Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

24
Book II. Vana-Gamana-Adesa
(The Banishment)
[17] The events narrated in this Book occupy scarcely two days.
The description of Rama’s princely virtues and the rejoicings at his proposed
coronation, with which the Book begins, contrast with much dramatic force and
effect with the dark intrigues which follow, and which end in his cruel
banishment for fourteen years.
The portions translated in this Book form Sections i., ii., vi., and vii., portions of
Sections x. to xiii., and the whole of Section xviii. of Book ii. of the original
text.
I. The Council Convened
Thus the young and brave Satrughna, Bharat ever true and bold,
Went to warlike western regions where Kaikeyas lived of old,
Where the ancient Aswa-pati ruled his kingdom broad and fair,
Hailed the sons of Dasa-ratha with a grandsire’s loving care.
Tended with a fond affection, guarded with a gentle sway,
Still the princes of their father dreamt and thought by night and day,
And their father in Ayodhya, great of heart and stout of hand,
Thought of Bharat and Satrughna living in Kaikeya’s land.
[18] For his great and gallant princes were to him his life and light,
Were a part of Dasa-ratha like his hands and arms of might,
But of all his righteous children righteous Rama won his heart,
As SWAYAMBHU of all creatures, was his dearest, holiest part,
For his Rama strong and stately was his eldest and his best,
Void of every baser passion and with every virtue blest!
Soft in speech, sedate and peaceful, seeking still the holy path,
Calm in conscious worth and valour, taunt nor cavil waked his wrath,
In the field of war excelling, boldest warrior midst the bold,
In the palace chambers musing on the tales by elders told,