Ramayana, Book 2, The

<SPAN name="toc217" id="toc217"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf218" id="pdf218"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoII-XXXI" id="CantoII-XXXI" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXI. Lakshman's Prayer.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>When Lakshmaṇ, who had joined them there,</div> <div>Had heard the converse of the pair,</div> <div>His mien was changed, his eyes o'erflowed,</div> <div>His breast no more could bear its load.</div> <div>The son of Raghu, sore distressed,</div> <div>His brother's feet with fervour pressed,</div> <div>While thus to Sítá he complained,</div> <div>And him by lofty vows enchained:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“If thou wilt make the woods thy home,</span></div> <div>Where elephant and roebuck roam,</div> <div>I too this day will take my bow</div> <div>And in the path before thee go.</div> <div>Our way will lie through forest ground</div> <div>Where countless birds and beasts are found,</div> <div>I heed not homes of Gods on high,</div> <div>I heed not life that cannot die,</div> <div>Nor would I wish, with thee away,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >O'er the three worlds to stretch my sway.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Thus Lakshmaṇ spake, with earnest prayer</div> <div>His brother's woodland life to share.</div> <div>As Ráma still his prayer denied</div> <div>With soothing words, again he cried:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“When leave at first thou didst accord,</span></div> <div>Why dost thou stay me now, my lord?</div> <div>Thou art my refuge: O, be kind,</div> <div>Leave me not, dear my lord, behind.</div> <div>Thou canst not, brother, if thou choose</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >That I still live, my wish refuse.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>The glorious chief his speech renewed</div> <div>To faithful Lakshmaṇ as he sued,</div> <div>And on the eyes of Ráma gazed</div> <div>Longing to lead, with hands upraised:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Thou art a hero just and dear,</span></div> <div>Whose steps to virtue's path adhere,</div> <div>Loved as my life till life shall end,</div> <div>My faithful brother and my friend.</div> <div>If to the woods thou take thy way</div> <div>With Sítá and with me to-day,</div> <div>Who for Kauśalyá will provide,</div> <div>And guard the good Sumitrá's side?</div> <div>The lord of earth, of mighty power,</div> <div>Who sends good things in plenteous shower,</div> <div>As Indra pours the grateful rain,</div> <div>A captive lies in passion's chain.</div> <div>The power imperial for her son</div> <div>Has Aśvapati's daughter<SPAN id="noteref_306" name="noteref_306" href="#note_306"><span class="tei tei-noteref" ><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">306</span></span></SPAN> won,</div> <div>And she, proud queen, will little heed</div> <div>Her miserable rivals' need.</div> <div>So Bharat, ruler of the land,</div> <div>By Queen Kaikeyí's side will stand,</div> <div>Nor of those two will ever think,</div> <div>While grieving in despair they sink.</div> <div>Now, Lakshmaṇ, as thy love decrees,</div> <div>Or else the monarch's heart to please,</div> <div>Follow this counsel and protect</div> <div>My honoured mother from neglect.</div> <div>So thou, while not to me alone</div> <div>Thy great affection will be shown,</div> <div>To highest duty wilt adhere</div> <div>By serving those thou shouldst revere.</div> <div>Now, son of Raghu, for my sake</div> <div>Obey this one request I make,</div> <div>Or, of her darling son bereft,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Kauśalyá has no comfort left.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>The faithful Lakshmaṇ, thus addressed</div> <div>In gentle words which love expressed,</div> <div>To him in lore of language learned,</div> <div>His answer, eloquent, returned:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Nay, through thy might each queen will share</span></div> <div>Attentive Bharat's love and care,</div> <div>Should Bharat, raised as king to sway</div> <div>This noblest realm, his trust betray,</div> <div>Nor for their safety well provide,</div> <div>Seduced by ill-suggesting pride,</div> <div>Doubt not my vengeful hand shall kill</div> <div>The cruel wretch who counsels ill—</div> <div>Kill him and all who lend him aid,</div> <div>And the three worlds in league arrayed.