Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

II. The Banishment - 41
And his loving accents falter some unloving wish to tell,
Till you give your princely promise, you will serve his mandate well!
Listen more, in bygone seasons, – Rama thou wert then unborn, –
I had saved thy royal father, he a gracious boon had sworn,
But his feeble heart repenting is by pride and passion stirred,
He would break his royal promise as a caitiff breaks his word,
Years have passed and now the monarch would his ancient word forego,
He would build a needless causeway when the waters ceased to flow!
Truth inspires each deed attempted and each word by monarchs spoke,
Not for thee, though loved and honoured, should a royal vow be broke,
If the true and righteous Rama binds him by his father’s vow,
I will tell thee of the anguish which obscures his royal brow,
[37] If thy feeble bosom falter and thy halting purpose fail,
Unredeemed is royal promise and unspoken is my tale!”
“Speak thy word,” exclaimed the hero, “and my purpose shall not fail,
Rama serves his father’s mandate and his bosom shall not quail,
Poisoned cup or death untimely, – what the cruel fates decree, –
To his king and to his father Rama yields obedience free,
Speak my father’s royal promise, hold me by his promise tied,
Rama speaks and shall not falter, for his lips have never lied.”
Cold and clear Kaikeyi’s accents fell as falls the hunter’s knife,
“Listen then to word of promise and redeem it with thy life,
Wounded erst by foes immortal, saved by Queen Kaikeyi’s care,
Two great boons your father plighted and his royal words were fair,
I have sought their due fulfilment, – brightly shines my Bharat’s star, –
Bharat shall be Heir and Regent, Rama shall be banished far!
If thy father’s royal mandate thou wuouldst list and honour still,
Fourteen years in Dandak’s forest live and wander at thy will,
Seven long years and seven, my Rama, thou shalt in the jungle dwell,
Bark of trees shall be thy raiment and thy home the hermit’s cell,