half seven hundred too, Wives of his sire, paid reverence due. Thus Dasaratha's son addressed That crowd of matrons sore distressed: "If from these lips, while here I dwelt, One heedless taunt you e'er have felt, Forgive me, pray. And now adieu, I bid good-bye to all of you." Then straight, like curlews' cries, upwent The voices of their wild lament, While, as he bade farewell, the crowd Of royal women wept aloud, And through the ample hall's extent. Where erst the sound of tabour, blent With drum and shrill-toned instrument, In joyous concert rose, Now rang the sound of wailing high, The lamentation and the cry, The shriek, the choking sob, the sigh That told the ladies' woes.

He spoke, and reverent Lakshman heard Submissive to his brother's word. The son of Raghu, virtuous-souled, Strung his great bow adorned with gold, And, with the weapon in his hand, Addressed him to the giant band: "Rama and Lakshman we, who spring From Dasaratha, mighty king; We dwell a while with Sita here In Dandak forest wild and drear. On woodland roots and fruit we feed, And lives of strictest rule we lead. Say why would ye our lives oppress Who sojourn in the wilderness. Sent hither by the hermits' prayer With bow and darts unused to spare, For vengeance am I come to slay Your sinful band in battle fray. Rest as ye are: remain content, Nor try the battle's dire event. Unless your offered lives ye spurn, O rovers of the night, return."

Thus Rama spake: Sugriva heard, And mighty joy his bosom stirred: As thus his champion he addressed: "Now by thy favour, first and best Of heroes, shall thy friend obtain His realm and darling wife again Recovered from the foe. Check thou mine elder brother's might; That ne'er again his deadly spite May rob me of mine ancient right, Or vex my soul with woe." The league was struck, a league to bring To Sita fiends, and Vanar king(556) Apportioned bliss and bale. Through her left eye quick throbbings shot,(557) Glad signs the lady doubted not, That told their hopeful tale. The bright left eye of Bali felt An inauspicious throb that dealt A deadly blow that day. The fiery left eyes of the crew Of demons felt the throb, and knew The herald of dismay.

Then Lakshman round his brother threw His mighty arms in honour due, Bent lowly down his reverent head, And onward to the battle sped. Hanuman from afar beheld How Ravan's shafts the Vanars quelled: To meet the giant's car he ran, Raised his right arm and thus began: "If Brahma's boon thy life has screened From Yaksha, God, Gandharva, fiend, With these contending fear no ill, But tremble at a Vanar still." With fury flashing from his eye The lord of Lanka made reply: "Strike, Vanar, strike: the fray begin, And hope eternal fame to win. This arm shall prove thee in the strife And end thy glory and thy life." "Remember," cried the Wind-God's son, "Remember all that I have done, My prowess, King, thou knowest well, Shown in the fight when Aksha(963) fell."

Then, host to host, we met the foes, And fierce the din of battle rose, Sudhanva, foremost of his band, Fell smitten by my single hand. When thus Sankasya's lord was slain, I sanctified, as laws ordain, My brother in his stead to reign, Thus are we brothers, Saint most high The younger he, the elder I. Now, mighty Sage, my spirit joys To give these maidens to the boys. Let Sita be to Rama tied. And Urmila be Lakshman's bride. First give, O King, the gift of cows, As dowry of each royal spouse, Due offerings to the spirits pay, And solemnize the wedding-day. The moon tonight, O royal Sage, In Magha's(252) House takes harbourage; On the third night his rays benign In second Phalguni(253) will shine: Be that the day, with prosperous fate, The nuptial rites to celebrate."

Thus Bharat cried: of anguish sprung, Great drops upon his forehead hung. He fell o'erpowered--his grief was such-- Ere he his brother's feet could touch. As on the glorious prince he gazed In vain his broken voice he raised: "Dear lord"--through tears and sobbing came, The only words his lips could frame. And brave Satrughna wept aloud, As low at Rama's feet he bowed. Then Rama, while his tears ran fast, His arms around his brothers cast. Guha, Sumantra came to meet The princes in their wild retreat. Vrihaspati and Sukra bright Their greeting thus rejoice to pay To the dear Lord who brings the night, And the great God who rules the day. Then wept the dwellers of the shade, Whose eyes the princes, meet to ride On mighty elephants, surveyed; And cast all thought of joy aside.