</div> <div>And good Kauśalyá well can fee</div> <div>A thousand champions like to me.</div> <div>A thousand hamlets rich in grain</div> <div>The station of that queen maintain.</div> <div>She may, and my dear mother too,</div> <div>Live on the ample revenue.</div> <div>Then let me follow thee: herein:</div> <div>Is naught that may resemble sin.</div> <div>So shall I in my wish succeed,</div> <div>And aid, perhaps, my brother's need.</div> <div>My bow and quiver well supplied</div> <div>With arrows hanging at my side,</div> <div>My hands shall spade and basket bear,</div> <div>And for thy feet the way prepare.</div> <div>I'll bring thee roots and berries sweet.</div> <div>And woodland fare which hermits eat.</div> <div>Thou shall with thy Videhan spouse</div> <div>Recline upon the mountain's brows;</div> <div>Be mine the toil, be mine to keep</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Watch o'er thee waking or asleep.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Filled by his speech with joy and pride,</div> <div>Ráma to Lakshmaṇ thus replied:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Go then, my brother, bid adieu</span></div> <div>To all thy friends and retinue.</div> <div>And those two bows of fearful might,</div> <div>Celestial, which, at that famed rite,</div> <div>Lord Varuṇ gave to Janak, king</div> <div>Of fair Vedeha with thee bring,</div> <div>With heavenly coats of sword-proof mail,</div> <div>Quivers, whose arrows never fail,</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page132"></span><SPAN name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div>And golden-hilted swords so keen,</div> <div>The rivals of the sun in sheen.</div> <div>Tended with care these arms are all</div> <div>Preserved in my preceptor's hall.</div> <div>With speed, O Lakshmaṇ, go, produce,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >And bring them hither for our use.”</span></div> <div>So on a woodland life intent,</div> <div>To see his faithful friends he went,</div> <div>And brought the heavenly arms which lay</div> <div>By Ráma's teacher stored away.</div> <div>And Raghu's son to Ráma showed</div> <div>Those wondrous arms which gleamed and glowed,</div> <div>Well kept, adorned with many a wreath</div> <div>Of flowers on case, and hilt, and sheath.</div> <div>The prudent Ráma at the sight</div> <div>Addressed his brother with delight:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Well art thou come, my brother dear,</span></div> <div>For much I longed to see thee here.</div> <div>For with thine aid, before I go,</div> <div>I would my gold and wealth bestow</div> <div>Upon the Bráhmans sage, who school</div> <div>Their lives by stern devotion's rule.</div> <div>And for all those who ever dwell</div> <div>Within my house and serve me well,</div> <div>Devoted servants, true and good,</div> <div>Will I provide a livelihood.</div> <div>Quick, go and summon to this place</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">The good Vaśishṭha's son,</div> <div>Suyajǹa, of the Bráhman race</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">The first and holiest one.</div> <div>To all the Bráhmans wise and good</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Will I due reverence pay,</div> <div>Then to the solitary wood</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" >With thee will take my way.”</span></div> </div> <SPAN name="toc219" id="toc219"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf220" id="pdf220"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoII-XXXII" id="CantoII-XXXII" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXII. The Gift Of The Treasures.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>That speech so noble which conveyed</div> <div>His friendly wish, the chief obeyed,</div> <div>With steps made swift by anxious thought</div> <div>The wise Suyajǹa's home he sought.</div> <div>Him in the hall of Fire<SPAN id="noteref_307" name="noteref_307" href="#note_307"><span class="tei tei-noteref" ><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">307</span></span></SPAN> he found,</div> <div>And bent before him to the ground:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“O friend, to Ráma's house return,</span></div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Who now performs a task most stern.”</span></div> <div>He, when his noonday rites were done,</div> <div>Went forth with fair Sumitrá's son,</div> <div>And came to Ráma's bright abode</div> <div>Rich in the love which Lakshmí showed.