She listened, for his words were kind, Where virtue showed with gain combined, And thus in turn the prince addressed, As hope was rising in his breast: "No time, no cause of wrath I see With those who live and honour thee: And thou shouldst bear without offence Thy servant's fitful negligence. I know the seasons glide away, While Rama maddens at delay I know what deed our thanks has earned, I know that grace should be returned. But still I know, whate'er befall, That conquering love is lord of all; Know where Sugriva's thoughts, possessed By one absorbing passion, rest. But he whom sensual joys debase Heeds not the claim of time and place, And sees not with his blinded sight His duty or his gain aright. O pardon him who loves me! spare The Vanar caught in pleasure's snare, And once again let Rama grace With favour him who rules our race. E'en royal saints, whose chief delight Was penance and austerest rite, At love's commandment have unbent, Beguiled by sweetest blandishment. And know, Sugriva, roused at last, The order to his lords has passed, And, long by love and bliss delayed, Wakes all on fire your hopes to aid. A countless host his city fills, New-gathered from a thousand hills: Impetuous chiefs, who wear at need Each varied form, his legions lead. Come then, O hero, kept aloof By modest awe, nor fear reproof: A faithful friend untouched by blame May look upon another's dame."Ramayana 4.186 · Ramayana · 4
Ramayana 4.186
Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
LoveDharmaHopeJoyMercyAngerDesireThe Divine
Love in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hellenism address it.
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.Luke 6:32 · Bible · Luke
From affection comes grief, from affection comes fear; he who is free from affection knows neither grief nor fear.Dhp 16.213 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.Quran 3:31 · Quran · The Family Of Imran
Then he: “O prince! allied in blood and fame, Dearer than all that own a brother’s name; Of all that Hecuba to Priam bore, Long tried, long loved: much loved, but honoured more! Since you, of all our numerous race alone Defend my life, regardless of your own.”Iliad 22.22 · Iliad · 22
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