Translated into English Verse by Ralph T.H.Griffith,M.A. 1 Canto I.Nárad OM. To sainted Nárad,prince of those Whose lore in of wisdom flows.Whose constant care and chief delight Were Scripture and ascetic rite,The good Válmíki,first and best Of hermit saints,these words addressed:“In all this world,I pray thee,who Is virtuous,heroic,true?Firm in his vows,of grateful mind,To every creature good and kind? Bounteous,and holy,just,and wise,Alone most fair to all men's eyes? Devoid of envy,firm,and sage,Whose tranquil soul ne'er yields to rage? Whom,when his warrior wrath is high,Do Gods embattled fear and fly? Whose noble might and gentle skill The triple world can guard ...Read More

Canto II.Brahmá's Visit Válmíki,graceful speaker,heard, To highest admiration stirred. To him whose fame the tale rehearsed He paid his worship first; Then with his pupil humbly bent Before the saint most eloquent. Thus honoured and dismissed the seer Departed to his heavenly sphere. Then from his cot Válmíki hied To Tamasá's44sequestered side, Not far remote from Gangá's tide. He stood and saw the ripples roll Pellucid o'er a pebbly shoal. To Bharadvája45by his side He turned in ecstasy,and cried: “See,pupil dear,this lovely sight, The smooth-floored shallow,pure and bright, With not a speck or shade to mar, And clear as ...Read More

Canto III.The Argument. The hermit thus with watchful heed Received the poem's pregnant seed, And looked with eager thought If fuller knowledge might be found. His lips with water first bedewed, He sate,in reverent attitude On holy grass,the points all bent Together toward the orient; And thus in meditation he Entered the path of poesy. Then clearly,through his virtue's might, All lay discovered to his sight, Whate'er befell,through all their life, Ráma,his brother,and his wife: And Daśaratha and each queen At every time,in every scene: His people too,of every sort; The nobles of his princely court: Whate'er was said,whate'er ...Read More

Canto IV.The Rhapsodists. When to the end the tale was brought, Rose in the sage's mind the thought; “Now throughout this earth will go, And tell it forth that all may know?” As thus he mused with anxious breast, Behold,in hermit's raiment dressed, Kuśáand Lava56came to greet Their master and embrace his feet. The twins he saw,that princely pair Sweet-voiced,who dwelt beside him there None for the task could be more fit, For skilled were they in Holy Writ; And so the great Rámáyan,fraught With lore divine,to these he taught: The lay whose verses sweet and clear Take with ...Read More

Canto V.Ayodhyá. “Ikshváku's sons from days of old Were ever brave and mighty-souled. The land their arms had made own Was bounded by the sea alone. Their holy works have won them praise, Through countless years,from Manu's days. Their ancient sire was Sagar,he Whose high command dug out the sea:61 With sixty thousand sons to throng Around him as he marched along. From them this glorious tale proceeds: The great Rámáyan tells their deeds. This noble song whose lines contain Lessons of duty,love,and gain, We two will now at length recite, While good men listen with delight. On Sarjú's62bank,of ...Read More

Canto VI.The King. There reigned a king of name revered, To country and to town endeared, Great Daśaratha,good and Well read in Scripture's holy page: Upon his kingdom's weal intent, Mighty and brave and provident; The pride of old Ikshváku's seed For lofty thought and righteous deed. Peer of the saints,for virtues famed, For foes subdued and passions tamed: A rival in his wealth untold Of Indra and the Lord of Gold. Like Manu first of kings,he reigned, And worthily his state maintained. For firm and just and ever true Love,duty,gain he kept in view, And ruled his city ...Read More

Canto VII.The Ministers. Two sages,holy saints,had he, His ministers and priests to be: Vaśishṭha,faithful to advise, And Vámadeva,Scripture-wise. Eight lords around him stood, All skilled to counsel,wise and good: Jayanta,Vijay,Dhrishṭi bold In fight,affairs of war controlled: Siddhárth and Arthasádhak true Watched o'er expense and revenue, And Dharmapál and wise Aśok Of right and law and justice spoke. With these the sage Sumantra,skilled To urge the car,high station filled. All these in knowledge duly trained Each passion and each sense restrained: With modest manners,nobly bred Each plan and nod and look they read, Upon their neighbours'good intent, Most active and ...Read More

Canto VIII.Sumantra's Speech. But splendid,just,and great of mind, The childless king for offspring pined. No son had he his to grace, Transmitter of his royal race. Long had his anxious bosom wrought, And as he pondered rose the thought: “A votive steed'twere good to slay, So might a son the gift repay.” Before his lords his plan he laid, And bade them with their wisdom aid: Then with these words Sumantra,best Of royal counsellors,addressed: “Hither,Vaśishṭha at their head, Let all my priestly guides be led.” To him Sumantra made reply: “Hear,Sire,a tale of days gone by. To many a ...Read More

Canto IX.Rishyasring. The wise Sumantra,thus addressed, Unfolded at the king's behest The plan the lords in council laid To the hermit from the shade: “The priest,amid the lordly crowd, To Lomapád thus spoke aloud: “Hear,King,the plot our thoughts have framed, A harmless trick by all unblamed. Far from the world that hermit's child Lives lonely in the distant wild: A stranger to the joys of sense, His bliss is pain and abstinence; And all unknown are women yet To him,a holy anchoret. The gentle passions we will wake That with resistless influence shake The hearts of men;and he Drawn ...Read More

Canto X.Rishyasring Invited. “Again,O best of kings,give ear: My saving words attentive hear, And listen to the tale of By that illustrious Bráhman told. “Of famed Ikshváku's line shall spring ('Twas thus he spoke)a pious king, Named Daśaratha,good and great, True to his word and fortunate. He with the Angas'mighty lord Shall ever live in sweet accord, And his a daughter fair shall be, Śántáof happy destiny. But Lomapád,the Angas'chief, Still pining in his childless grief, To Daśaratha thus shall say: “Give me thy daughter,friend,I pray, ThyŚántáof the tranquil mind, The noblest one of womankind.” The father,swift to feel ...Read More

Canto XI.The Sacrifice Decreed. The Dewy Season85came and went; The spring returned again: Then would the king,with mind intent, sacrifice ordain. He came to Rishyaśring,and bowed To him of look divine, And bade him aid his offering vowed For heirs,to save his line. Nor would the youth his aid deny: He spake the monarch fair, And prayed him for that rite so high All requisites prepare. The king to wise Sumantra cried Who stood aye ready near; “Go summon quick each holy guide, To counsel and to hear.” Obedient to his lord's behest Away Sumantra sped, And brought Vaśishṭha ...Read More

Canto XII.The Sacrifice Begun. Again the spring with genial heat Returning made the year complete. To win him sons,without His vow the king resolved to pay: And to Vaśishṭha,saintly man, In modest words this speech began: “Prepare the rite with all things fit As is ordained in Holy Writ, And keep with utmost care afar Whate'er its sacred forms might mar. Thou art,my lord,my trustiest guide, Kind-hearted,and my friend beside; So is it meet thou undertake This heavy task for duty's sake.” Then he,of twice-born men the best, His glad assent at once expressed: “Fain will I do whate'er ...Read More

Canto XIII.The Sacrifice Finished. The circling year had filled its course, And back was brought the wandering horse: Then Sarjú's northern strand Began the rite the king had planned. With Rishyaśring the forms to guide, The Bráhmans to their task applied, At that great offering of the steed Their lofty-minded king decreed. The priests,who all the Scripture knew, Performed their part in order due, And circled round in solemn train As precepts of the law ordain. Pravargya rites92were duly sped: For Upasads93the flames were fed. Then from the plant94the juice was squeezed, And those high saints with minds well ...Read More

Canto XIV.Rávan Doomed. The saint,well read in holy lore, Pondered awhile his answer o'er, And thus again addressed the His wandering thoughts regathering: “Another rite will I begin Which shall the sons thou cravest win, Where all things shall be duly sped And first Atharva texts be read.” Then by Vibháṇdak's gentle son Was that high sacrifice begun, The king's advantage seeking still And zealous to perform his will. Now all the Gods had gathered there, Each one for his allotted share: Brahmá,the ruler of the sky, Stháṇu,Náráyaṇ,Lord most high, And holy Indra men might view With Maruts105for his ...Read More

Canto XV.The Nectar. When wisest Vishṇu thus had given His promise to the Gods of heaven, He pondered in secret mind A suited place of birth to find, Then he decreed,the lotus-eyed, In four his being to divide, And Daśaratha,gracious king, He chose as sire from whom to spring. That childless prince of high renown, Who smote in war his foemen down, At that same time with utmost care Prepared the rite that wins an heir.109 Then Vishṇu,fain on earth to dwell, Bade the Almighty Sire farewell, And vanished while a reverent crowd Of Gods and saints in worship ...Read More

Canto XVI.The Vánars. When Vishṇu thus had gone on earth, From the great king to take his birth, The Lord of all Addressed the Gods who heard his call: “For Vishṇu's sake,the strong and true, Who seeks the good of all of you, Make helps,in war to lend him aid, In forms that change at will,arrayed, Of wizard skill and hero might, Outstrippers of the wind in flight, Skilled in the arts of counsel,wise, And Vishṇu's peers in bold emprise; With heavenly arts and prudence fraught, By no devices to be caught; Skilled in all weapon's lore and use ...Read More

Canto XVII.Rishyasring's Return. Now when the high-souled monarch's rite, The Aśvamedh,was finished quite, Their sacrificial dues obtained, The Gods heavenly homes regained. The lofty-minded saints withdrew, Each to his place,with honour due, And kings and chieftains,one and all, Who came to grace the festival. And Daśaratha,ere they went, Addressed them thus benevolent: “Now may you,each with joyful heart, To your own realms,O Kings,depart. Peace and good luck attend you there, And blessing,is my friendly prayer; Let cares of state each mind engage To guard his royal heritage. A monarch from his throne expelled No better than the dead is ...Read More

Canto XVIII.Rishyasring's Departure. The monarch called a Bráhman near And said,“Now speed away To Kaśyap's son,127the mighty seer, And 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 Kaśyap's son the Bráhman sped. Before the hermit low he bent And did obeisance,reverent; Then with meek words his ...Read More

Canto XIX.The Birth Of The Princes. The seasons six in rapid flight Had circled since that glorious rite. Eleven had passed away; 'Twas Chaitra's ninth returning day.130 The moon within that mansion shone Which Aditi looks kindly on. Raised to their apex in the sky Five brilliant planets beamed on high. Shone with the moon,in Cancer's sign, Vṛihaspati131with light divine. Kauśalyábore an infant blest With heavenly marks of grace impressed; Ráma,the universe's lord, A prince by all the worlds adored. New glory Queen Kauśalyáwon Reflected from her splendid son. So Aditi shone more and more, The Mother of the ...Read More

Canto XX.Visvámitra's Visit. Now Daśaratha's pious mind Meet wedlock for his sons designed; With priests and friends the king To counsel and prepare his plan. Such thoughts engaged his bosom,when, To see Ayodhyá's lord of men, A mighty saint of glorious fame, The hermit Viśvámitra138came. For evil fiends that roam by night Disturbed him in each holy rite, And in their strength and frantic rage Assailed with witcheries the sage. He came to seek the monarch's aid To guard the rites the demons stayed, Unable to a close to bring One unpolluted offering. Seeking the king in this dire ...Read More

Canto XXI.Visvámitra's Speech. The hermit heard with high content That speech so wondrous eloquent, And while each hair with arose,142 He thus made answer at the close: “Good is thy speech O noble King, And like thyself in everything. So should their lips be wisdom-fraught Whom kings begot,Vaśishṭha taught. The favour which I came to seek Thou grantest ere my tongue can speak. But let my tale attention claim, And hear the need for which I came. O King,as Scripture texts allow, A holy rite employs me now. Two fiends who change their forms at will Impede that rite ...Read More

Canto XXII.Dasaratha's Speech. His tortured senses all astray, While the hapless monarch lay, Then slowly gathering thought and strength Viśvámitra spoke at length: “My son is but a child,I ween; This year he will be just sixteen. How is he fit for such emprise, My darling with the lotus eyes? A mighty army will I bring That calls me master,lord,and king, And with its countless squadrons fight Against these rovers of the night. My faithful heroes skilled to wield The arms of war will take the field; Their skill the demons'might may break: Ráma,my child,thou must not take. I,even ...Read More

Canto XXIII.Vasishtha's Speech. While thus the hapless monarch spoke, Paternal love his utterance broke. Then words like these the returned, And fury in his bosom burned: “Didst thou,O King,a promise make, And wishest now thy word to break? A son of Raghu's line should scorn To fail in faith,a man forsworn. But if thy soul can bear the shame I will return e'en as I came. Live with thy sons,and joy be thine, False scion of Kakutstha's line.” As Viśvámitra,mighty sage, Was moved with this tempestuous rage, Earth rocked and reeled throughout her frame, And fear upon the Immortals ...Read More