</div> <div>The son of Raghu, with his dame,</div> <div>With joined hands met him as he came,</div> <div>Showing to him who Scripture knew</div> <div>The worship that is Agni's due.</div> <div>With armlets, bracelets, collars, rings,</div> <div>With costly pearls on golden strings,</div> <div>With many a gem for neck and limb</div> <div>The son of Raghu honoured him.</div> <div>Then Ráma, at his wife's request,</div> <div>The wise Suyajǹa thus addressed:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Accept a necklace too to deck</span></div> <div>With golden strings thy spouse's neck.</div> <div>And Sítá here, my friend, were glad</div> <div>A girdle to her gift to add.</div> <div>And many a bracelet wrought with care,</div> <div>And many an armlet rich and rare,</div> <div>My wife to thine is fain to give,</div> <div>Departing in the wood to live.</div> <div>A bed by skilful workmen made,</div> <div>With gold and various gems inlaid—</div> <div>This too, before she goes, would she</div> <div>Present, O saintly friend, to thee.</div> <div>Thine be my elephant, so famed,</div> <div>My uncle's present, Victor named;</div> <div>And let a thousand coins of gold,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Great Bráhman, with the gift be told.”</span></div> <div>Thus Ráma spoke: nor he declined</div> <div>The noble gifts for him designed.</div> <div>On Ráma, Lakshmaṇ, Sítá he</div> <div>Invoked all high felicity.</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>In pleasant words then Ráma gave</div> <div>His best to Lakshmaṇ prompt and brave,</div> <div>As Brahmá speaks for Him to hear</div> <div>Who rules the Gods' celestial sphere:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“To the two best of Bráhmans run;</span></div> <div>Agastya bring, and Kuśik's son,</div> <div>And precious gifts upon them rain,</div> <div>Like fostering floods upon the grain.</div> <div>O long-armed Prince of Raghu's line,</div> <div>Delight them with a thousand kine,</div> <div>And many a fair and costly gem,</div> <div>With gold and silver, give to them.</div> <div>To him, so deep in Scripture, who,</div> <div>To Queen Kauśalyá, ever true,</div> <div>Serves her with blessing and respect,</div> <div>Chief of the Taittiríya sect<SPAN id="noteref_308" name="noteref_308" href="#note_308"><span class="tei tei-noteref" ><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">308</span></span></SPAN>—</div> <div>To him, with women-slaves, present</div> <div>A chariot rich with ornament,</div> <div>And costly robes of silk beside,</div> <div>Until the sage be satisfied.</div> <div>On Chitraratha, true and dear,</div> <div>My tuneful bard and charioteer,</div> <div>Gems, robes, and plenteous wealth confer—</div> <div>Mine ancient friend and minister.</div> <div>And these who go with staff in hand,</div> <div>Grammarians trained, a numerous band,</div> <div>Who their deep study only prize,</div> <div>Nor think of other exercise,</div> <div>Who toil not, loving dainty fare,</div> <div>Whose praises e'en the good declare—</div> <div>On these be eighty cars bestowed,</div> <div>And each with precious treasures load.</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page133"></span><SPAN name="Pg133" id="Pg133" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div>A thousand bulls for them suffice,</div> <div>Two hundred elephants of price,</div> <div>And let a thousand kine beside</div> <div>The dainties of each meal provide.</div> <div>The throng who sacred girdles wear,</div> <div>And on Kauśalyá wait with care—</div> <div>A thousand golden coins shall please,</div> <div>Son of Sumitrá, each of these.</div> <div>Let all, dear Lakshmaṇ of the train</div> <div>These special gifts of honour gain:</div> <div>My mother will rejoice to know</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Her Bráhmans have been cherished so.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Then Raghu's son addressed the crowd</div> <div>Who round him stood and wept aloud,</div> <div>When he to all who thronged the court</div> <div>Had dealt his wealth for their support:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“In Lakshmaṇ's house and mine remain,</span></div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >And guard them till I come again.”</span></div> <div>To all his people sad with grief,</div> <div>In loving words thus spoke their chief,</div> <div>Then bade his treasure-keeper bring</div> <div>Gold, silver, and each precious thing.</div> <div>Then straight the servants went and bore</div> <div>Back to their chief the wealth in store.