Then Rama, as she spoke distressed, The feet of Saint Vasishtha pressed, Touched them with reverential love, Then near him took his seat: Thus Indra clasps in realms above The Heavenly Teacher's(380) feet. Then with each counsellor and peer, Bharat of duteous mind, With citizens and captains near, Sat humbly down behind. When with his hands to him upraised, In devotee's attire, Bharat upon his brother gazed Whose glory shone like fire, As when the pure Mahendra bends To the great Lord of Life, Among his noble crowd of friends This anxious thought was rife: "What words to Raghu's son to-day Will royal Bharat speak, Whose heart has been so prompt to pay Obeisance fond and meek?" Then steadfast Rama, Lakshman wise, Bharat for truth renowned, Shone like three fires that heavenward rise With holy priests around.

The monarch called a Brahman near And said, "Now speed away To Kasyap's son,(127) the mighty seer, And with all reverence say The holy child he holds so dear, The hermit of the noble mind, Whose equal it were hard to find, Returned, is dwelling here. Go, and instead of me do thou Before that best of hermits bow, That still he may, for his dear son, Show me the favour I have won." Soon as the king these words had said, To Kasyap's son the Brahman sped. Before the hermit low he bent And did obeisance, reverent; Then with meek words his grace to crave The message of his lord he gave: "The high-souled father of his bride Had called thy son his rites to guide: Those rites are o'er, the steed is slain; Thy noble child is come again."

His circling course the hero bent Round shrine and altar, reverent, Round homes of Gods, where cross-roads met, Where many a sacred tree was set. Near to his father's house he drew Like Indra's beautiful to view, And with the light his glory gave Within the royal palace drave. Through three broad courts, where bowmen kept Their watch and ward, his coursers swept, Then through the two remaining went On foot the prince preeminent. Through all the courts the hero passed, And gained the ladies' bower at last; Then through the door alone withdrew, And left without his retinue. When thus the monarch's noble boy Had gone his sire to meet, The multitude, elate with joy, Stood watching in the street, And his return with eager eyes Expected at the gates, As for his darling moon to rise The King of Rivers(285) waits.

"Best is that chief of all who know With deftest art to draw the bow. His are strange arms of heavenly might, And none can match him in the fight. His brother Lakshman brave as he, Fair as the rounded moon to see, With eyes like night and voice that comes Deep as the roll of beaten drums, By Rama's side stands ever near, Like wind that aids the flame's career. That glorious chief, that prince of kings, On Janasthan this ruin brings. No Gods were there,--dismiss the thought No heavenly legions came and fought. His swift-winged arrows Rama sent, Each bright with gold and ornament. To serpents many-faced they turned: The giant hosts they ate and burned. Where'er these fled in wild dismay Rama was there to strike and slay. By him O King of high estate, Is Janasthan left desolate."

Sore grief upon his bosom weighed As on the pyre the bird he laid, And bade the kindled flame ascend To burn the body of his friend. Then with his brother by his side The hero to the forest hied. There many a stately deer he slew, The flesh around the bird to strew. The venison into balls he made, And on fair grass before him laid. Then that the parted soul might rise And find free passage to the skies, Each solemn word and text he said Which Brahmans utter o'er the dead. Then hastening went the princely pair To bright Godavari, and there Libations of the stream they poured In honour of the vulture lord, With solemn ritual to the slain, As scripture's holy texts ordain. Thus offerings to the bird they gave And bathed their bodies in the wave.

Then Bharat shook in every limb As suppliant thus he spake to him: "The duty of a king respect, Held by our race in high respect: And O, thy gracious ear incline To heed my mother's prayer and mine. The mighty realm to rule and guard For me alone is task too hard. No power have I the love to gain Of noble, citizen, and swain. All those who know thee, warrior, friend, On thee their eager glances bend, As labouring hinds who till the plain Look fondly for the Lord of Rain. O wisest Prince, thy realm secure, And make its firm foundations sure. Kakutstha's son, thy mighty arm Can keep the nation free from harm." He spoke, and fell in sorrow drowned At Rama's feet upon the ground, And there the hero sued and sighed, And "Hear me, Raghu's son," he cried.

She ceased: with admiration moved The Vanar chief her words approved: "Thy speech," he cried, "is worthy one Whom love has linked to Raghu's son. Now speak, O Queen, that I may know Thy pleasure, for to him I go." The Vanar ceased: then Janak's child Made answer as she sweetly smiled: "'My first, my only wish can be, O chief, my loving lord to see." Again the Vanar envoy spoke, And with his words new rapture woke: "Queen, ere this sun shall cease to shine Thy Rama's eyes shall look in thine. Again the lord of Raghu's race Shall turn to thee his moon-bright face. His faithful brother shall thou see And every friend who fought for thee, And greet once more thy king restored Like Sachi(1014) to her heavenly lord." To Raghu's son his steps he bent And told the message that she sent.