Canto XXIV.The Spells. Vaśishṭha thus was speaking still: The monarch,of his own free will, Bade with quick zeal and cheer Ráma and Lakshmaṇhasten near. Mother and sire in loving care Sped their dear son with rite and prayer: Vaśishṭha blessed him ere he went; O'er his loved head the father bent, And then to Kuśik's son resigned Ráma with Lakshmaṇclose behind. Standing by Viśvámitra's side, The youthful hero,lotus-eyed, The Wind-God saw,and sent a breeze Whose sweet pure touch just waved the trees. There fell from heaven a flowery rain, And with the song and dance the strain Of shell ...Read More

Canto XXV.The Hermitage Of Love. Soon as appeared the morning light Up rose the mighty anchorite, And thus to Ráma said, Who lay upon his leafy bed: “High fate is hers who calls thee son: Arise,'tis break of day; Rise,Chief,and let those rites be done Due at the morning's ray.”151 At that great sage's high behest Up sprang the princely pair, To bathing rites themselves addressed, And breathed the holiest prayer. Their morning task completed,they To Viśvámitra came That store of holy works,to pay The worship saints may claim. Then to the hallowed spot they went Along fair Sarjú's ...Read More

Canto XXVI.The Forest Of Tádaká. When the fair light of morning rose The princely tamers of their foes Followed,his worship o'er, The hermit to the river's shore. The high-souled men with thoughtful care A pretty barge had stationed there. All cried,“O lord,this barge ascend, And with thy princely followers bend To yonder side thy prosperous way With naught to check thee or delay.” Nor did the saint their rede reject: He bade farewell with due respect, And crossed,attended by the twain, That river rushing to the main. When now the bark was half way o'er, Ráma and Lakshmaṇheard the ...Read More

Canto XXVII.The Birth Of Tádaká. When thus the sage without a peer Had closed that story strange to hear, again the saint addressed To set one lingering doubt at rest: “O holy man,'tis said by all That spirits'strength is weak and small: How can she match,of power so slight, A thousand elephants in might?” And Viśvámitra thus replied To Raghu's son the glorified: “Listen,and I will tell thee how She gained the strength that arms her now. A mighty spirit lived of yore; Suketu was the name he bore. Childless was he,and free from crime In rites austere he ...Read More

Canto XXVIII.The Death Of Tádaká. Thus spoke the saint.Each vigorous word The noble monarch's offspring heard, And,reverent hands together His answer to the hermit made: “My sire and mother bade me aye Thy word,O mighty Saint,obey So will I,O most glorious,kill This Táḍakáwho joys in ill, For such my sire's,and such thy will. To aid with mine avenging hand The Bráhmans,kine,and all the land, Obedient,heart and soul,I stand.” Thus spoke the tamer of the foe, And by the middle grasped his bow. Strongly he drew the sounding string That made the distant welkin ring. Scared by the mighty clang ...Read More

Canto XXIX.The Celestial Arms. That night they slept and took their rest; And then the mighty saint addressed, With smile and accents mild These words to Raghu's princely child: “Well pleased am I.High fate be thine, Thou scion of a royal line. Now will I,for I love thee so, All heavenly arms on thee bestow. Victor with these,whoe'er oppose, Thy hand shall conquer all thy foes, Though Gods and spirits of the air, Serpents and fiends,the conflict dare. I'll give thee as a pledge of love The mystic arms they use above, For worthy thou to have revealed The ...Read More

Canto XXX.The Mysterious Powers. Pure,with glad cheer and joyful breast, Of those mysterious arms possessed, Ráma,now passing on his Thus to the saint began to say: “Lord of these mighty weapons,I Can scarce be harmed by Gods on high; Now,best of saints,I long to gain The powers that can these arms restrain.” Thus spoke the prince.The sage austere, True to his vows,from evil clear, Called forth the names of those great charms Whose powers restrain the deadly arms. “Receive thou True and Truly famed, And Bold and Fleet:the weapons named Warder and Progress,swift of pace, Averted-head and Drooping-face; The ...Read More

Canto XXXI.The Perfect Hermitage. Thus spoke the prince of boundless might, And thus replied the anchorite: “Chief of the arm,of yore Lord Vishṇu whom the Gods adore, For holy thought and rites austere Of penance made his dwelling here. This ancient wood was called of old Grove of the Dwarf,the mighty-souled, And when perfection he attained The grove the name of Perfect gained. Bali of yore,Virochan's son, Dominion over Indra won, And when with power his proud heart swelled, O'er the three worlds his empire held. When Bali then began a rite, The Gods and Indra in affright Sought ...Read More

Canto XXXII.Visvámitra's Sacrifice. That conquering pair,of royal race, Skilled to observe due time and place, To Kuśik's hermit son In timely words,their meet request: “When must we,lord,we pray thee tell, Those Rovers of the Night repel? Speak,lest we let the moment fly, And pass the due occasion by.” Thus longing for the strife,they prayed, And thus the hermits answer made: “Till the fifth day be come and past, O Raghu's sons,your watch must last. The saint his Dikshá170has begun, And all that time will speak to none.” Soon as the steadfast devotees Had made reply in words like these, ...Read More

Canto XXXIII.The Sone. Their task achieved,the princes spent That night with joy and full content. Ere yet the dawn well displayed Their morning rites they duly paid, And sought,while yet the light was faint, The hermits and the mighty saint. They greeted first that holy sire Resplendent like the burning fire, And then with noble words began Their sweet speech to the sainted man: “Here stand,O Lord,thy servants true: Command what thou wouldst have us do.” The saints,by Viśvámitra led, To Ráma thus in answer said: “Janak the king who rules the land Of fertile Míthiláhas planned A noble ...Read More

Canto XXXIV.Brahmadatta. “A king of Brahmá's seed who bore The name of Kuśa reigned of yore. Just,faithful to his true, He held the good in honour due. His bride,a queen of noble name, Of old Vidarbha's172monarchs came. Like their own father,children four, All valiant boys,the lady bore. In glorious deeds each nerve they strained, And well their Warrior part sustained. To them most just,and true,and brave, Their father thus his counsel gave: “Beloved children,ne'er forget Protection is a prince's debt: The noble work at once begin, High virtue and her fruits to win.” The youths,to all the people dear, ...Read More

Canto XXXV.Visvámitra's Lineage. “The rites were o'er,the maids were wed, The bridegroom to his home was sped. The sonless bade prepare A sacrifice to gain an heir. Then Kuśa,Brahmá's son,appeared, And thus King Kuśanábha cheered: “Thou shalt,my child,obtain a son Like thine own self,O holy one. Through him for ever,Gádhi named, Shalt thou in all the worlds be famed.” He spoke,and vanished from the sight To Brahmá's world of endless light. Time fled,and,as the saint foretold, Gádhi was born,the holy-souled. My sire was he;through him I trace My line from royal Kuśa's race. My sister—elder-born was she— The pure ...Read More

Canto XXXVI.The Birth Of Gangá. The hours of night now waning fast OnŚona's pleasant shore they passed. Then,when the began to break, To Ráma thus the hermit spake: “The light of dawn is breaking clear, The hour of morning rites is near. Rise,Ráma,rise,dear son,I pray, And make thee ready for the way.” Then Ráma rose,and finished all His duties at the hermit's call, Prepared with joy the road to take, And thus again in question spake: “Here fair and deep theŚona flows, And many an isle its bosom shows: What way,O Saint,will lead us o'er And land us on ...Read More

Canto XXXIX.The Sons Of Sagar. The saint in accents sweet and clear Thus told his tale for Ráma's ear, thus anew the holy man A legend to the prince began: “There reigned a pious monarch o'er Ayodhyáin the days of yore: Sagar his name:no child had he, And children much he longed to see. His honoured consort,fair of face, Sprang from Vidarbha's royal race, Keśini,famed from early youth For piety and love of truth. Aríshṭanemi's daughter fair, With whom no maiden might compare In beauty,though the earth is wide, Sumati,was his second bride. With his two queens afar he ...Read More

Canto XL.The Cleaving Of The Earth. The hermit ceased:the tale was done: Then in a transport Raghu's son Again the ancient sire Resplendent as a burning fire: “O holy man,I fain would hear The tale repeated full and clear How he from whom my sires descend Brought the great rite to happy end.” The hermit answered with a smile: “Then listen,son of Raghu,while My legendary tale proceeds To tell of high-souled Sagar's deeds. Within the spacious plain that lies From where Himálaya's heights arise To where proud Vindhya's rival chain Looks down upon the subject plain— A land the ...Read More

Canto XLI.Kapil. The father lent a gracious ear And listened to their tale of fear, And kindly to the replied Whom woe and death had terrified: “The wisest Vásudeva,185who The Immortals'foe,fierce Madhu,slew, Regards broad Earth with love and pride And guards,in Kapil's form,his bride.186 His kindled wrath will quickly fall On the king's sons and burn them all. This cleaving of the earth his eye Foresaw in ages long gone by: He knew with prescient soul the fate That Sagar's children should await.” The Three-and-thirty,187freed from fear, Sought their bright homes with hopeful cheer. Still rose the great tempestuous ...Read More

Canto XLII.Sagar's Sacrifice. Then to the prince his grandson,bright With his own fame's unborrowed light, King Sagar thus began say, Marvelling at his sons'delay: “Thou art a warrior skilled and bold, Match for the mighty men of old. Now follow on thine uncles'course And track the robber of the horse. To guard thee take thy sword and bow, for huge and strong are beasts below. There to the reverend reverence pay, And kill the foes who check thy way; Then turn successful home and see My sacrifice complete through thee.” Obedient to the high-souled lord Grasped Anśumán his bow ...Read More

Canto XLIII.Bhagírath. When Sagar thus had bowed to fate, The lords and commons of the state Approved with ready and will Prince Anśumán his throne to fill. He ruled,a mighty king,unblamed, Sire of Dilípa justly famed. To him,his child and worthy heir, The king resigned his kingdom's care, And on Himálaya's pleasant side His task austere of penance plied. Bright as a God in clear renown He planned to bring pure Gangádown. There on his fruitless hope intent Twice sixteen thousand years he spent, And in the grove of hermits stayed Till bliss in heaven his rites repaid. Dilípa ...Read More

Canto XLIV.The Descent Of Gangá. The Lord of life the skies regained: The fervent king a year remained With upraised,refusing rest While with one toe the earth he pressed, Still as a post,with sleepless eye, The air his food,his roof the sky. The year had past.Then Umá's lord,198 King of creation,world adored, Thus spoke to great Bhagírath:“I, Well pleased thy wish will gratify, And on my head her waves shall fling The daughter of the Mountains'King!” He stood upon the lofty crest That crowns the Lord of Snow, And bade the river of the Blest Descend on earth below. ...Read More

Canto XLV.The Quest Of The Amrit. High and more high their wonder rose As the strange story reached its And thus,with Lakshmaṇ,Ráma,best Of Raghu's sons,the saint addressed: “Most wondrous is the tale which thou Hast told of heavenly Gangá,how From realms above descending she Flowed through the land and filled the sea. In thinking o'er what thou hast said The night has like a moment fled, Whose hours in musing have been spent Upon thy words most excellent: So much,O holy Sage,thy lore Has charmed us with this tale of yore.” Day dawned.The morning rites were done And the ...Read More

Canto XLVI.Diti's Hope. But Diti,when her sons were slain, Wild with a childless mother's pain, To Kaśyap spake,Marícha's son, husband:“O thou glorious one! Dead are the children,mine no more, The mighty sons to thee I bore. Long fervour's meed,I crave a boy Whose arm may Indra's life destroy. The toil and pain my care shall be: To bless my hope depends on thee. Give me a mighty son to slay Fierce Indra,gracious lord!I pray.” Then glorious Kaśyap thus replied To Diti,as she wept and sighed: “Thy prayer is heard,dear saint!Remain Pure from all spot,and thou shalt gain A son ...Read More

Canto XLVII.Sumati. Thus to Lord Indra,Thousand-eyed, Softly beseeching Diti sighed. When but a blighted bud was left, Which Indra's in seven had cleft:213 “No fault,O Lord of Gods,is thine; The blame herein is only mine. But for one grace I fain would pray, As thou hast reft this hope away. This bud,O Indra,which a blight Has withered ere it saw the light— From this may seven fair spirits rise To rule the regions of the skies. Be theirs through heaven's unbounded space On shoulders of the winds to race, My children,drest in heavenly forms, Far-famed as Maruts,Gods of storms. ...Read More

Canto XLVIII.Indra And Ahalyá When mutual courtesies had past, Viśálá's ruler spoke at last: “These princely youths,O Sage,who vie might with children of the sky, Heroic,born for happy fate, With elephants'or lions'gait, Bold as the tiger or the bull, With lotus eyes so large and full, Armed with the quiver,sword,and bow, Whose figures like the Aśvins216show, Like children of the deathless Powers, Come freely to these shades of ours,217— How have they reached on foot this place? What do they seek,and what their race? As sun and moon adorn the sky, This spot the heroes glorify. Alike in stature,port,and ...Read More

Canto XLIX.AhalyáFreed. Then Ráma,following still his guide, Within the grove,with Lakshmaṇ,hied, Her vows a wondrous light had lent To illustrious penitent. He saw the glorious lady,screened From eye of man,and God,and fiend, Like some bright portent which the care Of Brahmálaunches through the air, Designed by his illusive art To flash a moment and depart: Or like the flame that leaps on high To sink involved in smoke and die: Or like the full moon shining through The wintry mist,then lost to view: Or like the sun's reflection,cast Upon the flood,too bright to last: So was the glorious dame ...Read More

