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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LXIV. Ráma's Lament.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Reft of his love, the royal chief,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Weighed down beneath his whelming grief,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Desponding made his brother share</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His grievous burden of despair.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Over his sinking bosom rolled</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The flood of sorrow uncontrolled.</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And as he wept and sighed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In mournful accents faint and slow</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With words congenial to his woe,</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">To Lakshmaṇ thus he cried:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Brother, I ween, beneath the sun,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of all mankind there lives not one</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So full of sin, whose hand has done</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Such cursed deeds as mine.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For my sad heart with misery bleeds,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As, guerdon of those evil deeds,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Still greater woe to woe succeeds</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">In never-ending line.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A life of sin I freely chose,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And from my past transgression flows</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A ceaseless flood of bitter woes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">My folly to repay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fruit of sin has ripened fast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Through many a sorrow have I passed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And now the crowning grief at last</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Falls on my head to-day.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From all my faithful friends I fled,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My sire is numbered with the dead,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My royal rank is forfeited,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">My mother far away.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">These woes on which I sadly think</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fill, till it raves above the brink,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The stream of grief in which I sink,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The flood which naught can stay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ne'er, brother, ne'er have I complained;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though long by toil and trouble pained,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Without a murmur I sustained</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The woes of woodland life.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But fiercer than the flames that rise</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When crackling wood the food supplies,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Flashing a glow through evening skies,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">This sorrow for my wife.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Some cruel fiend has seized the prey</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And torn my trembling love away,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">While, as he bore her through the skies,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She shrieked aloud with frantic cries,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In tones of fear which, wild and shrill,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Retained their native sweetness still.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ah me, that breast so soft and sweet,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For sandal's precious perfume meet,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Now all detained with dust and gore,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shall meet my fond caress no more.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That face, whose lips with tones so clear</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Made pleasant music, sweet to hear,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With soft locks plaited o'er the brow,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Some giant's hand is on it now.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">It smiles not, as the dear light fails</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When Ráhu's jaw the moon assails.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ah, my true love! that shapely neck</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She loved with fairest chains to deck,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The cruel demons rend, and drain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lifeblood from each mangled vein.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ah, when the savage monsters came</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And dragged away the helpless dame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The lady of the long soft eye</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Called like a lamb with piteous cry.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Beneath this rock, O Lakshmaṇ, see,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My peerless consort sat with me,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And gently talked to thee the while,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her sweet lips opening with a smile.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here is that fairest stream which she</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Loved ever, bright Godávarí.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ne'er can the dame have passed this way:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So far alone she would not stray,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor has my darling, lotus-eyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sought lilies by the river's side,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For without me she ne'er would go</div>
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<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To streamlets where the wild flowers grow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Tell me not, brother, she has strayed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To the dark forest's distant shade</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where blooming boughs are gay and sweet,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And bright birds love the cool retreat.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Alone my love would never dare,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My timid love,—to wander there.</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">O Lord of Day whose eye sees all</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">We act and plan, on thee I call:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For naught is hidden from thy sight,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Great witness thou of wrong and right.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where is she, lost or torn away?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dispel my torturing doubt and say.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And O thou Wind who blowest free,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The worlds have naught concealed from thee.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">List to my prayer, reveal one trace</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of her, the glory of her race.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Say, is she stolen hence, or dead,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Or do her feet the forest tread?”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus with disordered senses, faint</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With woe he poured his sad complaint,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And then, a better way to teach,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wise Lakshmaṇ spoke in seemly speech:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Up, brother dear, thy grief subdue,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With heart and soul thy search renew.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When woes oppress and dangers threat</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Brave effort ne'er was fruitless yet.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">He spoke, but Ráma gave no heed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To valiant Lakshmaṇ's prudent rede.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With double force the flood of pain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Rushed o'er his yielding soul again.</div>
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LXV. Ráma's Wrath.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With piteous voice, by woe subdued,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus Raghu's son his speech renewed:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Thy steps, my brother, quickly turn</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To bright Godávarí and learn</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If Sítá to the stream have hied</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To cull the lilies on its side.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Obedient to the words he said,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His brother to the river sped.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The shelving banks he searched in vain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And then to Ráma turned again.</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“I searched, but found her not,”</span> he cried;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“I called aloud, but none replied.</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where can the Maithil lady stray,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose sight would chase our cares away?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I know not where, her steps untraced,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Roams Sítá of the dainty waist.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">When Ráma heard the words he spoke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Again he sank beneath the stroke,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And with a bosom anguish-fraught</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Himself the lovely river sought.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There standing on the shelving side,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O Sítá, where art thou?”</span> he cried.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No spirit voice an answer gave,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No murmur from the trembling wave</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of sweet Godávarí declared</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The outrage which the fiend had dared.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O speak!”</span> the pitying spirits cried,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But yet the stream their prayer denied,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor dared she, coldly mute, relate</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To the sad chief his darling's fate</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of Rávaṇ's awful form she thought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And the dire deed his arm had wrought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And still withheld by fear dismayed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The tale for which the mourner prayed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When hope was none, his heart to cheer,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That the bright stream his cry would hear</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">While sorrow for his darling tore</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His longing soul he spake once more:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Though I have sought with tears and sighs</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Godárvarí no word replies,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O say, what answer can I frame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To Janak, father of my dame?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or how before her mother stand</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Leading no Sítá by the hand?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where is my loyal love who went</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Forth with her lord to banishment?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Her faith to me she nobly held</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though from my realm and home expelled,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A hermit, nursed on woodland fare,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She followed still and soothed my care.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of all my friends am I bereft,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor is my faithful consort left.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">How slowly will the long nights creep</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">While comfortless I wake and weep!</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O, if my wife may yet be found,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With humble love I'll wander round</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This Janasthán, Praśravaṇ's hill,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Mandákiní's delightful rill.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">See how the deer with gentle eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Look on my face and sympathize.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I mark their soft expression: each</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Would soothe me, if it could, with speech.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">A while the anxious throng he eyed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Where is Sítá, where?”</span> he cried.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus while hot tears his utterance broke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The mourning son of Raghu spoke.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The deer in pity for his woes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Obeyed the summons and arose.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Upon his right thy stood, and raised</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their sad eyes up to heaven and gazed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each to that quarter bent her look</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which Rávaṇ with his captive took.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Raghu's son again they viewed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And toward that point their way pursued.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Lakshmaṇ watched their looks intent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As moaning on their way they went,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And marked each sign which struck his sense</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With mute expressive influence,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then as again his sorrow woke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus to his brother chief he spoke:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Those deer thy eager question heard</span></div>
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<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And rose at once by pity stirred:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">See, in thy search their aid they lend,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">See, to the south their looks they bend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Arise, dear brother, let us go</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The way their eager glances show,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If haply sign or trace descried</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Our footsteps in the search may guide.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The son of Raghu gave assent,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And quickly to the south they went;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With eager eyes the earth he scanned,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Lakshmaṇ followed close at hand.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As each to other spake his thought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And round with anxious glances sought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Scattered before them in the way,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Blooms of a fallen garland lay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When Ráma saw that flowery rain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He spoke once more with bitterest pain:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O Lakshmaṇ every flower that lies</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here on the ground I recognize.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I culled them in the grove, and there</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My darling twined them in her hair.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sun, the earth, the genial breeze</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Have spared these flowers my soul to please.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then to that woody hill he prayed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whence flashed afar each wild cascade:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O best of mountains, hast thou seen</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A dame of perfect form and mien</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In some sweet spot with trees o'ergrown,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">My darling whom I left alone?”</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then as a lion threats a deer</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He thundered with a voice of fear:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Reveal her, mountain, to my view</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With golden limbs and golden hue.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where is my darling Sítá? speak</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Before I rend thee peak from peak.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The mountain seemed her track to show,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But told not all he sought to know.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Daśaratha's son renewed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His summons as the mount he viewed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Soon as my flaming arrows fly,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Consumed to ashes shall thou lie</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Without a herb or bud or tree,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And birds no more shall dwell in thee.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And if this stream my prayer deny,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My wrath this day her flood shall dry,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Because she lends no aid to trace</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">My darling of the lotus face.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus Ráma spake as though his ire</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Would scorch them with his glance of fire;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then searching farther on the ground</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The footprint of a fiend he found,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And small light traces here and there,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where Sítá in her great despair,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shrieking for Ráma's help, had fled</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Before the giant's mighty tread.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His careful eye each trace surveyed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which Sítá and the fiend had made,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The quivers and the broken bow</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And ruined chariot of the foe,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And told, distraught by fear and grief,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His tidings to his brother chief:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O Lakshmaṇ, here,”</span> he cried <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“behold</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My Sítá's earrings dropped with gold.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here lie her garlands torn and rent,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here lies each glittering ornament.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O look, the ground on every side</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With blood-like drops of gold is dyed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fiends who wear each strange disguise</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Have seized, I ween, the helpless prize.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My lady, by their hands o'erpowered,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is slaughtered, mangled, and devoured.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Methinks two fearful giants came</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And waged fierce battle for the dame.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose, Lakshmaṇ, was this mighty bow</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With pearls and gems in glittering row?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Cast to the ground the fragments lie,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And still their glory charms the eye.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A bow so mighty sure was planned</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For heavenly God or giant's hand.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose was this coat of golden mail</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which, though its lustre now is pale,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shone like the sun of morning, bright</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With studs of glittering lazulite?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose, Lakshmaṇ, was this bloom-wreathed shade</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With all its hundred ribs displayed?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This screen, most meet for royal brow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With broken staff lies useless now.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And these tall asses, goblin-faced,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With plates of golden harness graced,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose hideous forms are stained with gore</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who is the lord whose yoke they bore?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose was this pierced and broken car</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That shoots a flame-like blaze afar?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose these spent shafts at random spread,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each fearful with its iron head,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With golden mountings fair to see,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Long as a chariot's axle-tree?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">These quivers see, which, rent in twain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their sheaves of arrows still contain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose was this driver? Dead and cold,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His hands the whip and reins still hold.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">See, Lakshmaṇ, here the foot I trace</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of man, nay, one of giant race.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The hatred that I nursed of old</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Grows mightier now a hundred fold</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Against these giants, fierce of heart,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who change their forms by magic art.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Slain, eaten by the giant press,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or stolen is the votaress,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor could her virtue bring defence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To Sítá seized and hurried hence.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O, if my love be slain or lost</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">All hope of bliss for me is crossed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The power of all the worlds were vain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To bring one joy to soothe my pain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The spirits with their blinded eyes</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Would look in wonder, and despise</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The Lord who made the worlds, the great</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Creator when compassionate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And so, I ween, the Immortals turn</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Cold eyes upon me now, and spurn</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page306"></span><SPAN name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The weakling prompt at pity's call,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Devoted to the good of all.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But from this day behold me changed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From every gentle grace estranged.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Now be it mine all life to slay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And sweep these cursed fiends away.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As the great sun leaps up the sky,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And the cold moonbeams fade and die,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So vengeance rises in my breast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">One passion conquering all the rest.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Gandharvas in their radiant place,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The Yakshas, and the giant race,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Kinnars and men shall look in vain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For joy they ne'er shall see again.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The anguish of my great despair,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O Lakshmaṇ, fills the heaven and air;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And I in wrath all life will slay</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Within the triple world to-day.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Unless the Gods in heaven who dwell</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Restore my Sítá safe and well,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I armed with all the fires of Fate,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The triple world will devastate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The troubled stars from heaven shall fall,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The moon be wrapped in gloomy pall,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fire be quenched, the wind be stilled,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The radiant sun grow dark and chilled;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Crushed every mountain's towering pride,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And every lake and river dried,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dead every creeper, plant, and tree,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And lost for aye the mighty sea.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou shalt the world this day behold</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In wild disorder uncontrolled,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With dying life which naught defends</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From the fierce storm my bowstring sends.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My shafts this day, for Sítá's sake,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The life of every fiend shall take.