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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III. The Death <strong>of</strong> the King - 50<br />
“Dear devoted duteous Lakshman, ever to thy elder true,<br />
When thy elder wends to forest, forest-life to thee is due,<br />
Thou hast served him true and faithful in his glory and his fame,<br />
This is Law for true and righteous, – serve him in his woe and shame.<br />
This is Law for race <strong>of</strong> Raghu known on earth for holy might,<br />
Bounteous in their sacred duty, brave and warlike in the fight!<br />
Therefore tend him as thy father, as thy mother tend his wife,<br />
And to thee, like fair Ayodhya be thy humble forest life,<br />
Go, my son, the voice <strong>of</strong> Duty bids my gallant Lakshman go,<br />
Serve thy elder with devotion and with valour meet thy foe!”<br />
IV. Citizens’ Lament<br />
Spake Sumantra chariot-driver waiting by the royal car,<br />
“Haste thee, mighty-destined <strong>Rama</strong>, for we wander long and far,<br />
Fourteen years in Dandak’s forest shall the righteous <strong>Rama</strong> stray,<br />
Such is Dasa-ratha’s mandate, haste thee <strong>Rama</strong> and obey.”<br />
[47] Queenly Sita bright-apparelled, with a strong and trusting heart,<br />
Mounted on the car <strong>of</strong> splendour for the pathless woods to part,<br />
And the king for needs providing gave her robes and precious store,<br />
For the many years <strong>of</strong> exile in a far and unknown shore,<br />
And a wealth <strong>of</strong> warlike weapons to the exiled princes gave,<br />
Bow and dart and linked armour, sword and shield and lances brave.<br />
Then the gallant brothers mounted on the gold-emblazoned car,<br />
For unending was the journey and the wilderness was far,<br />
Skilled Sumantra saw them seated, urged the swiftly-flying steed,<br />
Faster than the speed <strong>of</strong> tempest was the noble coursers’ speed.<br />
And they parted for the forest; like a long unending night,<br />
Gloomy shades <strong>of</strong> grief and sadness deepened on the city’s might,<br />
Mute and dumb but conscious creatures felt the woe the city bore,<br />
Horses neighed and shook their bright bells, elephants returned a roar!