Still close, my lord, to thy dear side My spirit will be purified: Love from all sin my soul will free: My husband is a God to me. So, love, with thee shall I have bliss And share the life that follows this. I heard a Brahman, dear to fame, This ancient Scripture text proclaim: "The woman whom on earth below Her parents on a man bestow, And lawfully their hands unite With water and each holy rite, She in this world shall be his wife, His also in the after life." Then tell me, O beloved, why Thou wilt this earnest prayer deny, Nor take me with thee to the wood, Thine own dear wife so true and good. But if thou wilt not take me there Thus grieving in my wild despair, To fire or water I will fly, Or to the poisoned draught, and die."

The more he showed his will to tread The path where filial duty led, The more the people, round him thronged, For their dear Rama's empire longed. Still more attached his followers grew, As Rama, with his brother, drew The people with his virtues' ties, Lamenting all with tear-dimmed eyes. The saintly twice-born, triply old In glory, knowledge, seasons told, With hoary heads that shook and bowed, Their voices raised and spake aloud: "O steeds, who best and noblest are, Who whirl so swiftly Rama's car, Go not, return: we call on you: Be to your master kind and true. For speechless things are swift to hear, And naught can match a horse's ear, O generous steeds, return, when thus You hear the cry of all of us. Each vow he keeps most firm and sure, And duty makes his spirit pure. Back with our chief! not wood-ward hence; Back to his royal residence!"

Then fearless, atheists overleap The bounds of right the godly keep, And when no royal powers restrain, Preeminence and lordship gain. As in the frame of man the eye Keeps watch and ward, a careful spy, The monarch in his wide domains Protects the truth, the right maintains. He is the right, the truth is he, Their hopes in him the well-born see. On him his people's lives depend, Mother is he, and sire, and friend. The world were veiled in blinding night, And none could see or know aright, Ruled there no king in any state The good and ill to separate. We will obey thy word and will As if our king were living still: As keeps his bounds the faithful sea, So we observe thy high decree. O best of Brahmans, first in place, Our kingless land lies desolate: Some scion of Ikshvaku's race Do thou as monarch consecrate."

Sumantra of the noble mind, Gentle and modest, meek and kind, Who, follower of each princely youth, To Rama clung with constant truth, Now with the royal brothers' aid The grief of Rama soothed and stayed, And lent his arm his lord to guide Down to the river's holy side. That lovely stream the heroes found, With woods that ever blossomed crowned, And there in bitter sorrow bent Their footsteps down the fair descent. Then where the stream that swiftly flowed A pure pellucid shallow showed, The funeral drops they duly shed, And "Father, this be thine," they said. But he, the lord who ruled the land, Filled from the stream his hollowed hand, And turning to the southern side Stretched out his arm and weeping cried: "This sacred water clear and pure, An offering which shall aye endure To thee, O lord of kings, I give: Accept it where the spirits live!"

Then Rama to his bosom drew Dear Bharat and Satrughna too: "Be never wroth," he cried, "with her, Kaikeyi's guardian minister: This, glory of Ikshvaku's line, Is Sita's earnest prayer and mine." He spoke, and as the big tears fell, To his dear brother bade farewell. Round Rama, Bharat strong and bold In humble reverence paced, When the bright sandals wrought with gold Above his brows were placed. The royal elephant who led The glorious pomp he found, And on the monster's mighty head Those sandals duly bound. Then noble Rama, born to swell The glories of his race, To all in order bade farewell With love and tender grace-- To brothers, counsellers, and peers,-- Still firm, in duty proved, Firm, as the Lord of Snow uprears His mountains unremoved. No queen, for choking sobs and sighs, Could say her last adieu: Then Rama bowed, with flooded eyes, And to his cot withdrew.

The sage his eyes on Rama bent, Of virtue's friends preeminent; Then words like these he spoke, and pressed The son of Raghu to his breast: "Welcome to thee, illustrious youth, Best champion of the rights of truth! By thine approach this holy ground A worthy lord this day has found. I could not quit this mortal frame Till thou shouldst come, O dear to fame: To heavenly spheres I would not rise, Expecting thee with eager eyes. I knew that thou, unkinged, hadst made Thy home in Chitrakuta's shade. E'en now, O Rama, Indra, lord Supreme by all the Gods adored, King of the Hundred Offerings,(421) said, When he my dwelling visited, That the good works that I have done My choice of all the worlds have won. Accept this meed of holy vows, And with thy brother and thy spouse, Roam, through my favour, in the sky Which saints celestial glorify."