</div> <div>Before the people's eyes it shone,</div> <div>A glorious pile to look upon.</div> <div>The prince of men with Lakshmaṇ's aid</div> <div>Parted the treasures there displayed,</div> <div>Gave to the poor, the young, the old,</div> <div>And twice-born men, the gems and gold.</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>A Bráhman, long in evil case,</div> <div>Named Trijaṭ, born of Garga's race,</div> <div>Earned ever toiling in a wood</div> <div>With spade and plough his livelihood.</div> <div>The youthful wife, his babes who bore,</div> <div>Their indigence felt more and more.</div> <div>Thus to the aged man she spake:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Hear this my word: my counsel take.</span></div> <div>Come, throw thy spade and plough away;</div> <div>To virtuous Ráma go to-day,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >And somewhat of his kindness pray.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>He heard the words she spoke: around</div> <div>His limbs his ragged cloth he wound,</div> <div>And took his journey by the road</div> <div>That led to Ráma's fair abode.</div> <div>To the fifth court he made his way;</div> <div>Nor met the Bráhman check or stay.</div> <div>Brighu, Angiras<SPAN id="noteref_309" name="noteref_309" href="#note_309"><span class="tei tei-noteref" ><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">309</span></span></SPAN> could not be</div> <div>Brighter with saintly light than he.</div> <div>To Ráma's presence on he pressed,</div> <div>And thus the noble chief addressed:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“O Ráma, poor and weak am I,</span></div> <div>And many children round me cry.</div> <div>Scant living in the woods I earn:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >On me thine eye of pity turn.”</span></div> <div>And Ráma, bent on sport and jest,</div> <div>The suppliant Bráhman thus addressed:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“O aged man, one thousand kine,</span></div> <div>Yet undistributed, are mine.</div> <div>The cows on thee will I bestow</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >As far as thou thy staff canst throw.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>The Bráhman heard. In eager haste</div> <div>He bound his cloth around his waist.</div> <div>Then round his head his staff he whirled,</div> <div>And forth with mightiest effort hurled.</div> <div>Cast from his hand it flew, and sank</div> <div>To earth on Sarjú's farther bank,</div> <div>Where herds of kine in thousands fed</div> <div>Near to the well-stocked bullock shed.</div> <div>And all the cows that wandered o'er</div> <div>The meadow, far as Sarjú's shore,</div> <div>At Ráma's word the herdsmen drove</div> <div>To Trijaṭ's cottage in the grove.</div> <div>He drew the Bráhman to his breast,</div> <div>And thus with calming words addressed:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“Now be not angry, Sire. I pray:</span></div> <div>This jest of mine was meant in play.</div> <div>These thousand kine, but not alone.</div> <div>Their herdsmen too, are all thine own.</div> <div>And wealth beside I give thee: speak,</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >Thine shall be all thy heart can seek.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Thus Ráma spake. And Trijaṭ prayed</div> <div>For means his sacrifice to aid.</div> <div>And Ráma gave much wealth, required</div> <div>To speed his offering as desired.</div> </div> <SPAN name="toc221" id="toc221"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf222" id="pdf222"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoII-XXXIII" id="CantoII-XXXIII" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXIII. The People's Lament.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Thus Sítá and the princes brave</div> <div>Much wealth to all the Bráhmans gave.</div> <div>Then to the monarch's house the three</div> <div>Went forth the aged king to see.</div> <div>The princes from two servants took</div> <div>Those heavenly arms of glorious look,</div> <div>Adorned with garland and with band</div> <div>By Sítá's beautifying hand.</div> <div>On each high house a mournful throng</div> <div>Had gathered ere they passed along,</div> <div>Who gazed in pure unselfish woe</div> <div>From turret, roof, and portico.</div> <div>So dense the crowd that blocked the ways,</div> <div>The rest, unable there to gaze,</div> <div>Were fain each terrace to ascend,</div> <div>And thence their eyes on Ráma bend.