"She whom like some sweet herb of grace Thou seekest in this lonely place, Fair lady, is fierce Ravan's prey, Who took, beside, my life away. Lakshman and thou had parted hence And left the dame without defence. I saw her swiftly borne away By Ravan's might which none could stay. I hurried to the lady's aid, I crushed his car and royal shade, And putting forth my warlike might Hurled Ravan to the earth in fight. Here, Rama, lies his broken bow, Here lie the arrows of the foe. There on the ground before thee are The fragments of his battle car. There bleeds the driver whom my wings Beat down with ceaseless buffetings. When toil my aged strength subdued, His sword my weary pinions hewed. Then lifting up the dame he bare His captive through the fields of air. Thy vengeful blows from me restrain, Already by the giant slain."Ramayana 3.380 · Ramayana · 3
Ramayana 3.380
Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
StrengthWarTruthLonelinessMercyNatureSelf-ControlWork
Strength in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Hellenism and Taoism address it.
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.Job 36:5 · Bible · Job
Allah is He Who shaped you out of weakness, then appointed after weakness strength, then, after strength, appointed weakness and grey hair. He createth what He will. He is the Knower, the Mighty.Quran 30:54 · Quran · The Romans
“Stern power of war! by whom the mighty fall, Who bathe in blood, and shake the lofty wall! Let the brave chiefs their glorious toils divide; And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide: While we from interdicted fields retire, Nor tempt the wrath of heaven’s avenging sire.”Iliad 5.6 · Iliad · 5
Hence he who (relies on) the strength of his forces does not conquer; and a tree which is strong will fill the out-stretched arms, (and thereby invites the feller.)Tao Te Ching 76.3 · Tao Te Ching
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