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The Gods this day shall see the force</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That wings my arrows on their course,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And mark how far that course is held,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By my unsparing wrath impelled.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No God, not one of Daitya strain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Goblin or Rákshas shall remain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My wrath shall end the worlds, and all</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Demons and Gods therewith shall fall.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each world which Gods, the Dánav race,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And giants make their dwelling place,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shall fall beneath my arrows sent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In fury when my bow is bent.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The arrows loosened from my string</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Confusion on the worlds shall bring.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For she is lost or breathes no more,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor will the Gods my love restore.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Hence all on earth with life and breath</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This day I dedicate to death.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">All, till my darling they reveal,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The fury of my shafts shall feel.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus as he spake by rage impelled,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Red grew his eyes, his fierce lips swelled.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His bark coat round his form he drew</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And coiled his hermit braids anew,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like Rudra when he yearned to slay</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The demon Tripur<SPAN id="noteref_509" name="noteref_509" href="#note_509"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">509</span></span></SPAN> in the fray.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So looked the hero brave and wise,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fury flashing from his eyes.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Ráma, conqueror of the foe,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From Lakshmaṇ's hand received his bow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Strained the great string, and laid thereon</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A deadly dart that flashed and shone,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And spake these words as fierce in ire</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As He who ends the worlds with fire:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“As age and time and death and fate</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">All life with checkless power await,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So Lakshmaṇ in my wrath to-day</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My vengeful might shall brook no stay,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Unless this day I see my dame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In whose sweet form is naught to blame,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yea, as before, my love behold</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fair with bright teeth and perfect mould,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This world shall feel a deadly blow</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Destroyed with ruthless overthrow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And serpent lords and Gods of air,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Gandharvas, men, the doom shall share.”</span></div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LXVI. Lakshman's Speech.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He stood incensed with eyes of flame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Still mourning for his ravished dame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Determined, like the fire of Fate,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To leave the wide world desolate.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His ready bow the hero eyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And as again, again he sighed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The triple world would fain consume</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like Hara<SPAN id="noteref_510" name="noteref_510" href="#note_510"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">510</span></span></SPAN> in the day of doom.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then Lakshmaṇ moved with sorrow viewed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His brother in unwonted mood,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And reverent palm to palm applied,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus spoke with lips which terror dried</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Thy heart was ever soft and kind,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To every creature's good inclined.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Cast not thy tender mood away,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor yield to anger's mastering sway.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The moon for gentle grace is known,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sun has splendour all his own,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The restless wind is free and fast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And earth in patience unsurpassed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So glory with her noble fruit</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is thine eternal attribute.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O, let not, for the sin of one,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The triple world be all undone.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I know not whose this car that lies</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In fragments here before our eyes,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor who the chiefs who met and fought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor what the prize the foemen sought;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who marked the ground with hoof and wheel,</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307"></span><SPAN name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or whose the hand that plied the steel</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Which left this spot, the battle o'er,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus sadly dyed with drops of gore.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Searching with utmost care I view</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The signs of one and not of two.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where'er I turn mine eyes I trace</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No mighty host about the place.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then mete not out for one offence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This all-involving recompense.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For kings should use the sword they bear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But mild in time should learn to spare,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou, ever moved by misery's call,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wast the great hope and stay of all.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Throughout this world who would not blame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This outrage on thy ravished dame?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Gandharvas, Dánavs, Gods, the trees,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The rocks, the rivers, and the seas,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Can ne'er in aught thy soul offend,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As one whom holiest rites befriend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But him who dared to steal the dame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Pursue, O King, with ceaseless aim,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With me, the hermits' holy band,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thy great bow to arm thy hand</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By every mighty flood we'll seek,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each wood, each hill from base to peak.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To the fair homes of Gods we'll fly,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And bright Gandharvas in the sky,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Until we reach, where'er he be,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The wretch who stole thy spouse from thee.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then if the Gods will not restore</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy Sítá when the search is o'er,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then, royal lord of Kośal's land,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No longer hold thy vengeful hand.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If meekness, prayer, and right be weak</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To bring thee back the dame we seek,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Up, brother, with a deadly shower</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of gold-bright shafts thy foes o'erpower,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fierce as the flashing levin sent</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From King Mahendra's firmament.