Canto L. Janak. The sons of Raghu journeyed forth, Bending their steps'twixt east and north. Soon,guided by the sage,they Enclosed,a sacrificial ground. Then to the best of saints,his guide, In admiration Ráma cried: “The high-souled king no toil has spared, But nobly for his rite prepared, How many thousand Bráhmans here, From every region,far and near, Well read in holy lore,appear! How many tents,that sages screen, With wains in hundreds,here are seen! Great Bráhman,let us find a place Where we may stay and rest a space.” The hermit did as Ráma prayed, And in a spot his lodging made, ...Read More

Canto LI. Visvámitra. Wise Viśvámitra's tale was done: Then sainted Gautam's eldest son, GreatŚatánanda,far-renowned, Whom long austerities had crowned glory—as the news he heard The down upon his body stirred,— Filled full of wonder at the sight Of Ráma,felt supreme delight. WhenŚatánanda saw the pair Of youthful princes seated there, He turned him to the holy man Who sate at ease,and thus began: “And didst thou,mighty Sage,in truth Show clearly to this royal youth My mother,glorious far and wide, Whom penance-rites have sanctified? And did my glorious mother—she, Heiress of noble destiny— Serve her great guest with woodland store, ...Read More

Canto LII. Vasishtha's Feast. Right glad was Viśvámitra when He saw the prince of saintly men. Low at his the hero bent, And did obeisance,reverent. The king was welcomed in,and shown A seat beside the hermit's own, Who offered him,when resting there, Fruit in due course,and woodland fare. And Viśvámitra,noblest king, Received Vaśishṭha's welcoming, Turned to his host,and prayed him tell That he and all with him were well. Vaśishṭha to the king replied That all was well on every side, That fire,and vows,and pupils throve, And all the trees within the grove. And then the son of Brahmá,best ...Read More

Canto LIII. Visvámitra's Request. Thus charged,O slayer of thy foes, The cow from whom all plenty flows, Obedient to saintly lord, Viands to suit each taste,outpoured. Honey she gave,and roasted grain, Mead sweet with flowers,and sugar-cane. Each beverage of flavour rare, An food of every sort,were there: Hills of hot rice,and sweetened cakes, And curdled milk and soup in lakes. Vast beakers foaming to the brim With sugared drink prepared for him, And dainty sweetmeats,deftly made, Before the hermit's guests were laid. So well regaled,so nobly fed, The mighty army banqueted, And all the train,from chief to least, Delighted ...Read More

Canto LIV. The Battle. As Saint Vaśishṭha answered so, Nor let the cow of plenty go, The monarch,as a resource, Began to drag her off by force. While the king's servants tore away Their moaning,miserable prey, Sad,sick at heart,and sore distressed, She pondered thus within her breast: “Why am I thus forsaken?why Betrayed by him of soul most high. Vaśishṭha,ravished by the hands Of soldiers of the monarch's bands? Ah me!what evil have I done Against the lofty-minded one, That he,so pious,can expose The innocent whose love he knows?” In her sad breast as thus she thought, And heaved ...Read More

Canto LV. The Hermitage Burnt. So o'er the field that host lay strown, By Viśvámitra's darts o'erthrown. Then thus charged the cow: “Create with all thy vigour now.” Forth sprang Kámbojas,as she lowed; Bright as the sun their faces glowed, Forth from her udder Barbars poured,— Soldiers who brandished spear and sword,— And Yavans with their shafts and darts, AndŚakas from her hinder parts. And every pore upon her fell, And every hair-producing cell, With Mlechchhas229and Kirátas230teemed, And forth with them Hárítas streamed. And Viśvámitra's mighty force, Car,elephant,and foot,and horse, Fell in a moment's time,subdued By that tremendous multitude. ...Read More

Canto LVI. Visvámitra's Vow. But Viśvámitra,at the threat Of that illustrious anchoret, Cried,as he launched with ready hand A weapon,“Stand,O Stand!” Vaśishṭha,wild with rage and hate, Raising,as'twere the Rod of Fate, His mighty Bráhman wand on high, To Viśvámitra made reply: “Nay,stand,O Warrior thou,and show What soldier can,'gainst Bráhman foe. O Gádhi's son,thy days are told; Thy pride is tamed,thy dart is cold. How shall a warrior's puissance dare With Bráhman's awful strength compare? To-day,base Warrior,shall thou feel That God-sent might is more than steel.” He raised his Bráhman staff,nor missed The fiery dart that near him hissed: And ...Read More

Canto LVII. Trisanku. Then with his heart consumed with woe, Still brooding on his overthrow By the great saint had defied, At every breath the monarch sighed. Forth from his home his queen he led, And to a land far southward fled. There,fruit and roots his only food, He practised penance,sense-subdued, And in that solitary spot Four virtuous sons the king begot: Havishyand,from the offering named, And Madhushyand,for sweetness famed, Mahárath,chariot-borne in fight, And Driḍhanetra strong of sight. A thousand years had passed away, When Brahmá,Sire whom all obey, Addressed in pleasant words like these Him rich in long ...Read More

Canto LVIII. Trisanku Cursed. Triśanku's speech the hundred heard, And thus replied,to anger stirred: “Why foolish King,by him denied, truthful lips have never lied, Dost thou transgress his prudent rule, And seek,for aid,another school?235 Ikshváku's sons have aye relied Most surely on their holy guide: Then how dost thou,fond Monarch,dare Transgress the rule his lips declare? “Thy wish is vain,”the saint replied, And bade thee cast the plan aside. Then how can we,his sons,pretend In such a rite our aid to lend? O Monarch,of the childish heart, Home to thy royal town depart. That mighty saint,thy priest and guide, ...Read More

Canto LIX. The Sons Of Vasishtha. Then Kuśik's son,by pity warmed, Spoke sweetly to the king transformed: “Hail!glory of line: I know how bright thy virtues shine. Dismiss thy fear,O noblest Chief, For I myself will bring relief. The holiest saints will I invite To celebrate thy purposed rite: So shall thy vow,O King,succeed, And from thy cares shalt thou be freed. Thou in the form which now thou hast, Transfigured by the curse they cast,— Yea,in the body,King,shalt flee, Transported,where thou fain wouldst be. O Lord of men,I ween that thou Hast heaven within thy hand e'en now, ...Read More

Canto LX. Trisanku's Ascension. So with ascetic might,in ire, He smote the children and the sire. Then Viśvámitra,far-renowned, Addressed saints who gathered round: “See by my side Triśanku stand, Ikshváku's son,of liberal hand. Most virtuous and gentle,he Seeks refuge in his woe with me. Now,holy men,with me unite, And order so his purposed rite That in the body he may rise And win a mansion in the skies.” They heard his speech with ready ear And,every bosom filled with fear Of Viśvámitra,wise and great, Spoke each to each in brief debate: “The breast of Kuśik's son,we know, With furious ...Read More

Canto LXI. Sunahsepha. Then Viśvámitra,when the Blest Had sought their homes of heavenly rest, Thus,mighty Prince,his counsel laid Before dwellers of the shade: “The southern land where now we are Offers this check our rites to bar: To other regions let us speed, And ply our tasks from trouble freed. Now turn we to the distant west. To Pushkar's241wood where hermits rest, And there to rites austere apply, For not a grove with that can vie.” The saint,in glory's light arrayed, In Pushkar's wood his dwelling made, And living there on roots and fruit Did penance stern and resolute. ...Read More

Canto LXII. Ambarísha's Sacrifice. As thus the king that youth conveyed, His weary steeds at length he stayed At of noon their rest to take Upon the bank of Pushkar's lake. There while the king enjoyed repose The captiveŚunahśepha rose, And hasting to the water's side His uncle Viśvámitra spied, With many a hermit'neath the trees Engaged in stern austerities. Distracted with the toil and thirst, With woeful mien,away he burst, Swift to the hermit's breast he flew, And weeping thus began to sue: “No sire have I,no mother dear, No kith or kin my heart to cheer: As ...Read More

Canto LXIII. Menaká. A thousand years had thus flown by When all the Gods within the sky, Eager that the fruit might gain Of fervent rite and holy pain, Approached the great ascetic,now Bathed after toil and ended vow. Then Brahmáspeaking for the rest With sweetest words the sage addressed: “Hail,Saint!This high and holy name Thy rites have won,thy merits claim.” Thus spoke the Lord whom Gods revere, And sought again his heavenly sphere. But Viśvámitra,more intent, His mind to sterner penance bent. So many a season rolled away, When Menaká,fair nymph,one day Came down from Paradise to lave ...Read More

Canto LXIV. Rambhá. “A great emprise,O lovely maid, To save the Gods,awaits thine aid: To bind the son of sure, And take his soul with love's sweet lure.” Thus order'd by the Thousand-eyed The suppliant nymph in fear replied: “O Lord of Gods,this mighty sage Is very fierce and swift to rage. I doubt not,he so dread and stern On me his scorching wrath will turn. Of this,my lord,am I afraid: Have mercy on a timid maid.” Her suppliant hands began to shake, When thus again Lord Indra spake: “O Rambhá,drive thy fears away, And as I bid do ...Read More

Canto LXV. Visvámitra's Triumph Then from Himálaya's heights of snow, The glorious saint prepared to go, And dwelling in distant east His penance and his toil increased. A thousand years his lips he held Closed by a vow unparalleled, And other marvels passing thought, Unrivalled in the world,he wrought. In all the thousand years his frame Dry as a log of wood became. By many a cross and check beset, Rage had not stormed his bosom yet. With iron will that naught could bend He plied his labour till the end. So when the weary years were o'er, Freed ...Read More

Canto LXVI. Janak's Speech. With cloudless lustre rose the sun; The king,his morning worship done, Ordered his heralds to The princes and the anchorite. With honour,as the laws decree, The monarch entertained the three. Then to the youths and saintly man Videha's lord this speech began: “O blameless Saint,most welcome thou! If I may please thee tell me how. Speak,mighty lord,whom all revere, 'Tis thine to order,mine to hear.” Thus he on mighty thoughts intent; Then thus the sage most eloquent: “King Daśaratha's sons,this pair Of warriors famous everywhere, Are come that best of bows to see That lies ...Read More

Canto LXVII. The Breaking Of The Bow. Then spoke again the great recluse: “This mighty bow,O King,produce.” King Janak,at saint's request, This order to his train addressed: “Let the great bow be hither borne, Which flowery wreaths and scents adorn.” Soon as the monarch's words were said, His servants to the city sped, Five thousand youths in number,all Of manly strength and stature tall, The ponderous eight-wheeled chest that held The heavenly bow,with toil propelled. At length they brought that iron chest, And thus the godlike king addressed: “This best of bows,O lord,we bring, Respected by each chief and ...Read More

Canto LXVIII. The Envoys'Speech. Three nights upon the road they passed To rest the steeds that bore them fast, reached Ayodhyá's town at last. Then straight at Daśaratha's call They stood within the royal hall, Where,like a God,inspiring awe, The venerable king they saw. With suppliant palm to palm applied, And all their terror laid aside, They spoke to him upon the throne With modest words,in gentle tone: “Janak,Videha's king,O Sire, Has sent us hither to inquire The health of thee his friend most dear, Of all thy priests and every peer. Next Kuśik's son consenting,thus King Janak speaks,dread ...Read More

Canto LXIX. Dasaratha's Visit. Soon as the shades of night had fled, Thus to the wise Sumantra said The king,while priest and peer, Each in his place,were standing near: “Let all my treasurers to-day, Set foremost in the long array, With gold and precious gems supplied In bounteous store,together ride. And send you out a mighty force, Foot,chariot,elephant,and horse. Besides,let many a car of state, And noblest steeds,my will await. Vaśishṭha,Vámadeva sage, And Márkaṇdeya's reverend age, Jáváli,Kaśyap's godlike seed, And wise Kátyáyana,shall lead. Thy care,Sumantra,let it be To yoke a chariot now for me, That so we part without ...Read More

Canto LXX. The Maidens Sought. Then with the morn's returning sun. King Janak,when his rites were done, Skilled all charms of speech to know, Spoke to wiseŚatánanda so: “My brother,lord of glorious fame, My younger,Kuśadhwaj by name, Whose virtuous life has won renown, Has settled in a lovely town, Sánkáśyá,decked with grace divine, Whose glories bright as Pushpak's shine, While Ikshumatírolls her wave Her lofty rampart's foot to lave. Him,holy priest,I long to see: The guardian of my rite is he: That my dear brother may not miss A share of mine expected bliss.” Thus in the presence of ...Read More

Canto LXXI. Janak's Pedigree. Then to the saint supremely wise King Janak spoke in suppliant guise: “Deign,Hermit,with attentive ear, race's origin to hear. When kings a daughter's hand bestow, 'Tis right their line and fame to show. There was a king whose deeds and worth Spread wide his name through heaven and earth, Nimi,most virtuous e'en from youth, The best of all who love the truth. His son and heir was Mithi,and His Janak,first who ruled this land. He left a son Udávasu, Blest with all virtues,good and true. His son was Nandivardhan,dear For pious heart and worth sincere. ...Read More