Arun and Garud swift of flight By Vinata were given to light, And sons of Arun red as morn Sampati first, then I was born, Me then, O tamer of the foe, Jatayus, son of Syeni, know. Thy ready helper will I be, And guard thy house, if thou agree: When thou and Lakshman urge the chase By Sita's side shall be my place." With courteous thanks for promised aid, The prince, to rapture stirred, Bent low, and due obeisance paid, Embraced the royal bird. He often in the days gone by Had heard his father tell How, linked with him in friendship's tie, He loved Jatayus well. He hastened to his trusted friend His darling to confide, And through the wood his steps to bend By strong Jatayus' side. On to the grove, with Lakshman near, The prince his way pursued To free those pleasant shades from fear And slay the giant brood.

From Rishyamuka's rugged side To Malaya's hill the Vanar hied, And to his royal chieftain there Announced the coming of the pair: "See, here with Lakshman Rama stands Illustrious in a hundred lands. Whose valiant heart will never quail Although a thousand foes assail; King Dasaratha's son, the grace And glory of Ikshvaku's race. Obedient to his father's will He cleaves to sacred duty still. With rites of royal pomp and pride His sire the Fire-God gratified; Ten hundred thousand kine he freed, And priests enriched with ample meed; And the broad land protected, famed For truthful lips and passions tamed. Through woman's guile his son has made His dwelling in the forest shade, Where, as he lived with every sense Subdued in hermit abstinence, Fierce Ravan stole his wife, and he Is come a suppliant, lord, to thee. Now let all honour due be paid To these great chiefs who seek thine aid."

Meanwhile Vibhishan with the four Stood high above the ocean shore. Sugriva and the chiefs he spied, And raised his mighty voice and cried: "From Ravan, lord of giants, I His brother, named Vibhishan, fly. From Janasthan he stole the child Of Janak by his art beguiled, And in his palace locked and barred Surrounds her with a Rakshas guard. I bade him, plied with varied lore, His hapless prisoner restore. But he, by Fate to ruin sent, No credence to my counsel lent, Mad as the fevered wretch who sees And scorns the balm to bring him ease. He scorned the sage advice I gave, He spurned me like a base-born slave. I left my children and my wife, And fly to Raghu's son for life. I pray thee, Vanar chieftain, speed To him who saves in hour of need, And tell him famed in distant lands That suppliant here Vibhishan stands."

That moment brought Vibhishan near. Sugriva knew the cause of fear, And ordered Jambavan, who led The bears, to check the hosts that fled. The king of bears his hest obeyed: The Vanars' headlong flight was stayed. A little while Vibhishan eyed The brothers fallen side by side. His giant fingers wet with dew Across the heroes' eyes he drew, Still on the pair his sad look bent, And spoke these word in wild lament: "Ah for the mighty chiefs brought low By coward hand and stealthy blow! Brave pair who loved the open fight, Slain by that rover of the night. Dishonest is the victory won By Indrajit my brother's son. I on their might for aid relied, And in my cause they fought and died. Lost is the hope that soothed each pain: I live, but live no more to reign, While Lanka's lord, untouched by ill, Exults in safe defiance still."

Pierced to the soul by sorrow's sting Thus wailed the evil-hearted king. Then Trisiras stood forth and cried: "Yea, father, he has fought and died, Our bravest: and the loss is sore: But rouse thee, and lament no more. Hast thou not still thy coat of mail, Thy bow and shafts which never fail? A thousand asses draw thy car Which roars like thunder heard afar. Thy valour and thy warrior skill, Thy God-given strength, are left thee still. Unarmed, thy matchless might subdued The Gods and Danav multitude. Armed with thy glorious weapons, how Shall Raghu's son oppose thee now? Or, sire, within thy palace stay; And I myself will sweep away Thy foes, like Garud when he makes A banquet of the writhing snakes. Soon Raghu's son shall press the plain, As Narak(984) fell by Vishnu slain, Or Sambar(985) in rebellious pride Who met the King of Gods(986) and died."

When royal Janak's words were done, Joined with Vasishtha Kusik's son, The mighty sage began his speech: "No mind may soar, no thought can reach The glories of Ikshvaku's line, Or, great Videha's King, of thine: None in the whole wide world may vie With them in fame and honours high. Well matched, I ween, in holy bands, These peerless pairs will join their hands. But hear me as I speak once more; Thy brother, skilled in duty's lore, Has at his home a royal pair Of daughters most divinely fair. I for the hands of these sweet two For Bharat and Satrughna sue, Both princes of heroic mould, Wise, fair of form, and lofty-souled. All Dasaratha's sons, I ween, Own each young grace of form and mien: Brave as the Gods are they, nor yield To the great Lords the worlds who shield. By these, good Prince of merits high, Ikshvaku's house with thine ally."

As, praying for her husband's sake, The faultless dame to Ganga spake, To the right bank the vessel flew With her whose heart was right and true. Soon as the bark had crossed the wave, The lion leader of the brave, Leaving the vessel on the strand, With wife and brother leapt to land. Then Rama thus the prince addressed Who filled with joy Sumitra's breast: "Be thine alike to guard and aid In peopled spot, in lonely shade. Do thou, Sumitra's son, precede: Let Sita walk where thou shalt lead. Behind you both my place shall be, To guard the Maithil dame and thee. For she, to woe a stranger yet, No toil or grief till now has met; The fair Videhan will assay The pains of forest life to-day. To-day her tender feet must tread Rough rocky wilds around her spread: No tilth is there, no gardens grow, No crowding people come and go."

So fared he forth. That host, with speed, Quadruple, as the king decreed, With priests to head the bright array, Followed the monarch on his way. Four days they travelled on the road, And eve Videha's kingdom showed. Janak had left his royal seat The venerable king to greet, And, noblest, with these words addressed That noblest lord, his happy guest: "Hail, best of kings: a blessed fate Has led thee, Monarch, to my state. Thy sons, supreme in high emprise, Will gladden now their father's eyes. And high my fate, that hither leads Vasishtha, bright with holy deeds, Girt with these sages far-renowned, Like Indra with the Gods around. Joy! joy! for vanquished are my foes: Joy! for my house in glory grows, With Raghu's noblest sons allied, Supreme in strength and valour's pride. To-morrow with its early light Will shine on my completed rite. Then, sanctioned by the saints and thee, The marriage of thy Rama see."

Thus mourning in that lonely spot The troubled chief bewailed his lot, And filled with tears, his eyes ran o'er; Then silent sat, and spake no more. To him, when ceased his loud lament, Like fire whose brilliant might is spent, Or the great sea when sleeps the wave, Thus Lakshman consolation gave: "Chief of the brave who bear the bow, E'en now Ayodhya, sunk in woe, By thy departure reft of light Is gloomy as the moonless night. Unfit it seems that thou, O chief, Shouldst so afflict thy soul with grief, So with thou Sita's heart consign To deep despair as well as mine. Not I, O Raghu's son, nor she Could live one hour deprived of thee: We were, without thine arm to save, Like fish deserted by the wave. Although my mother dear to meet, Satrughna, and the king, were sweet, On them, or heaven, to feed mine eye Were nothing, if thou wert not by."

Thus the sad town, which Rama kept As a kind father, wailed and wept. Each mansion, as the car went by, Sent forth a loud and bitter cry, As to the window every dame, Mourning for banished Rama, came. As his sad eyes with tears o'erflowed, He sped along the royal road To Dasaratha's high abode. There leaping down his car he stayed; Within the gates his way he made; Through seven broad courts he onward hied Where people thronged on every side. From each high terrace, wild with woe, The royal ladies flocked below: He heard them talk in gentle tone, As each for Rama made her moan: "What will the charioteer reply To Queen Kausalya's eager cry? With Rama from the gates he went; Homeward alone, his steps are bent. Hard is a life with woe distressed, But difficult to win is rest, If, when her son is banished, still She lives beneath her load of ill."

The father, with his consort's aid, The funeral rites with water paid, And thus his speech to me renewed Who stood in suppliant attitude: "Slay me this day, O, slay me, King, For death no longer has a sting. Childless am I: thy dart has done To death my dear, my only son. Because the boy I loved so well Slain by thy heedless arrow fell, My curse upon thy soul shall press With bitter woe and heaviness. I mourn a slaughtered child, and thou Shalt feel the pangs that kill me now. Bereft and suffering e'en as I, So shalt thou mourn thy son, and die. Thy hand unwitting dealt the blow That laid a holy hermit low, And distant, therefore, is the time When thou shalt suffer for the crime. The hour shall come when, crushed by woes Like these I feel, thy life shall close: A debt to pay in after days Like his the priestly fee who pays."