Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India
An Abbreviated Translation of the Indian Classic, the Ramayana by Romesh Chundar Dutt in 2,000 verses
An Abbreviated Translation of the Indian Classic, the Ramayana by Romesh Chundar Dutt in 2,000 verses
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24<br />
Book II. Vana-Gamana-Adesa<br />
(The Banishment)<br />
[17] The events narrated in this Book occupy scarcely two days.<br />
The description <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rama</strong>’s princely virtues and the rejoicings at his proposed<br />
coronation, with which the Book begins, contrast with much dramatic force and<br />
effect with the dark intrigues which follow, and which end in his cruel<br />
banishment for fourteen years.<br />
The portions translated in this Book form Sections i., ii., vi., and vii., portions <strong>of</strong><br />
Sections x. to xiii., and the whole <strong>of</strong> Section xviii. <strong>of</strong> Book ii. <strong>of</strong> the original<br />
text.<br />
I. The Council Convened<br />
Thus the young and brave Satrughna, Bharat ever true and bold,<br />
Went to warlike western regions where Kaikeyas lived <strong>of</strong> old,<br />
Where the ancient Aswa-pati ruled his kingdom broad and fair,<br />
Hailed the sons <strong>of</strong> Dasa-ratha with a grandsire’s loving care.<br />
Tended with a fond affection, guarded with a gentle sway,<br />
Still the princes <strong>of</strong> their father dreamt and thought by night and day,<br />
And their father in Ayodhya, great <strong>of</strong> heart and stout <strong>of</strong> hand,<br />
Thought <strong>of</strong> Bharat and Satrughna living in Kaikeya’s land.<br />
[18] For his great and gallant princes were to him his life and light,<br />
Were a part <strong>of</strong> Dasa-ratha like his hands and arms <strong>of</strong> might,<br />
But <strong>of</strong> all his righteous children righteous <strong>Rama</strong> won his heart,<br />
As SWAYAMBHU <strong>of</strong> all creatures, was his dearest, holiest part,<br />
For his <strong>Rama</strong> strong and stately was his eldest and his best,<br />
Void <strong>of</strong> every baser passion and with every virtue blest!<br />
S<strong>of</strong>t in speech, sedate and peaceful, seeking still the holy path,<br />
Calm in conscious worth and valour, taunt nor cavil waked his wrath,<br />
In the field <strong>of</strong> war excelling, boldest warrior midst the bold,<br />
In the palace chambers musing on the tales by elders told,