</div> <div>Then as the gathered multitude</div> <div>On foot their well-loved Ráma viewed,</div> <div>No royal shade to screen his head,</div> <div>Such words, disturbed in grief, they said:</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >“O look, our hero, wont to ride</span></div> <div>Leading a host in perfect pride—</div> <div>Now Lakshmaṇ, sole of all his friends,</div> <div>With Sítá on his steps attends.</div> <div>Though he has known the sweets of power,</div> <div>And poured his gifts in liberal shower,</div> <div>From duty's path he will not swerve,</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134"></span><SPAN name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div>But, still his father's truth preserve.</div> <div>And she whose form so soft and fair</div> <div>Was veiled from spirits of the air,</div> <div>Now walks unsheltered from the day,</div> <div>Seen by the crowds who throng the way.</div> <div>Ah, for that gently-nurtured form!</div> <div>How will it fade with sun and storm!</div> <div>How will the rain, the cold, the heat</div> <div>Mar fragrant breast and tinted feet!</div> <div>Surely some demon has possessed</div> <div>His sire, and speaks within his breast,</div> <div>Or how could one that is a king</div> <div>Thus send his dear son wandering?</div> <div>It were a deed unkindly done</div> <div>To banish e'en a worthless son:</div> <div>But what, when his pure life has gained</div> <div>The hearts of all, by love enchained?</div> <div>Six sovereign virtues join to grace</div> <div>Ráma the foremost of his race:</div> <div>Tender and kind and pure is he,</div> <div>Docile, religious, passion-free.</div> <div>Hence misery strikes not him alone:</div> <div>In bitterest grief the people moan,</div> <div>Like creatures of the stream, when dry</div> <div>In the great heat the channels lie.</div> <div>The world is mournful with the grief</div> <div>That falls on its beloved chief,</div> <div>As, when the root is hewn away,</div> <div>Tree, fruit, and flower, and bud decay.</div> <div>The soul of duty, bright to see,</div> <div>He is the root of you and me;</div> <div>And all of us, who share his grief,</div> <div>His branches, blossom, fruit, and leaf.</div> <div>Now like the faithful Lakshmaṇ, we</div> <div>Will follow and be true as he;</div> <div>Our wives and kinsmen call with speed,</div> <div>And hasten where our lord shall lead.</div> <div>Yes, we will leave each well-loved spot,</div> <div>The field, the garden, and the cot,</div> <div>And, sharers of his weal and woe,</div> <div>Behind the pious Ráma go.</div> <div>Our houses, empty of their stores,</div> <div>With ruined courts and broken doors,</div> <div>With all their treasures borne away.</div> <div>And gear that made them bright and gay:</div> <div>O'errun by rats, with dust o'erspread,</div> <div>Shrines, whence the deities have fled,</div> <div>Where not a hand the water pours,</div> <div>Or sweeps the long-neglected floors,</div> <div>No incense loads the evening air,</div> <div>No Bráhmans chant the text and prayer,</div> <div>No fire of sacrifice is bright,</div> <div>No gift is known, no sacred rite;</div> <div>With floors which broken vessels strew,</div> <div>As if our woes had crushed them too—</div> <div>Of these be stern Kaikeyí queen,</div> <div>And rule o'er homes where we have been.</div> <div>The wood where Ráma's feet may roam</div> <div>Shall be our city and our home,</div> <div>And this fair city we forsake,</div> <div>Our flight a wilderness shall make.</div> <div>Each serpent from his hole shall hie,</div> <div>The birds and beasts from mountain fly,</div> <div>Lions and elephants in fear</div> <div>Shall quit the woods when we come near,</div> <div>Yield the broad wilds for us to range,</div> <div>And take our city in exchange.</div> <div>With Ráma will we hence, content</div> <div><span class="tei tei-q" >If, where he is, our days be spent.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div>Such were the varied words the crowd</div> <div>Of all conditions spoke aloud.</div> <div>And Ráma heard their speeches, yet</div> <div>Changed not his purpose firmly set.</div> <div>His father's palace soon he neared,</div> <div>That like Kailása's hill appeared.</div> <div>Like a wild elephant he strode</div> <div>Right onward to the bright abode.</div> <div>Within the palace court he stepped,</div> <div>Where ordered bands their station kept,</div> <div>And saw Sumantra standing near</div> <div>With down-cast eye and gloomy cheer.</div> </div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />