The RÁMÁYAN of VÁLMÍKI - Novels
by MB (Official) 
in
English Spiritual Stories
To sainted Nárad,prince of those Whose lore in words 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 from ill?
Who is the best of princes,he Who loves his people's good to see?
The store of bliss,the living mine Where brightest joys and virtues shine?
Queen Fortune's10best and dearest friend,Whose steps her choicest gifts attend?
Who may with Sun and Moon compare,With Indra,11Vishṇu,12Fire,and Air?
Grant,Saint divine,13the boon I ask,For thee,I ween,an easy task,
To whom the power is given to know If such a man breathe here below.”
Then Nárad,clear before whose eye The present,past,and future lie,14
Made ready answer:“Hermit,where Are graces found so high and rare?
Yet listen,and my tongue shall tell In whom alone these virtues dwell.
From old Ikshváku's15line he came,Known to the world by Ráma's name:
With soul subdued,a chief of might,In Scripture versed,in glory bright,
His steps in virtue's paths are bent,Obedient,pure,and eloquent.
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 words of wisdom flows.Whose constant care and chief delight Were Scripture and ascetic rite,The good Válmíki,first and best Of hermit ...Read Morewords 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
Canto II.Brahmá's Visit Válmíki,graceful speaker,heard, To highest admiration stirred. To him whose fame the tale rehearsed He paid his mental worship first; Then with his pupil humbly bent Before the saint most eloquent. Thus honoured and dismissed the seer ...Read Moreto 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
Canto III.The Argument. The hermit thus with watchful heed Received the poem's pregnant seed, And looked with eager thought around If fuller knowledge might be found. His lips with water first bedewed, He sate,in reverent attitude On holy grass,the ...Read Moreall 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
Canto IV.The Rhapsodists. When to the end the tale was brought, Rose in the sage's mind the thought; “Now who throughout this earth will go, And tell it forth that all may know?” As thus he mused with anxious ...Read MoreBehold,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
Canto V.Ayodhyá. “Ikshváku's sons from days of old Were ever brave and mighty-souled. The land their arms had made their own Was bounded by the sea alone. Their holy works have won them praise, Through countless years,from Manu's days. ...Read Moreancient 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
Canto VI.The King. There reigned a king of name revered, To country and to town endeared, Great Daśaratha,good and sage, Well read in Scripture's holy page: Upon his kingdom's weal intent, Mighty and brave and provident; The pride of ...Read MoreIkshváku'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
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 other lords around him stood, All skilled to counsel,wise and good: Jayanta,Vijay,Dhrishṭi bold In fight,affairs of war controlled: Siddhárth and ...Read Moretrue 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
Canto VIII.Sumantra's Speech. But splendid,just,and great of mind, The childless king for offspring pined. No son had he his name to grace, Transmitter of his royal race. Long had his anxious bosom wrought, And as he pondered rose the ...Read More“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
Canto IX.Rishyasring. The wise Sumantra,thus addressed, Unfolded at the king's behest The plan the lords in council laid To draw the hermit from the shade: “The priest,amid the lordly crowd, To Lomapád thus spoke aloud: “Hear,King,the plot our thoughts ...Read Moreframed, 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
Canto X.Rishyasring Invited. “Again,O best of kings,give ear: My saving words attentive hear, And listen to the tale of old By that illustrious Bráhman told. “Of famed Ikshváku's line shall spring ('Twas thus he spoke)a pious king, Named Daśaratha,good ...Read Moregreat, 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
Canto XI.The Sacrifice Decreed. The Dewy Season85came and went; The spring returned again: Then would the king,with mind intent, His sacrifice ordain. He came to Rishyaśring,and bowed To him of look divine, And bade him aid his offering vowed ...Read Moreheirs,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
Canto XII.The Sacrifice Begun. Again the spring with genial heat Returning made the year complete. To win him sons,without delay His vow the king resolved to pay: And to Vaśishṭha,saintly man, In modest words this speech began: “Prepare the ...Read Morewith 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