Canto LXXII. The Gift Of Kine. When royal Janak's words were done, Joined with Vaśishṭha Kuśik's son, The mighty began his speech: “No mind may soar,no thought can reach The glories of Ikshváku'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 ...Read More

Canto LXXIII. The Nuptials. On that same day that saw the king His gift of kine distributing, The lord Kekaya's son,by name Yudhájit,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 Ayodhyáfair 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 ...Read More

Canto LXXIV. Ráma With The Axe. Soon as the night had reached its close The hermit Viśvámitra rose; To the kings he bade adieu And to the northern hill withdrew. Ayodhyá's lord of high renown Received farewell,and sought his town. Then as each daughter left her bower King Janak gave a splendid dower, Rugs,precious silks,a warrior force, Cars,elephants,and foot,and horse, Divine to see and well arrayed; And many a skilful tiring-maid, And many a young and trusty slave The father of the ladies gave. Silver and coral,gold and pearls He gave to his beloved girls. These precious gifts the ...Read More

Canto LXXV. The Parle. “Heroic Ráma,men proclaim The marvels of thy matchless fame, And I from loud-voiced rumour know exploit of the broken bow, Yea,bent and broken,mighty Chief, A feat most wondrous,past belief. Stirred by thy fame thy face I sought: A peerless bow I too have brought. This mighty weapon,strong and dire, Great Jamadagni owned,my sire. Draw with its shaft my father's bow, And thus thy might,O Ráma,show. This proof of prowess let me see— The weapon bent and drawn by thee; Then single fight our strength shall try, And this shall raise thy glory high.” King Daśaratha ...Read More

Canto LXXVI. Debarred From Heaven. The haughty challenge,undeterred The son of Daśaratha heard, And cried,while reverence for his sire the full torrent of his ire: “Before this day have I been told The deed that stained thy hands of old. But pity bids my soul forget: Thy father,murdered,claimed the debt. My strength,O Chief,thou deemest slight, Too feeble for a Warrior's might. Now will I show thy wondering eyes The prowess which they dare despise.” He hastened then with graceful ease That mighty bow and shaft to seize. His hand the weapon strung and swayed: The arrow on the string ...Read More

Canto LXXVII. Bharat's Departure. Then Ráma with a cheerful mind The bow to Varuṇ's hand resigned. Due reverence to saints he paid, And thus addressed his sire dismayed: “As Bhrigu's son is far from view, Now let the host its march pursue, And to Ayodhyá's town proceed In four-fold bands,with thee to lead.” King Daśaratha thus addressed His lips to Ráma's forehead pressed, And held him to his aged breast. Rejoiced in sooth was he to know That Bhrigu's son had parted so, And hailed a second life begun For him and his victorious son. He urged the host ...Read More

BOOK II. 1 Canto I.The Heir Apparent.So Bharat to his grandsire went Obedient to the message sent, And for fond companion chose Śatrughna slayer of his foes. There Bharat for a time remained With love and honour entertained, King Aśvapati's constant care, Beloved as a son and heir. Yet ever, as they lived at ease, While all around combined to please, The aged sire they left behind Was present to each hero's mind. Nor could the king's fond memory stray From his brave children far away, Dear Bharat and Śatrughna dear, Each Varuṇ's match or Indra's peer. To all ...Read More

2Canto II.The People's Speech.Then to the full assembly bowed The monarch, and addressed the crowd With gracious speech, in loud As heavenly drum or thunder-cloud: “Needs not to you who know declare How ever with paternal care My fathers of Ikshváku's line Have ruled the realm which now is mine. I too have taught my feet to tread The pathway of the mighty dead, And with fond care that never slept Have, as I could, my people kept. So toiling still, and ne'er remiss For all my people's weal and bliss, Beneath the white umbrella's shade. Old age is ...Read More

3 Canto III.Dasaratha's Precepts.The monarch with the prayer complied Of suppliant hands, on every side Uplifted like a lotus-bed: then these gracious words he said: “Great joy and mighty fame are mine Because your loving hearts incline, In full assembly clearly shown To place my Ráma on the throne.” Then to Vaśishṭha, standing near, And Vámadeva loud and clear The monarch spoke that all might hear: “'Tis pure and lovely Chaitra now When flowers are sweet on every bough; All needful things with haste prepare That Ráma be appointed heir.” Then burst the people's rapture out In loud acclaim ...Read More

4 Canto IV.Ráma Summoned.The crowd dismissed, to high debate The monarch called his peers of state, And, counsel from lips obtained, Firm in his will his will explained: “To-morrow with auspicious ray The moon in Pushya's sign will stay; Be that the time with happy fate Mine eldest son to consecrate, And let my Ráma, lotus-eyed, As Regent o'er the state preside.” He sought, within, his charioteer, And cried “Again bring Ráma here.” To Ráma's home Sumantra hied Again to be the prince's guide. His coming, told to Ráma's ear, Suggested anxious doubt and fear. He bade the messenger ...Read More

5Canto V.Ráma's Fast.Then Saint Vaśishṭha to the king Came ready at his summoning. “Now go,” exclaimed the monarch, “thou by fervent rite and vow, For Ráma and his wife ordain The fast, that joy may bless his reign.” The best of those who Scripture know Said to the king, “My lord, I go.” To Ráma's house Vaśishṭha hied, The hero's fast by rule to guide, And skilled in sacred texts to tell Each step to him instructed well. Straight to Prince Ráma's high abode, That like a cloud pale-tinted showed, Borne in his priestly car he rode. Two courts ...Read More

6 Canto VI.The City Decorated.Then Ráma bathed in order due, His mind from worldly thoughts withdrew, And with his wife besought Náráyaṇ, as a votary ought. Upon his head the brimming cup Of holy oil he lifted up, Then placed within the kindled fire The offering to that heavenly Sire, And as he sipped the remnant prayed To Him for blessing and for aid. Then with still lips and tranquil mind With his Videhan he reclined, In Vishṇu's chapel, on a bed Where holy grass was duly spread, While still the prince's every thought The God supreme, Náráyaṇ, sought. ...Read More

7Canto VII.Manthará's Lament.It chanced a slave-born handmaid, bred With Queen Kaikeyí, fancy-led, Mounted the stair and stood upon The like the moon that shone. Thence Manthará at ease surveyed Ayodhyá to her eyes displayed, Where water cooled the royal street, Where heaps of flowers were fresh and sweet, And costly flags and pennons hung On roof and tower their shadow flung; With covered ways prepared in haste, And many an awning newly placed; With sandal-scented streams bedewed, Thronged by a new bathed multitude: Whose streets were full of Bráhman bands With wreaths and sweetmeats in their hands. Loud instruments ...Read More

8Canto VIII.Manthará's Speech.The damsel's breast with fury burned: She answered, as the gift she spurned: “What time, O simple is this For idle dreams of fancied bliss? Hast thou not sense thy state to know, Engulfed in seas of whelming woe; Sick as I am with grief and pain My lips can scarce a laugh restrain To see thee hail with ill-timed joy A peril mighty to destroy. I mourn for one so fondly blind: What woman of a prudent mind Would welcome, e'en as thou hast done, The lordship of a rival's son, Rejoiced to find her secret ...Read More

9Canto IX.The Plot.As fury lit Kaikeyí's eyes She spoke with long and burning sighs: “This day my son enthroned see, And Ráma to the woods shall flee. But tell me, damsel, if thou can, A certain way, a skilful plan That Bharat may the empire gain, And Ráma's hopes be nursed in vain.” The lady ceased. The wicked maid The mandate of her queen obeyed, And darkly plotting Ráma's fall Responded to Kaikeyí's call. “I will declare, do thou attend, How Bharat may his throne ascend. Dost thou forget what things befell? Or dost thou feign, remembering well? Or ...Read More

10Canto X.Dasaratha's Speech.As Queen Kaikeyí thus obeyed The sinful counsel of her maid She sank upon the chamber floor, sinks in anguish, wounded sore, An elephant beneath the smart Of the wild hunter's venomed dart. The lovely lady in her mind Revolved the plot her maid designed, And prompt the gain and risk to scan She step by step approved the plan. Misguided by the hump-back's guile She pondered her resolve awhile, As the fair path that bliss secured The miserable lady lured, Devoted to her queen, and swayed By hopes of gain and bliss, the maid Rejoiced, her ...Read More

11Canto XI.The Queen's Demand.To him enthralled by love, and blind, Pierced by his darts who shakes the mind, Kaikeyí remorseless breast Her grand purpose thus expressed: “O King, no insult or neglect Have I endured, or disrespect. One wish I have, and faith would see That longing granted, lord, by thee. Now pledge thy word if thou incline To listen to this prayer of mine, Then I with confidence will speak, And thou shalt hear the boon I seek.” Ere she had ceased, the monarch fell, A victim to the lady's spell, And to the deadly snare she set ...Read More

12Canto XII.Dasaratha's Lament.The monarch, as Kaikeyí pressed With cruel words her dire request, Stood for a time absorbed in While anguish in his bosom wrought. “Does some wild dream my heart assail? Or do my troubled senses fail? Does some dire portent scare my view? Or frenzy's stroke my soul subdue?” Thus as he thought, his troubled mind In doubt and dread no rest could find, Distressed and trembling like a deer Who sees the dreaded tigress near. On the bare ground his limbs he threw, And many a long deep sigh he drew, Like a wild snake, with ...Read More

13Canto XIII.Dasaratha's Distress.Unworthy of his mournful fate, The mighty king, unfortunate, Lay prostrate in unseemly guise, As, banished from blissful skies, Yayáti, in his evil day. His merit all exhausted, lay.276 The queen, triumphant in the power Won by her beauty's fatal dower, Still terrible and unsubdued, Her dire demand again renewed: “Great Monarch, 'twas thy boast till now To love the truth and keep the vow; Then wherefore would thy lips refuse The promised boon 'tis mine to choose?” King Daśaratha, thus addressed, With anger raging in his breast, Sank for a while beneath the pain, Then to ...Read More

14Canto XIV.Ráma Summoned.The wicked queen her speech renewed, When rolling on the earth she viewed Ikshváku's son, Ayodhyá's king, his dear Ráma sorrowing: “Why, by a simple promise bound, Liest thou prostrate on the ground, As though a grievous sin dismayed Thy spirit! Why so sore afraid? Keep still thy word. The righteous deem That truth, mid duties, is supreme: And now in truth and honour's name I bid thee own the binding claim. Śaivya, a king whom earth obeyed, Once to a hawk a promise made, Gave to the bird his flesh and bone, And by his truth ...Read More

15Canto XV.The Preparations.There slept the Bráhmans, deeply read In Scripture, till the night had fled; Then, with the royal they Took each his place in long array. There gathered fast the chiefs of trade, Nor peer nor captain long delayed, Assembling all in order due The consecrating rite to view. The morning dawned with cloudless ray On Pushya's high auspicious day, And Cancer with benignant power Looked down on Ráma's natal hour. The twice-born chiefs, with zealous heed, Made ready what the rite would need. The well-wrought throne of holy wood And golden urns in order stood. There was ...Read More

16Canto XVI.Ráma Summoned.So through the crowded inner door Sumantra, skilled in ancient lore, On to the private chambers pressed stood apart from all the rest. There youthful warriors, true and bold, Whose ears were ringed with polished gold, All armed with trusty bows and darts, Watched with devoted eyes and hearts. And hoary men, a faithful train, Whose aged hands held staves of cane, The ladies' guard, apparelled fair In red attire, were stationed there. Soon as they saw Sumantra nigh, Each longed his lord to gratify, And from his seat beside the door Up sprang each ancient servitor. ...Read More

17Canto XVII.Ráma's Approach.As Ráma, rendering blithe and gay His loving friends, pursued his way, He saw on either hand press Of mingled people numberless. The royal street he traversed, where Incense of aloe filled the air, Where rose high palaces, that vied With paly clouds, on either side; With flowers of myriad colours graced. And food for every varied taste, Bright as the glowing path o'erhead Which feet of Gods celestial tread, Loud benedictions, sweet to hear, From countless voices soothed his ear. While he to each gave due salute His place and dignity to suit: “Be thou,” the ...Read More

18Canto XVIII.The Sentence.With hopeless eye and pallid mien There sat the monarch with the queen. His father's feet with due He clasped, and touched Kaikeyí's too. The king, with eyes still brimming o'er, Cried Ráma! and could do no more. His voice was choked, his eye was dim, He could not speak or look on him. Then sudden fear made Ráma shake As though his foot had roused a snake, Soon as his eyes had seen the change So mournful, terrible, and strange. For there his reason well-nigh fled, Sighing, with soul disquieted, To torturing pangs a prey, Dismayed, ...Read More

19Canto XIX.Ráma's Promise.Calm and unmoved by threatened woe The noble conqueror of the foe Answered the cruel words she Nor quailed beneath the murderous stroke: “Yea, for my father's promise sake I to the wood my way will take, And dwell a lonely exile there In hermit dress with matted hair. One thing alone I fain would learn, Why is the king this day so stern? Why is the scourge of foes so cold, Nor gives me greeting as of old? Now let not anger flush thy cheek: Before thy face the truth I speak, In hermit's coat with ...Read More

20Canto XX.Kausalyá's Lament.But in the monarch's palace, when Sped from the bower that lord of men, Up from the 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 Kauśalyá 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 ...Read More