Canto XIII.The Sacrifice Finished. The circling year had filled its course, And back was brought the wandering horse: Then upon Sarjú's northern strand Began the rite the king had planned. With Rishyaśring the forms to guide, The Bráhmans to ...Read Moretask 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
Canto XIV.Rávan Doomed. The saint,well read in holy lore, Pondered awhile his answer o'er, And thus again addressed the king, His wandering thoughts regathering: “Another rite will I begin Which shall the sons thou cravest win, Where all things ...Read Morebe 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
Canto XV.The Nectar. When wisest Vishṇu thus had given His promise to the Gods of heaven, He pondered in his secret mind A suited place of birth to find, Then he decreed,the lotus-eyed, In four his being to divide, ...Read MoreDaśaratha,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
Canto XVI.The Vánars. When Vishṇu thus had gone on earth, From the great king to take his birth, The self-existent Lord of all Addressed the Gods who heard his call: “For Vishṇu's sake,the strong and true, Who seeks the ...Read Moreof 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
Canto XVII.Rishyasring's Return. Now when the high-souled monarch's rite, The Aśvamedh,was finished quite, Their sacrificial dues obtained, The Gods their heavenly homes regained. The lofty-minded saints withdrew, Each to his place,with honour due, And kings and chieftains,one and all, ...Read Morecame 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
Canto XVIII.Rishyasring's Departure. The monarch called a Bráhman near And said,“Now speed away To Kaśyap's son,127the mighty seer, And with all reverence say The holy child he holds so dear, The hermit of the noble mind, Whose equal it ...Read Morehard 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
Canto XIX.The Birth Of The Princes. The seasons six in rapid flight Had circled since that glorious rite. Eleven months had passed away; 'Twas Chaitra's ninth returning day.130 The moon within that mansion shone Which Aditi looks kindly on. ...Read Moreto 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
Canto XX.Visvámitra's Visit. Now Daśaratha's pious mind Meet wedlock for his sons designed; With priests and friends the king began To counsel and prepare his plan. Such thoughts engaged his bosom,when, To see Ayodhyá's lord of men, A mighty ...Read Moreof 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
Canto XXI.Visvámitra's Speech. The hermit heard with high content That speech so wondrous eloquent, And while each hair with joy arose,142 He thus made answer at the close: “Good is thy speech O noble King, And like thyself in ...Read MoreSo 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
Canto XXII.Dasaratha's Speech. His tortured senses all astray, While the hapless monarch lay, Then slowly gathering thought and strength To Viśvámitra spoke at length: “My son is but a child,I ween; This year he will be just sixteen. How ...Read Morehe 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
Canto XXIII.Vasishtha's Speech. While thus the hapless monarch spoke, Paternal love his utterance broke. Then words like these the saint returned, And fury in his bosom burned: “Didst thou,O King,a promise make, And wishest now thy word to break? ...Read Moreson 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
Canto XXIV.The Spells. Vaśishṭha thus was speaking still: The monarch,of his own free will, Bade with quick zeal and joyful cheer Ráma and Lakshmaṇhasten near. Mother and sire in loving care Sped their dear son with rite and prayer: ...Read Moreblessed 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
Canto XXV.The Hermitage Of Love. Soon as appeared the morning light Up rose the mighty anchorite, And thus to youthful Ráma said, Who lay upon his leafy bed: “High fate is hers who calls thee son: Arise,'tis break of ...Read MoreRise,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
Canto XXVI.The Forest Of Tádaká. When the fair light of morning rose The princely tamers of their foes Followed,his morning worship o'er, The hermit to the river's shore. The high-souled men with thoughtful care A pretty barge had stationed ...Read MoreAll 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
Canto XXVII.The Birth Of Tádaká. When thus the sage without a peer Had closed that story strange to hear, Ráma again the saint addressed To set one lingering doubt at rest: “O holy man,'tis said by all That spirits'strength ...Read Moreweak 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
Canto XXVIII.The Death Of Tádaká. Thus spoke the saint.Each vigorous word The noble monarch's offspring heard, And,reverent hands together laid, His answer to the hermit made: “My sire and mother bade me aye Thy word,O mighty Saint,obey So will ...Read Moremost 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
Canto XXIX.The Celestial Arms. That night they slept and took their rest; And then the mighty saint addressed, With pleasant smile and accents mild These words to Raghu's princely child: “Well pleased am I.High fate be thine, Thou scion ...Read Morea 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
Canto XXX.The Mysterious Powers. Pure,with glad cheer and joyful breast, Of those mysterious arms possessed, Ráma,now passing on his way, Thus to the saint began to say: “Lord of these mighty weapons,I Can scarce be harmed by Gods on ...Read MoreNow,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
Canto XXXI.The Perfect Hermitage. Thus spoke the prince of boundless might, And thus replied the anchorite: “Chief of the mighty arm,of yore Lord Vishṇu whom the Gods adore, For holy thought and rites austere Of penance made his dwelling ...Read MoreThis 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
Canto XXXII.Visvámitra's Sacrifice. That conquering pair,of royal race, Skilled to observe due time and place, To Kuśik's hermit son addressed, In timely words,their meet request: “When must we,lord,we pray thee tell, Those Rovers of the Night repel? Speak,lest we ...Read Morethe 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,
Canto XXXIII.The Sone. Their task achieved,the princes spent That night with joy and full content. Ere yet the dawn was well displayed Their morning rites they duly paid, And sought,while yet the light was faint, The hermits and the ...Read Moresaint. 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
Canto XXXIV.Brahmadatta. “A king of Brahmá's seed who bore The name of Kuśa reigned of yore. Just,faithful to his vows,and true, He held the good in honour due. His bride,a queen of noble name, Of old Vidarbha's172monarchs came. Like ...Read Moreown 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,
Canto XXXV.Visvámitra's Lineage. “The rites were o'er,the maids were wed, The bridegroom to his home was sped. The sonless monarch bade prepare A sacrifice to gain an heir. Then Kuśa,Brahmá's son,appeared, And thus King Kuśanábha cheered: “Thou shalt,my child,obtain ...Read Moreson 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
Canto XXXVI.The Birth Of Gangá. The hours of night now waning fast OnŚona's pleasant shore they passed. Then,when the dawn began to break, To Ráma thus the hermit spake: “The light of dawn is breaking clear, The hour of ...Read Morerites 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
Canto XXXIX.The Sons Of Sagar. The saint in accents sweet and clear Thus told his tale for Ráma's ear, And thus anew the holy man A legend to the prince began: “There reigned a pious monarch o'er Ayodhyáin the ...Read Moreof 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
Canto XL.The Cleaving Of The Earth. The hermit ceased:the tale was done: Then in a transport Raghu's son Again addressed the ancient sire Resplendent as a burning fire: “O holy man,I fain would hear The tale repeated full and ...Read MoreHow 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
Canto XLI.Kapil. The father lent a gracious ear And listened to their tale of fear, And kindly to the Gods replied Whom woe and death had terrified: “The wisest Vásudeva,185who The Immortals'foe,fierce Madhu,slew, Regards broad Earth with love and ...Read MoreAnd 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
Canto XLII.Sagar's Sacrifice. Then to the prince his grandson,bright With his own fame's unborrowed light, King Sagar thus began to say, Marvelling at his sons'delay: “Thou art a warrior skilled and bold, Match for the mighty men of old. ...Read Morefollow 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
Canto XLIII.Bhagírath. When Sagar thus had bowed to fate, The lords and commons of the state Approved with ready heart and will Prince Anśumán his throne to fill. He ruled,a mighty king,unblamed, Sire of Dilípa justly famed. To him,his ...Read Moreand 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
Canto XLIV.The Descent Of Gangá. The Lord of life the skies regained: The fervent king a year remained With arms upraised,refusing rest While with one toe the earth he pressed, Still as a post,with sleepless eye, The air his ...Read Moreroof 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.
Canto XLV.The Quest Of The Amrit. High and more high their wonder rose As the strange story reached its close, And thus,with Lakshmaṇ,Ráma,best Of Raghu's sons,the saint addressed: “Most wondrous is the tale which thou Hast told of heavenly ...Read MoreFrom 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
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, Her husband:“O thou glorious one! Dead are the children,mine no more, The mighty sons to thee I bore. Long fervour's ...Read Morecrave 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
Canto XLVII.Sumati. Thus to Lord Indra,Thousand-eyed, Softly beseeching Diti sighed. When but a blighted bud was left, Which Indra's hand in seven had cleft:213 “No fault,O Lord of Gods,is thine; The blame herein is only mine. But for one ...Read MoreI 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.
Canto XLVIII.Indra And Ahalyá When mutual courtesies had past, Viśálá's ruler spoke at last: “These princely youths,O Sage,who vie In might with children of the sky, Heroic,born for happy fate, With elephants'or lions'gait, Bold as the tiger or the ...Read MoreWith 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
Canto XLIX.AhalyáFreed. Then Ráma,following still his guide, Within the grove,with Lakshmaṇ,hied, Her vows a wondrous light had lent To that illustrious penitent. He saw the glorious lady,screened From eye of man,and God,and fiend, Like some bright portent which the ...Read MoreOf 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
Canto L. Janak. The sons of Raghu journeyed forth, Bending their steps'twixt east and north. Soon,guided by the sage,they found, Enclosed,a sacrificial ground. Then to the best of saints,his guide, In admiration Ráma cried: “The high-souled king no toil ...Read Morespared, 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,
Canto LI. Visvámitra. Wise Viśvámitra's tale was done: Then sainted Gautam's eldest son, GreatŚatánanda,far-renowned, Whom long austerities had crowned With glory—as the news he heard The down upon his body stirred,— Filled full of wonder at the sight Of ...Read Moresupreme 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,
Canto LII. Vasishtha's Feast. Right glad was Viśvámitra when He saw the prince of saintly men. Low at his feet the hero bent, And did obeisance,reverent. The king was welcomed in,and shown A seat beside the hermit's own, Who ...Read Morehim,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
Canto LIII. Visvámitra's Request. Thus charged,O slayer of thy foes, The cow from whom all plenty flows, Obedient to her saintly lord, Viands to suit each taste,outpoured. Honey she gave,and roasted grain, Mead sweet with flowers,and sugar-cane. Each beverage ...Read Moreflavour 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
Canto LIV. The Battle. As Saint Vaśishṭha answered so, Nor let the cow of plenty go, The monarch,as a last resource, Began to drag her off by force. While the king's servants tore away Their moaning,miserable prey, Sad,sick at ...Read Moresore 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
Canto LV. The Hermitage Burnt. So o'er the field that host lay strown, By Viśvámitra's darts o'erthrown. Then thus Vaśishṭha charged the cow: “Create with all thy vigour now.” Forth sprang Kámbojas,as she lowed; Bright as the sun their ...Read Moreglowed, 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.
Canto LVI. Visvámitra's Vow. But Viśvámitra,at the threat Of that illustrious anchoret, Cried,as he launched with ready hand A fiery weapon,“Stand,O Stand!” Vaśishṭha,wild with rage and hate, Raising,as'twere the Rod of Fate, His mighty Bráhman wand on high, To ...Read Moremade 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
Canto LVII. Trisanku. Then with his heart consumed with woe, Still brooding on his overthrow By the great saint he had defied, At every breath the monarch sighed. Forth from his home his queen he led, And to a ...Read Morefar 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
Canto LVIII. Trisanku Cursed. Triśanku's speech the hundred heard, And thus replied,to anger stirred: “Why foolish King,by him denied, Whose truthful lips have never lied, Dost thou transgress his prudent rule, And seek,for aid,another school?235 Ikshváku's sons have aye ...Read MoreMost 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,
Canto LIX. The Sons Of Vasishtha. Then Kuśik's son,by pity warmed, Spoke sweetly to the king transformed: “Hail!glory of Ikshváku's line: I know how bright thy virtues shine. Dismiss thy fear,O noblest Chief, For I myself will bring relief. ...Read Moreholiest 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,
Canto LX. Trisanku's Ascension. So with ascetic might,in ire, He smote the children and the sire. Then Viśvámitra,far-renowned, Addressed the saints who gathered round: “See by my side Triśanku stand, Ikshváku's son,of liberal hand. Most virtuous and gentle,he Seeks ...Read Morein 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
Canto LXI. Sunahsepha. Then Viśvámitra,when the Blest Had sought their homes of heavenly rest, Thus,mighty Prince,his counsel laid Before the dwellers of the shade: “The southern land where now we are Offers this check our rites to bar: To ...Read Moreregions 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.
Canto LXII. Ambarísha's Sacrifice. As thus the king that youth conveyed, His weary steeds at length he stayed At height of noon their rest to take Upon the bank of Pushkar's lake. There while the king enjoyed repose The ...Read Morerose, 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
Canto LXIII. Menaká. A thousand years had thus flown by When all the Gods within the sky, Eager that he the fruit might gain Of fervent rite and holy pain, Approached the great ascetic,now Bathed after toil and ended ...Read MoreThen 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
Canto LXIV. Rambhá. “A great emprise,O lovely maid, To save the Gods,awaits thine aid: To bind the son of Kuśik sure, And take his soul with love's sweet lure.” Thus order'd by the Thousand-eyed The suppliant nymph in fear ...Read More“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
Canto LXV. Visvámitra's Triumph Then from Himálaya's heights of snow, The glorious saint prepared to go, And dwelling in the distant east His penance and his toil increased. A thousand years his lips he held Closed by a vow ...Read MoreAnd 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
Canto LXVI. Janak's Speech. With cloudless lustre rose the sun; The king,his morning worship done, Ordered his heralds to invite The princes and the anchorite. With honour,as the laws decree, The monarch entertained the three. Then to the youths ...Read Moresaintly 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
Canto LXVII. The Breaking Of The Bow. Then spoke again the great recluse: “This mighty bow,O King,produce.” King Janak,at the saint's request, This order to his train addressed: “Let the great bow be hither borne, Which flowery wreaths and ...Read Moreadorn.” 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
Canto LXVIII. The Envoys'Speech. Three nights upon the road they passed To rest the steeds that bore them fast, And reached Ayodhyá's town at last. Then straight at Daśaratha's call They stood within the royal hall, Where,like a God,inspiring ...Read MoreThe 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
Canto LXIX. Dasaratha's Visit. Soon as the shades of night had fled, Thus to the wise Sumantra said The happy king,while priest and peer, Each in his place,were standing near: “Let all my treasurers to-day, Set foremost in the ...Read Morearray, 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
Canto LXX. The Maidens Sought. Then with the morn's returning sun. King Janak,when his rites were done, Skilled all the charms of speech to know, Spoke to wiseŚatánanda so: “My brother,lord of glorious fame, My younger,Kuśadhwaj by name, Whose ...Read Morelife 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
Canto LXXI. Janak's Pedigree. Then to the saint supremely wise King Janak spoke in suppliant guise: “Deign,Hermit,with attentive ear, Mv race's origin to hear. When kings a daughter's hand bestow, 'Tis right their line and fame to show. There ...Read Morea 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.
Canto LXXII. The Gift Of Kine. When royal Janak's words were done, Joined with Vaśishṭha Kuśik's son, The mighty sage began his speech: “No mind may soar,no thought can reach The glories of Ikshváku's line, Or,great Videha's King,of thine: ...Read Morein 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
Canto LXXIII. The Nuptials. On that same day that saw the king His gift of kine distributing, The lord of 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 ...Read MoreKekaya'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
Canto LXXIV. Ráma With The Axe. Soon as the night had reached its close The hermit Viśvámitra rose; To both the kings he bade adieu And to the northern hill withdrew. Ayodhyá's lord of high renown Received farewell,and sought ...Read Moretown. 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
Canto LXXV. The Parle. “Heroic Ráma,men proclaim The marvels of thy matchless fame, And I from loud-voiced rumour know The exploit of the broken bow, Yea,bent and broken,mighty Chief, A feat most wondrous,past belief. Stirred by thy fame thy ...Read MoreI 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
Canto LXXVI. Debarred From Heaven. The haughty challenge,undeterred The son of Daśaratha heard, And cried,while reverence for his sire Checked the full torrent of his ire: “Before this day have I been told The deed that stained thy hands ...Read Moreold. 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
Canto LXXVII. Bharat's Departure. Then Ráma with a cheerful mind The bow to Varuṇ's hand resigned. Due reverence to the saints he paid, And thus addressed his sire dismayed: “As Bhrigu's son is far from view, Now let the ...Read Moreits 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
BOOK II. 1 Canto I.The Heir Apparent.So Bharat to his grandsire went Obedient to the message sent, And for his fond companion chose Śatrughna slayer of his foes. There Bharat for a time remained With love and honour entertained, ...Read MoreAśvapati'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
2Canto II.The People's Speech.Then to the full assembly bowed The monarch, and addressed the crowd With gracious speech, in accents loud As heavenly drum or thunder-cloud: “Needs not to you who know declare How ever with paternal care My ...Read Moreof 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
3 Canto III.Dasaratha's Precepts.The monarch with the prayer complied Of suppliant hands, on every side Uplifted like a lotus-bed: And then these gracious words he said: “Great joy and mighty fame are mine Because your loving hearts incline, In ...Read Moreassembly 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
4 Canto IV.Ráma Summoned.The crowd dismissed, to high debate The monarch called his peers of state, And, counsel from their lips obtained, Firm in his will his will explained: “To-morrow with auspicious ray The moon in Pushya's sign will ...Read MoreBe 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
5Canto V.Ráma's Fast.Then Saint Vaśishṭha to the king Came ready at his summoning. “Now go,” exclaimed the monarch, “thou Enriched by fervent rite and vow, For Ráma and his wife ordain The fast, that joy may bless his reign.” ...Read Morebest 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
6 Canto VI.The City Decorated.Then Ráma bathed in order due, His mind from worldly thoughts withdrew, And with his large-eyed wife besought Náráyaṇ, as a votary ought. Upon his head the brimming cup Of holy oil he lifted up, ...Read Moreplaced 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.
7Canto VII.Manthará's Lament.It chanced a slave-born handmaid, bred With Queen Kaikeyí, fancy-led, Mounted the stair and stood upon The terrace like the moon that shone. Thence Manthará at ease surveyed Ayodhyá to her eyes displayed, Where water cooled the ...Read Morestreet, 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
8Canto VIII.Manthará's Speech.The damsel's breast with fury burned: She answered, as the gift she spurned: “What time, O simple Queen, is this For idle dreams of fancied bliss? Hast thou not sense thy state to know, Engulfed in seas ...Read Morewhelming 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
9Canto IX.The Plot.As fury lit Kaikeyí's eyes She spoke with long and burning sighs: “This day my son enthroned shall see, And Ráma to the woods shall flee. But tell me, damsel, if thou can, A certain way, a ...Read Moreplan 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
10Canto X.Dasaratha's Speech.As Queen Kaikeyí thus obeyed The sinful counsel of her maid She sank upon the chamber floor, As sinks in anguish, wounded sore, An elephant beneath the smart Of the wild hunter's venomed dart. The lovely lady ...Read Moreher 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
11Canto XI.The Queen's Demand.To him enthralled by love, and blind, Pierced by his darts who shakes the mind, Kaikeyí with remorseless breast Her grand purpose thus expressed: “O King, no insult or neglect Have I endured, or disrespect. One ...Read MoreI 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
12Canto XII.Dasaratha's Lament.The monarch, as Kaikeyí pressed With cruel words her dire request, Stood for a time absorbed in thought While anguish in his bosom wrought. “Does some wild dream my heart assail? Or do my troubled senses fail? ...Read Moresome 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
13Canto XIII.Dasaratha's Distress.Unworthy of his mournful fate, The mighty king, unfortunate, Lay prostrate in unseemly guise, As, banished from the blissful skies, Yayáti, in his evil day. His merit all exhausted, lay.276 The queen, triumphant in the power Won ...Read Moreher 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
14Canto XIV.Ráma Summoned.The wicked queen her speech renewed, When rolling on the earth she viewed Ikshváku's son, Ayodhyá's king, For his dear Ráma sorrowing: “Why, by a simple promise bound, Liest thou prostrate on the ground, As though a ...Read Moresin 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
15Canto XV.The Preparations.There slept the Bráhmans, deeply read In Scripture, till the night had fled; Then, with the royal chaplains, they Took each his place in long array. There gathered fast the chiefs of trade, Nor peer nor captain ...Read Moredelayed, 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
16Canto XVI.Ráma Summoned.So through the crowded inner door Sumantra, skilled in ancient lore, On to the private chambers pressed Which stood apart from all the rest. There youthful warriors, true and bold, Whose ears were ringed with polished gold, ...Read Morearmed 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.
17Canto XVII.Ráma's Approach.As Ráma, rendering blithe and gay His loving friends, pursued his way, He saw on either hand a press Of mingled people numberless. The royal street he traversed, where Incense of aloe filled the air, Where rose ...Read Morepalaces, 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
18Canto XVIII.The Sentence.With hopeless eye and pallid mien There sat the monarch with the queen. His father's feet with reverence due He clasped, and touched Kaikeyí's too. The king, with eyes still brimming o'er, Cried Ráma! and could do ...Read Moremore. 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,
19Canto XIX.Ráma's Promise.Calm and unmoved by threatened woe The noble conqueror of the foe Answered the cruel words she spoke, Nor quailed beneath the murderous stroke: “Yea, for my father's promise sake I to the wood my way will ...Read MoreAnd 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
20Canto XX.Kausalyá's Lament.But in the monarch's palace, when Sped from the bower that lord of men, Up from the weeping women went A mighty wail and wild lament: “Ah, he who ever freely did His duty ere his sire ...Read Morebid, 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
21Canto XXI.Kausalyá Calmed.While thus Kauśalyá wept and sighed, With timely words sad Lakshmaṇ cried: “O honoured Queen I like it ill That, subject to a woman's will, Ráma his royal state should quit And to an exile's doom submit. ...Read Moreaged 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
22Canto XXII.Lakshman Calmed.So Ráma kept unshaken still His noble heart with iron will. To his dear brother next he turned, Whose glaring eyes with fury burned, Indignant, panting like a snake, And thus again his counsel spake: “Thine anger ...Read Morethy 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
23Canto XXIII.Lakshman's Anger.Thus Ráma to his brother said; And Lakshmaṇ bent his drooping head. In turns by grief and pride impelled, A middle course of thought he held, Then in a frown of anger, bent His brows that chief ...Read Moreexcellent, 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
24Canto XXIV.Kausalyá Calmed.But when Kauśalyásaw that he Resolved to keep his sire's decree, While tears and sobs her utterance broke, Her very righteous speech she spoke: “Can he, a stranger yet to pain, Whose pleasant words all hearts enchain, ...Read Moreof 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
25Canto XXV.Kausalyá's Blessing.Her grief and woe she cast aside, Her lips with water purified, And thus her benison began That mother of the noblest man: “If thou wilt hear no words of mine, Go forth, thou pride of Raghu's ...Read MoreGo, 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
26Canto XXVI.Alone With Sítá.So Ráma, to his purpose true, To Queen Kauśalyá bade adieu, Received the benison she gave, And to the path of duty clave. As through the crowded street he passed, A radiance on the way he ...Read MoreAnd 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
27Canto XXVII.Sítá's Speech.His sweetly-speaking bride, who best Deserved her lord, he thus addressed. Then tender love bade passion wake, And thus the fair Videhan spake: “What words are these that thou hast said? Contempt of me the thought has ...Read MoreO 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
28Canto XXVIII.The Dangers Of The Wood.Thus Sítá spake, and he who knew His duty, to its orders true, Was still reluctant as the woes Of forest life before him rose. He sought to soothe her grief, to dry The ...Read Morefrom 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
29Canto XXIX.Sítá's Appeal.Thus Ráma spake. Her lord's address The lady heard with deep distress, And, as the tear bedimmed her eye, In soft low accents made reply: “The perils of the wood, and all The woes thou countest to ...Read MoreLed 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,
30Canto XXX.The Triumph Of Love.The daughter of Videha's king, While Ráma strove to soothe the sting Of her deep anguish, thus began Once more in furtherance of her plan: And with her spirit sorely tried By fear and anger, ...Read Moreand 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