21Canto XXI.Kausalyá Calmed.While thus Kauśalyá wept and sighed, With timely words sad Lakshmaṇ cried: “O honoured Queen I like ill That, subject to a woman's will, Ráma his royal state should quit And to an exile's doom submit. The aged king, fond, changed, and weak, Will as the queen compels him speak. But why should Ráma thus be sent To the wild woods in banishment? No least offence I find in him, I see no fault his fame to dim. Not one in all the world I know, Not outcast wretch, not secret foe, Whose whispering lips would dare ...Read More

22Canto XXII.Lakshman Calmed.So Ráma kept unshaken still His noble heart with iron will. To his dear brother next he Whose glaring eyes with fury burned, Indignant, panting like a snake, And thus again his counsel spake: “Thine anger and thy grief restrain, And firm in duty's path remain. Dear brother, lay thy scorn aside, And be the right thy joy and pride. Thy ready zeal and thoughtful care To aid what rites should grace the heir,— These 'tis another's now to ask; Come, gird thee for thy noble task, That Bharat's throning rites may he Graced with the things ...Read More

23Canto XXIII.Lakshman's Anger.Thus Ráma to his brother said; And Lakshmaṇ bent his drooping head. In turns by grief and impelled, A middle course of thought he held, Then in a frown of anger, bent His brows that chief most excellent, And like a serpent in his hole, Breathed fierce and fast in wrath of soul. His threatening brows so darkly frowned, His eyes so fiercely glanced around, They made his glare, which none might brook, Like some infuriate lion's look. Like some wild elephant, full oft He raised and shook his hand291 aloft. Now turned his neck to left ...Read More

24Canto XXIV.Kausalyá Calmed.But when Kauśalyásaw that he Resolved to keep his sire's decree, While tears and sobs her utterance Her very righteous speech she spoke: “Can he, a stranger yet to pain, Whose pleasant words all hearts enchain, Son of the king and me the queen, Live on the grain his hands may glean; Can he, whose slaves and menials eat The finest cakes of sifted wheat— Can Ráma in the forest live On roots and fruit which woodlands give; Who will believe, who will not fear When the sad story smites his ear, That one so dear, so ...Read More

25Canto XXV.Kausalyá's Blessing.Her grief and woe she cast aside, Her lips with water purified, And thus her benison began mother of the noblest man: “If thou wilt hear no words of mine, Go forth, thou pride of Raghu's line. Go, darling, and return with speed, Walking where noble spirits lead. May virtue on thy steps attend, And be her faithful lover's friend. May Those to whom thy vows are paid In temple and in holy shade, With all the mighty saints combine To keep that precious life of thine. The arms wise Viśvámitra292 gave Thy virtuous soul from danger ...Read More

26Canto XXVI.Alone With Sítá.So Ráma, to his purpose true, To Queen Kauśalyá bade adieu, Received the benison she gave, to the path of duty clave. As through the crowded street he passed, A radiance on the way he cast, And each fair grace, by all approved, The bosoms of the people moved. Now of the woeful change no word The fair Videhan bride had heard; The thought of that imperial rite Still filled her bosom with delight. With grateful heart and joyful thought The Gods in worship she had sought, And, well in royal duties learned, Sat longing till ...Read More

27Canto XXVII.Sítá's Speech.His sweetly-speaking bride, who best Deserved her lord, he thus addressed. Then tender love bade passion wake, thus the fair Videhan spake: “What words are these that thou hast said? Contempt of me the thought has bred. O best of heroes, I dismiss With bitter scorn a speech like this: Unworthy of a warrior's fame It taints a monarch's son with shame, Ne'er to be heard from those who know The science of the sword and bow. My lord, the mother, sire, and son Receive their lots by merit won; The brother and the daughter find The ...Read More

28Canto XXVIII.The Dangers Of The Wood.Thus Sítá spake, and he who knew His duty, to its orders true, Was reluctant as the woes Of forest life before him rose. He sought to soothe her grief, to dry The torrent from each brimming eye, And then, her firm resolve to shake, These words the pious hero spake: “O daughter of a noble line, Whose steps from virtue ne'er decline, Remain, thy duties here pursue, As my fond heart would have thee do. Now hear me, Sítá, fair and weak, And do the words that I shall speak. Attend and hear ...Read More

29Canto XXIX.Sítá's Appeal.Thus Ráma spake. Her lord's address The lady heard with deep distress, And, as the tear bedimmed eye, In soft low accents made reply: “The perils of the wood, and all The woes thou countest to appal, Led by my love I deem not pain; Each woe a charm, each loss a gain. Tiger, and elephant, and deer, Bull, lion, buffalo, in fear, Soon as thy matchless form they see, With every silvan beast will flee. With thee, O Ráma, I must go: My sire's command ordains it so. Bereft of thee, my lonely heart Must break, ...Read More

30Canto XXX.The Triumph Of Love.The daughter of Videha's king, While Ráma strove to soothe the sting Of her deep thus began Once more in furtherance of her plan: And with her spirit sorely tried By fear and anger, love and pride, With keenly taunting words addressed Her hero of the stately breast: “Why did the king my sire, who reigns O'er fair Videha's wide domains, Hail Ráma son with joy unwise, A woman in a man's disguise? Now falsely would the people say, By idle fancies led astray, That Ráma's own are power and might, As glorious as the ...Read More

31Canto XXXI.Lakshman's Prayer.When Lakshmaṇ, who had joined them there, Had heard the converse of the pair, His mien was 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 Sítá 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 ...Read More

32Canto XXXII.The Gift Of The Treasures.That speech so noble which conveyed His friendly wish, the chief obeyed, With steps swift by anxious thought The wise Suyajǹa's home he sought. Him in the hall of Fire307 he found, And bent before him to the ground: “O friend, to Ráma's house return, Who now performs a task most stern.” He, when his noonday rites were done, Went forth with fair Sumitrá's son, And came to Ráma's bright abode Rich in the love which Lakshmí showed. The son of Raghu, with his dame, With joined hands met him as he came, Showing ...Read More

33Canto XXXIII.The People's Lament.Thus Sítá and the princes brave Much wealth to all the Bráhmans gave. Then to the house the three Went forth the aged king to see. The princes from two servants took Those heavenly arms of glorious look, Adorned with garland and with band By Sítá's beautifying hand. On each high house a mournful throng Had gathered ere they passed along, Who gazed in pure unselfish woe From turret, roof, and portico. So dense the crowd that blocked the ways, The rest, unable there to gaze, Were fain each terrace to ascend, And thence their eyes ...Read More

34Canto XXXIV.Ráma In The Palace.The dark incomparable chief Whose eye was like a lotus leaf, Cried to the mournful “Go tell my sire that I am here.” Sumantra, sad and all dismayed, The chieftain's order swift obeyed. Within the palace doors he hied And saw the king, who wept and sighed. Like the great sun when wrapped in shade Like fire by ashes overlaid, Or like a pool with waters dried, So lay the world's great lord and pride, A while the wise Sumantra gazed On him whose senses woe has dazed, Grieving for Ráma. Near he drew With ...Read More

35Canto XXXV.Kaikeyí Reproached.Wild with the rage he could not calm, Sumantra, grinding palm on palm, His head in quick shook, And sighed with woe he could not brook. He gnashed his teeth, his eyes were red, From his changed face the colour fled. In rage and grief that knew no law, The temper of the king he saw. With his word-arrows swift and keen He shook the bosom of the queen. With scorn, as though its lightning stroke Would blast her body, thus he spoke: “Thou, who, of no dread sin afraid, Hast Daśaratha's self betrayed, Lord of the ...Read More

36Canto XXXVI.Siddhárth's Speech.Ikshváku's son with anguish torn For the great oath his lips had sworn, With tears and sighs sharpest pain Thus to Sumantra spake again: “Prepare thou quick a perfect force, Cars, elephants, and foot, and horse, To follow Raghu's scion hence Equipped with all magnificence. Let traders with the wealth they sell, And those who charming stories tell, And dancing-women fair of face, The prince's ample chariots grace. On all the train who throng his courts, And those who share his manly sports, Great gifts of precious wealth bestow, And bid them with their master go. Let ...Read More

37Canto XXXVII.The Coats Of Bark.Thus spake the virtuous sage: and then Ráma addressed the king of men. In laws meek behaviour bred, Thus to his sire he meekly said: “King, I renounce all earthly care, And live in woods on woodland fare. What, dead to joys, have I to do With lordly train and retinue! Who gives his elephant and yet Upon the girths his heart will set? How can a cord attract his eyes Who gives away the nobler prize? Best of the good, with me be led No host, my King with banners spread. All wealth, all ...Read More

38Canto XXXVIII.Care For KausalyáThen when the people wroth and sad Saw Sítá in bark vesture clad, Though wedded, like widowed thing, They cried out, “Shame upon thee, King!” Grieved by their cry and angry look The lord of earth at once forsook All hope in life that still remained, In duty, self, and fame unstained. Ikshváku's son with burning sighs On Queen Kaikeyí bent his eyes, And said: “But Sítá must not flee In garments of a devotee. My holy guide has spoken truth: Unfit is she in tender youth, So gently nurtured, soft and fair, The hardships of ...Read More

39Canto XXXIX.Counsel To Sítá.Scarce had the sire, with each dear queen, Heard Ráma's pleading voice, and seen His darling his hermit dress Ere failed his senses for distress. Convulsed with woe, his soul that shook, On Raghu's son he could not look; Or if he looked with failing eye He could not to the chief reply. By pangs of bitter grief assailed, The long-armed monarch wept and wailed, Half dead a while and sore distraught, While Ráma filled his every thought. “This hand of mine in days ere now Has reft her young from many a cow, Or living ...Read More

40Canto XL.Ráma's Departure.Then Ráma, Sítá, Lakshmaṇ bent At the king's feet, and sadly went Round him with slow steps When Ráma of the duteous heart Had gained his sire's consent to part, With Sítá by his side he paid Due reverence to the queen dismayed. And Lakshmaṇ, with affection meet, Bowed down and clasped his mother's feet. Sumitrá viewed him as he pressed Her feet, and thus her son addressed: “Neglect not Ráma wandering there, But tend him with thy faithful care. In hours of wealth, in time of woe, Him, sinless son, thy refuge know. From this good ...Read More

41Canto XLI.The Citizens' Lament.The lion chief with hands upraised Was born from eyes that fondly gazed. But then the bower was rent With cries of weeping and lament: “Where goes he now, our lord, the sure Protector of the friendless poor, In whom the wretched and the weak Defence and aid were wont to seek? All words of wrath he turned aside, And ne'er, when cursed, in ire replied. He shared his people's woe, and stilled The troubled breast which rage had filled. Our chief, on lofty thoughts intent, In glorious fame preëminent: As on his own dear mother, ...Read More

42Canto XLII.Dasaratha's Lament.While yet the dust was seen afar That marked the course of Ráma's car, The glory of race Turned not away his eager face. While yet his duteous son he saw He could not once his gaze withdraw, But rooted to the spot remained With eyes that after Ráma strained. But when that dust no more he viewed, Fainting he fell by grief subdued. To his right hand Kauśalyá went, And ready aid the lady lent, While Bharat's loving mother tried To raise him on the other side. The king, within whose ordered soul Justice and virtue ...Read More

43Canto XLIII.Kausalyá's Lament.Kauśalyá saw the monarch lie With drooping frame and failing eye, And for her banished son distressed these sad words her lord addressed: “Kaikeyí, cruel, false, and vile Has cast the venom of her guile On Ráma lord of men, and she Will ravage like a snake set free; And more and more my soul alarm, Like a dire serpent bent on harm, For triumph crowns each dark intent, And Ráma to the wild is sent. Ah, were he doomed but here to stray Begging his food from day to day, Or do, enslaved, Kaikeyí's will, This ...Read More

44Canto XLIV.Sumitrá's Speech.Kauśalyá ceased her sad lament, Of beauteous dames most excellent. Sumitrá who to duty clave, In righteous this answer gave: “Dear Queen, all noble virtues grace Thy son, of men the first in place. Why dost thou shed these tears of woe With bitter grief lamenting so? If Ráma, leaving royal sway Has hastened to the woods away, 'Tis for his high-souled father's sake That he his premise may not break. He to the path of duty clings Which lordly fruit hereafter brings— The path to which the righteous cleave— For him, dear Queen, thou shouldst not ...Read More

45Canto XLV.The Tamasá.Their tender love the people drew To follow Ráma brave and true, The high-souled hero, as he Forth from his home to banishment. The king himself his friends obeyed, And turned him homeward as they prayed. But yet the people turned not back, Still close on Ráma's chariot track. For they who in Ayodhyá dwelt For him such fond affection felt, Decked with all grace and glories high, The dear full moon of every eye. Though much his people prayed and wept, Kakutstha's son his purpose kept, And still his journey would pursue To keep the king ...Read More

46Canto XLVI.The Halt.When Ráma, chief of Raghu's race, Arrived at that delightful place, He looked on Sítá first, and To Lakshmaṇ spake the lord of men: “Now first the shades of night descend Since to the wilds our steps we bend. Joy to thee, brother! do not grieve For our dear home and all we leave. The woods unpeopled seem to weep Around us, as their tenants creep Or fly to lair and den and nest, Both bird and beast, to seek their rest. Methinks Ayodhyá's royal town Where dwells my sire of high renown, With all her men ...Read More

47Canto XLVII.The Citizens' Return.The people, when the morn shone fair, Arose to find no Ráma there. Then fear and grief subdued The senses of the multitude. The woe-born tears were running fast As all around their eyes they cast, And sadly looked, but found no trace Of Ráma, searching every place. Bereft of Ráma good and wise, With drooping cheer and weeping eyes, Each woe-distracted sage gave vent To sorrow in his wild lament: “Woe worth the sleep that stole our sense With its beguiling influence, That now we look in vain for him Of the broad chest and ...Read More

48Canto XLVIII.The Women's Lament.When those who forth with Ráma went Back to the town their steps had bent, It that death had touched and chilled Those hearts which piercing sorrow filled. Each to his several mansion came, And girt by children and his dame, From his sad eyes the water shed That o'er his cheek in torrents spread. All joy was fled: oppressed with cares No bustling trader showed his wares. Each shop had lost its brilliant look, Each householder forbore to cook. No hand with joy its earnings told, None cared to win a wealth of gold, And ...Read More

49Canto XLIX.The Crossing Of The Rivers.Now Ráma, ere the night was fled, O'er many a league of road had Till, as his course he onward held, The morn the shades of night dispelled. The rites of holy dawn he paid, And all the country round surveyed. He saw, as still he hurried through With steeds which swift as arrows flew, Hamlets and groves with blossoms fair, And fields which showed the tillers' care, While from the clustered dwellings near The words of peasants reached his ear: “Fie on our lord the king, whose soul Is yielded up to love's ...Read More

50Canto L.The Halt Under The Ingudí.322So through the wide and fair extent Of Kośala the hero went. Then toward back he gazed, And cried, with suppliant hands upraised: “Farewell, dear city, first in place, Protected by Kakutstha's race! And Gods, who in thy temples dwell, And keep thine ancient citadel! I from his debt my sire will free, Thy well-loved towers again will see, And, coming from my wild retreat, My mother and my father meet.” Then burning grief inflamed his eye, As his right arm he raised on high, And, while hot tears his cheek bedewed, Addressed the ...Read More

51Canto LI.Lakshman's Lament.As Lakshmaṇ still his vigil held By unaffected love impelled, Guha, whose heart the sight distressed, With like these the prince addressed: “Beloved youth, this pleasant bed Was brought for thee, for thee is spread; On this, my Prince, thine eyelids close, And heal fatigue with sweet repose. My men are all to labour trained, But hardship thou hast ne'er sustained. All we this night our watch will keep And guard Kakutstha's son asleep. In all the world there breathes not one More dear to me than Raghu's son. The words I speak, heroic youth, Are true: ...Read More

52Canto LII.The Crossing Of Gangá.Soon as the shades of night had fled, Uprising from his lowly bed, Ráma the broad of chest, His brother Lakshmaṇ thus addressed: “Now swift upsprings the Lord of Light, And fled is venerable night. That dark-winged bird the Koïl now Is calling from the topmost bough, And sounding from the thicket nigh Is heard the peacock's early cry. Come, cross the flood that seeks the sea, The swiftly flowing Jáhnaví.” King Guha heard his speech, agreed, And called his minister with speed: “A boat,” he cried, “swift, strong, and fair, With rudder, oars, and ...Read More

53Canto LIII.Ráma's Lament.When evening rites were duly paid, Reclined beneath the leafy shade, To Lakshmaṇ thus spake Ráma, best those who glad a people's breast: “Now the first night has closed the day That saw us from our country stray, And parted from the charioteer; Yet grieve not thou, my brother dear. Henceforth by night, when others sleep, Must we our careful vigil keep, Watching for Sítá's welfare thus, For her dear life depends on us. Bring me the leaves that lie around, And spread them here upon the ground, That we on lowly beds may lie, And let ...Read More

54Canto LIV.Bharadvája's Hermitage.So there that night the heroes spent Under the boughs that o'er them bent, And when the his glory spread, Upstarting, from the place they sped. On to that spot they made their way, Through the dense wood that round them lay, Where Yamuná's326 swift waters glide To blend with Gangá's holy tide. Charmed with the prospect ever new The glorious heroes wandered through Full many a spot of pleasant ground, Rejoicing as they gazed around, With eager eye and heart at ease, On countless sorts of flowery trees. And now the day was half-way sped When ...Read More

55Canto LV.The Passage Of Yamuná.The princely tamers of their foes Thus passed the night in calm repose, Then to hermit having bent With reverence, on their way they went. High favour Bharadvája showed, And blessed them ready for the road. With such fond looks as fathers throw On their own sons, before they go. Then spake the saint with glory bright To Ráma peerless in his might: “First, lords of men, direct your feet Where Yamuná and Gangá meet; Then to the swift Kálindí go, Whose westward waves to Gangá flow. When thou shalt see her lovely shore Worn ...Read More

56Canto LVI.ChitrakútaThen Ráma, when the morning rose, Called Lakshmaṇ gently from repose: “Awake, the pleasant voices hear Of forest that warble near. Scourge of thy foes, no longer stay; The hour is come to speed away.” The slumbering prince unclosed his eyes When thus his brother bade him rise, Compelling, at the timely cry, Fatigue, and sleep, and rest to fly. The brothers rose and Sítá too; Pure water from the stream they drew, Paid morning rites, then followed still The road to Chitrakúṭa's hill. Then Ráma as he took the road With Lakshmaṇ, while the morning, glowed, To ...Read More

57Canto LVII.Sumantra's Return.When Ráma reached the southern bank, King Guha's heart with sorrow sank: He with Sumantra talked, and With his deep sorrow, homeward went. Sumantra, as the king decreed, Yoked to the car each noble steed, And to Ayodhyá's city sped With his sad heart disquieted. On lake and brook and scented grove His glances fell, as on he drove: City and village came in view As o'er the road his coursers flew. On the third day the charioteer, When now the hour of night was near, Came to Ayodhyá's gate, and found The city all in sorrow ...Read More

58Canto LVIII.Ráma's Message.The king a while had senseless lain, When care brought memory back again. Then straight he called, news to hear Of Ráma, for the charioteer, With reverent hand to hand applied He waited by the old man's side, Whose mind with anguish was distraught Like a great elephant newly caught. The king with bitter pain distressed The faithful charioteer addressed, Who, sad of mien, with flooded eye, And dust upon his limbs, stood by: “Where will be Ráma's dwelling now At some tree's foot, beneath the bough; Ah, what will be the exile's food, Bred up with ...Read More

59Canto LIX.Dasaratha's Lament.As thus Sumantra, best of peers, Told his sad tale with many tears, The monarch cried, “I thee, tell At length again what there befell.” Sumantra, at the king's behest, Striving with sobs he scarce repressed, His trembling voice at last controlled, And thus his further tidings told: “Their locks in votive coils they wound, Their coats of bark upon them bound, To Gangá's farther shore they went, Thence to Prayág their steps were bent. I saw that Lakshmaṇ walked ahead To guard the path the two should tread. So far I saw, no more could learn, ...Read More

60Canto LX.Kausalyá Consoled.As Queen Kauśalyá, trembling much, As blighted by a goblin's touch, Still lying prostrate, half awoke To 'twas thus she spoke: “Bear me away, Sumantra, far, Where Ráma, Sítá, Lakshmaṇ are. Bereft of them I have no power To linger on a single hour. Again, I pray, thy steps retrace, And me in Daṇḍak forest place, For after them I needs must go, Or sink to Yama's realms below.” His utterance choked by tears that rolled Down from their fountains uncontrolled, With suppliant hands the charioteer Thus spake, the lady's heart to cheer: “Dismiss thy grief, despair, ...Read More

61Canto LXI.Kausalyá's Lament.When, best of all who give delight, Her Ráma wandered far from sight, Kauśalyá weeping, sore distressed, king her husband thus addressed: “Thy name, O Monarch, far and wide Through the three worlds is glorified: Yet Ráma's is the pitying mind, His speed is true, his heart is kind. How will thy sons, good lord, sustain With Sítá, all their care and pain? How in the wild endure distress, Nursed in the lap of tenderness? How will the dear Videhan bear The heat and cold when wandering there Bred in the bliss of princely state, So young ...Read More

62Canto LXII.Dasaratha Consoled.The queen's stern speech the monarch heard, As rage and grief her bosom stirred, And by his sore oppressed Reflected in his secret breast. Fainting and sad, with woe distraught, He wandered in a maze of thought; At length the queller of the foe Grew conscious, rallying from his woe. When consciousness returned anew Long burning sighs the monarch drew, Again immersed in thought he eyed Kauśalyá standing by his side. Back to his pondering soul was brought The direful deed his hand had wrought, When, guiltless of the wrong intent, His arrow at a sound was ...Read More

63Canto LXIII.The Hermit's Son.But soon by rankling grief oppressed The king awoke from troubled rest, And his sad heart tried again With anxious thought where all was pain. Ráma and Lakshmaṇ's mournful fate On Daśaratha, good and great As Indra, pressed with crushing weight, As when the demon's might assails The Sun-God, and his glory pales. Ere yet the sixth long night was spent, Since Ráma to the woods was sent, The king at midnight sadly thought Of the old crime his hand had wrought, And thus to Queen Kauśalyá cried Who still for Ráma moaned and sighed: “If ...Read More

64Canto LXIV.Dasaratha's Death.The son of Raghu to his queen Thus far described the unequalled scene, And, as the hermit's he rued, The mournful story thus renewed: “The deed my heedless hand had wrought Perplexed me with remorseful thought, And all alone I pondered still How kindly deed might salve the ill. The pitcher from the ground I took, And filled it from that fairest brook, Then, by the path the hermit showed, I reached his sainted sire's abode. I came, I saw: the aged pair, Feeble and blind, were sitting there, Like birds with clipped wings, side by side, ...Read More

65Canto LXV.The Women's Lament.And now the night had past away, And brightly dawned another day; The minstrels, trained to and sing, Flocked to the chamber of the king: Bards, who their gayest raiment wore, And heralds famed for ancient lore: And singers, with their songs of praise, Made music in their several ways. There as they poured their blessings choice And hailed their king with hand and voice, Their praises with a swelling roar Echoed through court and corridor. Then as the bards his glory sang, From beaten palms loud answer rang, As glad applauders clapped their hands, And ...Read More

66Canto LXVI.The Embalming.Kauśalyá's eyes with tears o'erflowed, Weighed down by varied sorrows' load; On her dead lord her gaze bent, Who lay like fire whose might is spent, Like the great deep with waters dry, Or like the clouded sun on high. Then on her lap she laid his head. And on Kaikeyí looked and said: “Triumphant now enjoy thy reign Without a thorn thy side to pain. Thou hast pursued thy single aim, And killed the king, O wicked dame. Far from my sight my Ráma flies, My perished lord has sought the skies. No friend, no hope ...Read More

67Canto LXVII.The Praise Of Kings.That night of sorrow passed away, And rose again the God of Day. Then all twice-born peers of state Together met for high debate. Jáválí, lord of mighty fame. And Gautam, and Kátyáyan came, And Márkandeya's reverend age, And Vámadeva, glorious sage: Sprung from Mudgalya's seed the one, The other ancient Kaśyap's son. With lesser lords these Bráhmans each Spoke in his turn his several speech, And turning to Vaśishṭha, best Of household priests him thus addressed: “The night of bitter woe has past, Which seemed a hundred years to last, Our king, in sorrow ...Read More

68Canto LXVIII.The Envoys.Vaśishṭha heard their speech and prayer, And thus addressed the concourse there, Friends, Bráhmans, counsellors, and all in the palace hall: “Ye know that Bharat, free from care, Still lives in Rájagriha339 where The father of his mother reigns: Śatrughna by his side remains. Let active envoys, good at need, Thither on fleetest horses speed, To bring the hero youths away: Why waste the time in dull delay?” Quick came from all the glad reply: “Vaśishṭha, let the envoys fly!” He heard their speech, and thus renewed His charge before the multitude: “Nandan, Aśok, Siddhárth, attend, Your ...Read More

69Canto LXIX.Bharat's Dream.The night those messengers of state Had past within the city's gate, In dreams the slumbering Bharat A sight that chilled his soul with awe. The dream that dire events foretold Left Bharat's heart with horror cold, And with consuming woes distraught, Upon his aged sire he thought. His dear companions, swift to trace The signs of anguish on his face, Drew near, his sorrow to expel, And pleasant tales began to tell. Some woke sweet music's cheering sound, And others danced in lively round. With joke and jest they strove to raise His spirits, quoting ancient ...Read More

70Canto LXX.Bharat's Departure.While thus he spoke, the envoys borne On horses faint and travel-worn Had gained the city fenced With a deep moat's protecting bound. An audience of the king they gained, And honours from the prince obtained; The monarch's feet they humbly pressed, To Bharat next these words addressed: “The household priest and peers by us Send health to thee and greet thee thus: “Come to thy father's house with haste: Thine absent time no longer waste.” Receive these vestures rich and rare, These costly gems and jewels fair, And to thy uncle here present Each precious robe ...Read More

71Canto LXXI.Bharat's Return.Then Bharat's face was eastward bent As from the royal town he went. He reached Sudámá's farther And glorious, gazed upon the tide; Passed Hládiní, and saw her toss Her westering billows hard to cross. Then old Ikshváku's famous son O'er Śatadrú348 his passage won, Near Ailadhána on the strand, And came to Aparparyat's land. O'er Śilá's flood he hurried fast, Akurvatí's fair stream he passed, Crossed o'er Ágneya's rapid rill, And Śalyakartan onward still. Śilávahá's swift stream he eyed, True to his vows and purified, Then crossed the lofty hills, and stood In Chaitraratha's mighty wood. ...Read More

72Canto LXXII.Bharat's Inquiry.He entered in, he looked around, Nor in the house his father found; Then to his mother's bent To see her face, he quickly went. She saw her son, so long away, Returning after many a day, And from her golden seat in joy Sprung forward to her darling boy. Within the bower, no longer bright, Came Bharat lover of the right, And bending with observance sweet Clasped his dear mother's lovely feet. Long kisses on his brow she pressed, And held her hero to her breast, Then fondly drew him to her knees, And questioned him ...Read More

73Canto LXXIII.Kaikeyí Reproached.But when he heard the queen relate His brothers' doom, his father's fate, Thus Bharat to his said With burning grief disquieted: “Alas, what boots it now to reign, Struck down by grief and well-nigh slain? Ah, both are gone, my sire, and he Who was a second sire to me. Grief upon grief thy hand has made, And salt upon gashes laid: For my dear sire has died through thee, And Ráma roams a devotee. Thou camest like the night of Fate This royal house to devastate. Unwitting ill, my hapless sire Placed in his bosom ...Read More

74Canto LXXIV.Bharat's Lament.When Bharat's anger-sharpened tongue Reproaches on the queen had flung, Again, with mighty rage possessed, The guilty he thus addressed: “Flee, cruel, wicked sinner, flee, Let not this kingdom harbour thee. Thou who hast thrown all right aside, Weep thou for me when I have died. Canst thou one charge against the king, Or the most duteous Ráma bring? The one thy sin to death has sent, The other chased to banishment. Our line's destroyer, sin defiled Like one who kills an unborn child, Ne'er with thy lord in heaven to dwell, Thy portion shall be down ...Read More

75Canto LXXV. The Abjuration.A while he lay: he rose at length, And slowly gathering sense and strength, With angry which tears bedewed, The miserable queen he viewed, And spake with keen reproach to her Before each lord and minister: “No lust have I for kingly sway, My mother I no more obey: Naught of this consecration knew Which Daśaratha kept in view. I with Śatrughna all the time Was dwelling in a distant clime: I knew of Ráma's exile naught, That hero of the noble thought: I knew not how fair Sítá went, And Lakshmaṇ, forth to banishment.” Thus ...Read More

76Canto LXXVI.The Funeral.The saint Vaśishṭha, best of all Whose words with moving wisdom fall, Bharat, Kaikeyí's son, addressed, Whom fires of grief distressed: “O Prince, whose fame is widely spread, Enough of grief: be comforted. The time is come: arise, and lay Upon the pyre the monarch's clay.” He heard the words Vaśishṭha spoke, And slumbering resolution woke. Then skilled in all the laws declare, He bade his friends the rites prepare. They raised the body from the oil, And placed it, dripping, on the soil; Then laid it on a bed, whereon Wrought gold and precious jewels shone. ...Read More

77Canto LXXVII.The Gathering Of The Ashes.The tenth day passed: the prince again Was free from every legal stain. He them on the twelfth the great Remaining honour celebrate. Much gold he gave, and gems, and food, To all the Bráhman multitude, And goats whose hair was white and fine, And many a thousand head of kine: Slaves, men and damsels, he bestowed, And many a car and fair abode: Such gifts he gave the Bráhman race His father's obsequies to grace. Then when the morning's earliest ray Appeared upon the thirteenth day, Again the hero wept and sighed Distraught ...Read More

78Canto LXXVIII.Manthará Punished.Śatrughna thus to Bharat spake Who longed the forest road to take: “He who in woe was to give Strength to himself and all that live— Dear Ráma, true and pure in heart, Is banished by a woman's art. Yet here was Lakshmaṇ, brave and strong, Could not his might prevent the wrong? Could not his arm the king restrain, Or make the banished free again? One loving right and fearing crime Had checked the monarch's sin in time, When, vassal of a woman's will, His feet approached the path of ill.” While Lakshmaṇ's younger brother, dread ...Read More

79Canto LXXIX.Bharat's Commands.Now when the sun's returning ray Had ushered in the fourteenth day, The gathered peers of state To Bharat's ear their new request: “Our lord to heaven has parted hence, Long served with deepest reverence; Ráma, the eldest, far from home, And Lakshmaṇ, in the forest roam. O Prince, of mighty fame, be thou Our guardian and our monarch now, Lest secret plot or foeman's hate Assail our unprotected state. With longing eyes, O Lord of men, To thee look friend and citizen, And ready is each sacred thing To consecrate our chosen king. Come, Bharat, and ...Read More

80Canto LXXX.The Way Prepared.All they who knew the joiner's art, Or distant ground in every part; Each busied in several trade, To work machines or ply the spade; Deft workmen skilled to frame the wheel, Or with the ponderous engine deal; Guides of the way, and craftsmen skilled, To sink the well, make bricks, and build; And those whose hands the tree could hew, And work with slips of cut bamboo, Went forward, and to guide them, they Whose eyes before had seen the way. Then onward in triumphant mood Went all the mighty multitude. Like the great sea ...Read More

81Canto LXXXI.The Assembly.Ere yet the dawn had ushered in The day should see the march begin, Herald and bard rightly knew Each nice degree of honour due, Their loud auspicious voices raised, And royal Bharat blessed and praised. With sticks of gold the drum they smote, Which thundered out its deafening note, Blew loud the sounding shell, and blent Each high and low-toned instrument. The mingled sound of drum and horn Through all the air was quickly borne, And as in Bharat's ear it rang, Gave the sad prince another pang. Then Bharat, starting from repose, Stilled the glad ...Read More

82Canto LXXXII.The Departure.The prudent prince the assembly viewed Thronged with its noble multitude, Resplendent as a cloudless night When full moon is in his height; While robes of every varied hue A glory o'er the synod threw. The priest in lore of duty skilled Looked on the crowd the hall that filled, And then in accents soft and grave To Bharat thus his counsel gave: “The king, dear son, so good and wise, Has gone from earth and gained the skies, Leaving to thee, her rightful lord, This rich wide land with foison stored. And still has faithful Ráma ...Read More

83Canto LXXXIII.The Journey Begun.Then Bharat rose at early morn, And in his noble chariot borne Drove forward at a pace Eager to look on Ráma's face. The priests and lords, a fair array, In sun-bright chariots led the way. Behind, a well appointed throng, Nine thousand elephants streamed along. Then sixty thousand cars, and then, With various arms, came fighting men. A hundred thousand archers showed In lengthened line the steeds they rode— A mighty host, the march to grace Of Bharat, pride of Raghu's race. Kaikeyí and Sumitrá came, And good Kauśalyá, dear to fame: By hopes of ...Read More

84Canto LXXXIV.Guha's Anger.King Guha saw the host spread o'er The wide expanse of Gangá's shore, With waving flag and graced, And to his followers spoke in haste: “A mighty army meets my eyes, That rivals Ocean's self in size: Where'er I look my very mind No limit to the host can find. Sure Bharat with some evil thought His army to our land has brought. See, huge of form, his flag he rears, That like an Ebony-tree appears. He comes with bonds to take and chain, Or triumph o'er our people slain: And after, Ráma will he slay,— Him ...Read More

85Canto LXXXV.Guha And Bharat.Thus the Nishádas' king besought: The prince with spirit wisdom-fraught Replied in seemly words that blent matter with the argument: “Thou, friend of him whom I revere, With honours high hast met me here, For thou alone wouldst entertain And feed to-day so vast a train.” In such fair words the prince replied, Then, pointing to the path he cried: “Which way aright will lead my feet To Bharadvája's calm retreat; For all this land near Gangá's streams Pathless and hard to traverse seems?” Thus spoke the prince: King Guha heard Delighted every prudent word, And ...Read More

86Canto LXXXVI.Guha's Speech.Guha the king, acquainted well With all that in the wood befell, To Bharat the unequalled told tale of Lakshmaṇ mighty-souled: “With many an earnest word I spake To Lakshmaṇ as he stayed awake, And with his bow and shaft in hand To guard his brother kept his stand: “Now sleep a little, Lakshmaṇ, see This pleasant bed is strewn for thee: Hereon thy weary body lay, And strengthen thee with rest, I pray, Inured to toil are men like these, But thou hast aye been nursed in ease. Rest, duteous-minded! I will keep My watch while ...Read More

87Canto LXXXVII.Guha's Story.That speech of Guha Bharat heard With grief and tender pity stirred, And as his ears the drank, Deep in his thoughtful heart it sank. His large full eyes in anguish rolled, His trembling limbs grew stiff and cold; Then fell he, like a tree uptorn, In woe too grievous to be borne. When Guha saw the long-armed chief Whose eye was like a lotus leaf, With lion shoulders strong and fair, High-mettled, prostrate in despair,— Pale, bitterly afflicted, he Reeled as in earthquake reels a tree. But when Śatrughna standing nigh Saw his dear brother helpless ...Read More

88Canto LXXXVIII.The Ingudí Tree.When Bharat with each friend and peer Had heard that tale so full and clear, They together to the tree The bed which Ráma pressed to see. Then Bharat to his mothers said: “Behold the high-souled hero's bed: These tumbled heaps of grass betray Where he that night with Sítá lay: Unmeet, the heir of fortune high Thus on the cold bare earth should lie, The monarch's son, in counsel sage, Of old imperial lineage. That lion-lord whose noble bed With finest skins of deer was spread,— How can he now endure to press The bare ...Read More

89Canto LXXXIX.The Passage Of Gangá.That night the son of Raghu lay On Gangá's bank till break of day: Then the earliest light he woke And thus to brave Śatrughna spoke. “Rise up, Śatrughna, from thy bed: Why sleepest thou the night is fled. See how the sun who chases night Wakes every lotus with his light. Arise, arise, and first of all The lord of Śringavera call, For he his friendly aid will lend Our army o'er the flood to send.” Thus urged, Śatrughna answered: “I, Remembering Ráma, sleepless lie.” As thus the brothers, each to each, The lion-mettled, ...Read More

90Canto XC.The Hermitage.The prince of men a league away Saw where the hermit's dwelling lay, Then with his lords path pursued, And left his warrior multitude. On foot, as duty taught his mind, He left his warlike gear behind; Two robes of linen cloth he wore, And bade Vaśishṭha walk before. Then Bharat from his lords withdrew When Bharadvája came in view, And toward the holy hermit went Behind Vaśishṭha, reverent. When Bharadvája, saint austere, Saw good Vaśishṭha drawing near, He cried, upspringing from his seat, “The grace-gift bring, my friend to greet.” When Saint Vaśishṭha near him drew, ...Read More

91Canto XCI.Bharadvája's Feast.Soon as he saw the prince's mind To rest that day was well inclined, He sought Kaikeyí's to please With hospitable courtesies. Then Bharat to the saint replied: “Our wants are more than satisfied. The gifts which honoured strangers greet, And water for our weary feet Hast thou bestowed with friendly care, And every choice of woodland fare.” Then Bharadvája spoke, a smile Playing upon his lips the while: “I know, dear Prince, thy friendly mind Will any fare sufficient find, But gladly would I entertain And banquet all thine armed train: Such is my earnest wish: ...Read More

92Canto XCII.Bharat's Farewell.So Bharat with his army spent The watches of the night content, And gladly, with the morning's Drew near his host the anchorite. When Bharadvája saw him stand With hand in reverence joined to hand, When fires of worship had been fed, He looked upon the prince and said: “O blameless son, I pray thee tell, Did the past night content thee well? Say if the feast my care supplied Thy host of followers gratified.” His hands he joined, his head he bent And spoke in answer reverent To the most high and radiant sage Who issued ...Read More

93Canto XCIII.Chitrakúta In Sight.As through the woods its way pursued That mighty bannered multitude, Wild elephants in terror fled all the startled herds they led, And bears and deer were seen on hill, In forest glade, by every rill. Wide as the sea from coast to coast, The high-souled Bharat's mighty host Covered the earth as cloudy trains Obscure the sky when fall the rains. The stately elephants he led, And countless steeds the land o'erspread, So closely crowded that between Their serried ranks no ground was seen. Then when the host had travelled far, And steeds were worn ...Read More

94Canto XCIV.Chitrakúta.There long the son of Raghu dwelt And love for hill and wood he felt. Then his Videhan to please And his own heart of woe to ease, Like some Immortal—Indra so Might Swarga's charms to Śachí show— Drew her sweet eyes to each delight Of Chitrakúṭa's lovely height: “Though reft of power and kingly sway, Though friends and home are far away, I cannot mourn my altered lot, Enamoured of this charming spot. Look, darling, on this noble hill Which sweet birds with their music fill, Bright with a thousand metal dyes His lofty summits cleave the ...Read More