31Canto XXXI.Lakshman's Prayer.When Lakshmaṇ, who had joined them there, Had heard the converse of the pair, His mien was changed, his eyes o'erflowed, His breast no more could bear its load. The son of Raghu, sore distressed, His brother's ...Read Morewith 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
32Canto XXXII.The Gift Of The Treasures.That speech so noble which conveyed His friendly wish, the chief obeyed, With steps made swift by anxious thought The wise Suyajǹa's home he sought. Him in the hall of Fire307 he found, And ...Read Morebefore 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
33Canto XXXIII.The People's Lament.Thus Sítá and the princes brave Much wealth to all the Bráhmans gave. Then to the monarch's house the three Went forth the aged king to see. The princes from two servants took Those heavenly arms ...Read Moreglorious 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
34Canto XXXIV.Ráma In The Palace.The dark incomparable chief Whose eye was like a lotus leaf, Cried to the mournful charioteer, “Go tell my sire that I am here.” Sumantra, sad and all dismayed, The chieftain's order swift obeyed. Within ...Read Morepalace 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
35Canto XXXV.Kaikeyí Reproached.Wild with the rage he could not calm, Sumantra, grinding palm on palm, His head in quick impatience shook, And sighed with woe he could not brook. He gnashed his teeth, his eyes were red, From his ...Read Moreface 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
36Canto XXXVI.Siddhárth's Speech.Ikshváku's son with anguish torn For the great oath his lips had sworn, With tears and sighs of sharpest pain Thus to Sumantra spake again: “Prepare thou quick a perfect force, Cars, elephants, and foot, and horse, ...Read Morefollow 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
37Canto XXXVII.The Coats Of Bark.Thus spake the virtuous sage: and then Ráma addressed the king of men. In laws of meek behaviour bred, Thus to his sire he meekly said: “King, I renounce all earthly care, And live in ...Read Moreon 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
38Canto XXXVIII.Care For KausalyáThen when the people wroth and sad Saw Sítá in bark vesture clad, Though wedded, like some widowed thing, They cried out, “Shame upon thee, King!” Grieved by their cry and angry look The lord of ...Read Moreat 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
39Canto XXXIX.Counsel To Sítá.Scarce had the sire, with each dear queen, Heard Ráma's pleading voice, and seen His darling in his hermit dress Ere failed his senses for distress. Convulsed with woe, his soul that shook, On Raghu's son ...Read Morecould 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
40Canto XL.Ráma's Departure.Then Ráma, Sítá, Lakshmaṇ bent At the king's feet, and sadly went Round him with slow steps reverent. When Ráma of the duteous heart Had gained his sire's consent to part, With Sítá by his side he ...Read MoreDue 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
41Canto XLI.The Citizens' Lament.The lion chief with hands upraised Was born from eyes that fondly gazed. But then the ladies' bower was rent With cries of weeping and lament: “Where goes he now, our lord, the sure Protector of ...Read Morefriendless 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,
42Canto XLII.Dasaratha's Lament.While yet the dust was seen afar That marked the course of Ráma's car, The glory of Ikshváku's race Turned not away his eager face. While yet his duteous son he saw He could not once his ...Read Morewithdraw, 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
43Canto XLIII.Kausalyá's Lament.Kauśalyá saw the monarch lie With drooping frame and failing eye, And for her banished son distressed With these sad words her lord addressed: “Kaikeyí, cruel, false, and vile Has cast the venom of her guile On ...Read Morelord 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
44Canto XLIV.Sumitrá's Speech.Kauśalyá ceased her sad lament, Of beauteous dames most excellent. Sumitrá who to duty clave, In righteous words this answer gave: “Dear Queen, all noble virtues grace Thy son, of men the first in place. Why dost ...Read Moreshed 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