95Canto XCV.Mandákiní.Then Ráma, like the lotus eyed, Descended from the mountain side, And to the Maithil lady showed The stream that softly flowed. And thus Ayodhyá's lord addressed His bride, of dames the loveliest, Child of Videha's king, her face Bright with the fair moon's tender grace: “How sweetly glides, O darling, look, Mandákiní's delightful brook, Adorned with islets, blossoms gay, And sárases and swans at play! The trees with which her banks are lined Show flowers and fruit of every kind: The match in radiant sheen is she Of King Kuvera's Naliní. My heart exults with pleasure new ...Read More

96Canto XCVI.The Magic Shaft.Thus Ráma showed to Janak's child The varied beauties of the wild, The hill, the brook each fair spot, Then turned to seek their leafy cot. North of the mountain Ráma found A cavern in the sloping ground, Charming to view, its floor was strown With many a mass of ore and stone, In secret shadow far retired Where gay birds sang with joy inspired, And trees their graceful branches swayed With loads of blossom downward weighed. Soon as he saw the cave which took Each living heart and chained the look, Thus Ráma spoke to ...Read More

97Canto XCVII.Lakshman's Anger.Thus Ráma showed his love the rill Whose waters ran beneath the hill, Then resting on his seat Refreshed her with the choicest meat. So there reposed the happy two: Then Bharat's army nearer drew: Rose to the skies a dusty cloud, The sound of trampling feet was loud. The swelling roar of marching men Drove the roused tiger from his den, And scared amain the serpent race Flying to hole and hiding-place. The herds of deer in terror fled, The air was filled with birds o'erhead, The bear began to leave his tree, The monkey to ...Read More

98Canto XCVIII.Lakshman Calmed.Then Ráma nobly calm allayed The wrath that Lakshmaṇ's bosom swayed: “What need have we the sword wield, To bend the bow or lift the shield, If Bharat brave, and wise, and good, Himself has sought this sheltering wood? I sware my father's will to do, And if I now my brother slew What gain in kingship should I find, Despised and scorned by all mankind? Believe me, e'en as I would shrink From poisoned meat or deadly drink, No power or treasure would I win By fall of friend or kith or kin. Brother, believe the ...Read More

99Canto XCIX.Bharat's Approach.Soon as the warriors took their rest Obeying Bharat's high behest, Thus Bharat to Śatrughna spake: “A of soldiers with thee take, And with these hunters o'er and o'er The thickets of the wood explore. With bow, sword, arrows in their hands Let Guha with his kindred bands Within this grove remaining trace The children of Kakutstha's race. And I meanwhile on foot will through This neighbouring wood my way pursue, With elders and the twice-born men, And every lord and citizen. There is, I feel, no rest for me Till Ráma's face again I see, Lakshmaṇ, ...Read More

100Canto C.The Meeting.Then Bharat to Śatrughna showed The spot, and eager onward strode, First bidding Saint Vaśishṭha bring The consorts of the king. As by fraternal love impelled His onward course the hero held, Sumantra followed close behind Śatrughna with an anxious mind: Not Bharat's self more fain could be To look on Ráma's face than he. As, speeding on, the spot he neared, Amid the hermits' homes appeared His brother's cot with leaves o'erspread, And by its side a lowly shed. Before the shed great heaps were left Of gathered flowers and billets cleft, And on the trees ...Read More

101Canto CI.Bharata Questioned.Then Ráma gazed, and scarcely knew Bharat so worn and changed in hue. He raised him, kissed on the head, Embraced him, and thus kindly said: “Where was thy father, brother dear, That thou art come to seek me here? Unmeet, if he be living yet, Thy feet within the wood to set. I pray thee now the cause declare Why thou hast left the kingdom there, With matted locks and deerskin dress To roam the distant wilderness.” Thus questioned by the prince, at length Kaikeyí's son regained his strength, And hand to hand in reverence laid, ...Read More

102Canto CII.Bharat's Tidings.He spoke: and Bharat thus replied: “If, false to every claim beside, I ne'er in kingly duties What will my royal life avail? Still should the custom be observed, From which our line has never swerved, Which to the younger son ne'er gives The kingdom while the elder lives. Now to Ayodhyá rich and fair With me, O Raghu's son, repair, And to protect and gladden all Our house, thyself as king install. A king the world's opinion deems A man: to me a God he seems, Whose life in virtuous thoughts and deeds The lives of ...Read More

103Canto CIII.The Funeral Libation.When Ráma heard from Bharat each Dark sorrow of his mournful speech, And tidings of his dead, His spirits fell, his senses fled. For the sad words his brother spoke Struck on him like a thunder stroke, Fierce as the bolt which Indra throws, The victor of his Daitya foes. Raising his arms in anguish, he, As when the woodman hews a tree With its fair flowery branches crowned, Fainted and fell upon the ground. Lord of the earth to earth he sank, Helpless, as when a towering bank With sudden ruin buries deep An elephant ...Read More

104Canto CIV.The Meeting With The Queens.Vaśishṭha with his soul athirst To look again on Ráma, first In line the widows placed, And then the way behind them traced. The ladies moving, faint and slow, Saw the fair stream before them flow, And by the bank their steps were led Which the two brothers visited. Kauśalyá with her faded cheek And weeping eyes began to speak, And thus in mournful tones addressed The queen Sumitrá and the rest: “See in the wood the bank's descent, Which the two orphan youths frequent, Whose noble spirits never fall, Though woes surround them, ...Read More

105Canto CV.Ráma's Speech.A while they sat, each lip compressed, Then Bharat thus his chief addressed: “My mother here was content; To me was given the government. This now, my lord, I yield to thee: Enjoy it, from all trouble free. Like a great bridge the floods have rent, Impetuous in their wild descent, All other hands but thine in vain Would strive the burthen to maintain. In vain the ass with steeds would vie, With Tárkshya,381 birds that wing the sky; So, lord of men, my power is slight To rival thine imperial might. Great joys his happy days ...Read More

106Canto CVI.Bharat's Speech.Good Bharat, by the river side, To virtuous Ráma's speech replied, And thus with varied lore addressed prince, while nobles round him pressed: “In all this world whom e'er can we Find equal, scourge of foes, to thee? No ill upon thy bosom weighs, No thoughts of joy thy spirit raise. Approved art thou of sages old, To whom thy doubts are ever told. Alike in death and life, to thee The same to be and not to be. The man who such a soul can gain Can ne'er be crushed by woe or pain. Pure as ...Read More

107Canto CVII.Ráma's Speech.Thus, by his friends encompassed round, He spoke, and Ráma, far renowned, To his dear brother thus Whom holy rites had purified: “O thou whom Queen Kaikeyí bare The best of kings, thy words are fair, Our royal father, when of yore He wed her, to her father swore The best of kingdoms to confer, A noble dowry meet for her; Then, grateful, on the deadly day Of heavenly Gods' and demons' fray, A future boon on her bestowed To whose sweet care his life he owed. She to his mind that promise brought, And then the ...Read More

108Canto CVIII.Jáváli's Speech.Thus Ráma soothed his brother's grief: Then virtuous Jáváli, chief Of twice-born sages, thus replied In words virtue's law defied: “Hail, Raghu's princely son, dismiss A thought so weak and vain as this. Canst thou, with lofty heart endowed, Think with the dull ignoble crowd? For what are ties of kindred? can One profit by a brother man? Alone the babe first opes his eyes, And all alone at last he dies. The man, I ween, has little sense Who looks with foolish reverence On father's or on mother's name: In others, none a right may claim. ...Read More

109Canto CIX.The Praises Of Truth.By sage Jáváli thus addressed, Ráma of truthful hearts the best, With perfect skill and high Thus to his speech made fit reply: “Thy words that tempt to bliss are fair, But virtue's garb they falsely wear. For he from duty's path who strays To wander in forbidden ways, Allured by doctrine false and vain, Praise from the good can never gain. Their lives the true and boaster show, Pure and impure, and high and low, Else were no mark to judge between Stainless and stained and high and mean; They to whose lot fair ...Read More

110Canto CX.The Sons Of Ikshváku.Then spake Vaśishṭha who perceived That Ráma's soul was wroth and grieved: “Well knows the Jáváli all The changes that the world befall; And but to lead thee to revoke Thy purpose were the words he spoke. Lord of the world, now hear from me How first this world began to be. First water was, and naught beside; There earth was formed that stretches wide. Then with the Gods from out the same The Self-existent Brahmá came. Then Brahmá390 in a boar's disguise Bade from the deep this earth arise; Then, with his sons of ...Read More

111Canto CXI.Counsel To Bharat.Thus said Vaśishṭha, and again To Ráma spake in duteous strain: “All men the light of who see With high respect should look on three: High honour ne'er must be denied To father, mother, holy guide. First to their sires their birth they owe, Nursed with maternal love they grow: Their holy guides fair knowledge teach: So men should love and honour each. Thy sire and thou have learned of me, The sacred guide of him and thee, And if my word thou wilt obey Thou still wilt keep the virtuous way. See, with the chiefs ...Read More

112Canto CXII.The Sandals.High wonder mingled with delight Took the great sages at the sight, Thrilling their breasts who came view The meeting of the peerless two. The saints and sages' holy train Departed to their home again. And high each holy voice was raised, And thus the glorious brothers praised. “High fate is his, the sire of two Most virtuous souls, so brave and true: With wonder and with joy intense Our ears have heard their conference.” Then the great sages, longing all To see the ten-necked tyrant395 fall, To Bharat, bravest of the brave, Their salutary counsel gave: ...Read More

113Canto CXIII.Bharat's Return.Bearing the sandals on his head Away triumphant Bharat sped, And clomb, Śatrughna by his side, The wherein he wont to ride. Before the mighty army went The lords for counsel eminent, Vaśishṭha, Vámadeva next, Jáváli, pure with prayer and text. Then from that lovely river they Turned eastward on their homeward way: With reverent steps from left to right They circled Chitrakúṭa's height, And viewed his peaks on every side With stains of thousand metals dyed. Then Bharat saw, not far away, Where Bharadvája's dwelling lay, And when the chieftain bold and sage Had reached that ...Read More

114Canto CXIV.Bharat's Departure.Deep, pleasant was the chariot's sound As royal Bharat, far renowned, Whirled by his mettled coursers fast Ayodhyá's city passed. There dark and drear was every home Where cats and owls had space to roam, As when the shades of midnight fall With blackest gloom, and cover all: As Rohiṇí, dear spouse of him Whom Ráhu hates,396 grows faint and dim, When, as she shines on high alone The demon's shade is o'er her thrown: As burnt by summer's heat a rill Scarce trickling from her parent hill, With dying fish in pools half dried, And fainting ...Read More

115Canto CXV.Nandigrám.Then when the pious chief had seen Lodged in her home each widowed queen, Still with his burning oppressed His holy guides he thus addressed: “I go to Nandigrám: adieu, This day, my lords to all of you: I go, my load of grief to bear, Reft of the son of Raghu, there. The king my sire, alas, is dead, And Ráma to the forest fled; There will I wait till he, restored, Shall rule the realm, its rightful lord.” They heard the high-souled prince's speech, And thus with ready answer each Of those great lords their chief ...Read More

116Canto CXVI.The Hermit's Speech.When Bharat took his homeward road Still Ráma in the wood abode: But soon he marked fear and care That darkened all the hermits there. For all who dwelt before the hill Were sad with dread of coming ill: Each holy brow was lined by thought, And Ráma's side they often sought. With gathering frowns the prince they eyed, And then withdrew and talked aside. Then Raghu's son with anxious breast The leader of the saints addressed: “Can aught that I have done displease, O reverend Sage, the devotees? Why are their loving looks, O say, ...Read More

117Canto CXVII.Anasúyá.But dwelling in that lonely spot Left by the hermits pleased him not. “I met the faithful Bharat The townsmen, and my mother dear: The painful memory lingers yet, And stings me with a vain regret. And here the host of Bharat camped, And many a courser here has stamped, And elephants with ponderous feet Have trampled through the calm retreat.” So forth to seek a home he hied, His spouse and Lakshmaṇ by his side. He came to Atri's pure retreat, Paid reverence to his holy feet, And from the saint such welcome won As a fond ...Read More

118Canto CXVIII.Anasúyá's Gifts.Thus by the holy dame addressed Who banished envy from her breast, Her lowly reverence Sítá paid, softly thus her answer made: “No marvel, best of dames, thy speech The duties of a wife should teach; Yet I, O lady, also know Due reverence to my lord to show. Were he the meanest of the base, Unhonoured with a single grace, My husband still I ne'er would leave, But firm through all to him would cleave: Still rather to a lord like mine Whose virtues high-exalted shine, Compassionate, of lofty soul, With every sense in due control, ...Read More

119Canto CXIX.The Forest.When Anasúyá, virtuous-souled, Had heard the tale by Sítá told, She kissed the lady's brow and laced loving arms around her waist. “With sweet-toned words distinct and clear Thy pleasant tale has charmed mine ear, How the great king thy father held That Maiden's Choice unparalleled. But now the sun has sunk from sight, And left the world to holy Night. Hark! how the leafy thickets sound With gathering birds that twitter round: They sought their food by day, and all Flock homeward when the shadows fall. See, hither comes the hermit band, Each with his pitcher ...Read More