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LXVII. Ráma Appeased.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As Ráma, pierced by sorrow's sting,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Lamented like a helpless thing,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And by his mighty woe distraught</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Was lost in maze of troubled thought,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sumitrá's son with loving care</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Consoled him in his wild despair,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And while his feet he gently pressed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With words like these the chief addressed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“For sternest vow and noblest deed</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Was Daśaratha blessed with seed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thee for his son the king obtained,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like Amrit by the Gods regained.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy gentle graces won his heart,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And all too weak to live apart</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The monarch died, as Bharat told,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And lives on high mid Gods enrolled.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If thou, O Ráma, wilt not bear</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This grief which fills thee with despair,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">How shall a weaker man e'er hope,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Infirm and mean, with woe to cope?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Take heart, I pray thee, noblest chief:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">What man who breathes is free from grief?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Misfortunes come and burn like flame,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then fly as quickly as they came.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Yayáti son of Nahush reigned</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With Indra on the throne he gained.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But falling for a light offence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He mourned a while the consequence.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Vaśishṭha, reverend saint and sage,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Priest of our sire from youth to age,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Begot a hundred sons, but they</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Were smitten in a single day.<SPAN id="noteref_511" name="noteref_511" href="#note_511"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">511</span></span></SPAN></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And she, the queen whom all revere,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The mother whom we hold so dear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The earth herself not seldom feels</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fierce fever when she shakes and reels.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And those twin lights, the world's great eyes,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On which the universe relies,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Does not eclipse at times assail</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their brilliance till their fires grow pale?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The mighty Powers, the Immortal Blest</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bend to a law which none contest.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No God, no bodied life is free</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From conquering Fate's supreme decree.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">E'en Śakra's self must reap the meed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of virtue and of sinful deed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And O great lord of men, wilt thou</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Helpless beneath thy misery bow?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No, if thy dame be lost or dead,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O hero, still be comforted,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor yield for ever to thy woe</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'ermastered like the mean and low.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy peers, with keen far-reaching eyes,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Spend not their hours in ceaseless sighs;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In dire distress, in whelming ill</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their manly looks are hopeful still.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To this, great chief, thy reason bend,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And earnestly the truth perpend.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By reason's aid the wisest learn</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The good and evil to discern.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With sin and goodness scarcely known</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Faint light by chequered lives is shown;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Without some clear undoubted deed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">We mark not how the fruits succeed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In time of old, O thou most brave,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To me thy lips such counsel gave.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Vṛihaspati<SPAN id="noteref_512" name="noteref_512" href="#note_512"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">512</span></span></SPAN> can scarcely find</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">New wisdom to instruct thy mind.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For thine is wit and genius high</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Meet for the children of the sky.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I rouse that heart benumbed by pain</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And call to vigorous life again.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be manly godlike vigour shown;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Put forth that noblest strength, thine own.</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page308"></span><SPAN name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Strive, best of old Ikshváku's strain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Strive till the conquered foe be slain.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where is the profit or the joy</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If thy fierce rage the worlds destroy?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Search till thou find the guilty foe,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Then let thy hand no mercy show.”</span></div>
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<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto LXVIII. Jatáyus.</span></h2>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus faithful Lakshmaṇ strove to cheer</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The prince with counsel wise and clear.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who, prompt to seize the pith of all,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Let not that wisdom idly fall.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With vigorous effort he restrained</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The passion in his breast that reigned,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And leaning on his bow for rest</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His brother Lakshmaṇ thus addressed:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“How shall we labour now, reflect;</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whither again our search direct?</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Brother, what plan canst thou devise</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To bring her to these longing eyes?”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">To him by toil and sorrow tried</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The prudent Lakshmaṇ thus replied:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Come, though our labour yet be vain,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And search through Janasthán again,—</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A realm where giant foes abound,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And trees and creepers hide the ground.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For there are caverns deep and dread,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By deer and wild birds tenanted,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And hills with many a dark abyss,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Grotto and rock and precipice.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There bright Gandharvas love to dwell,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Kinnars in each bosky dell.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With me thy eager search to aid</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Be every hill and cave surveyed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Great chiefs like thee, the best of men,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Endowed with sense and piercing ken,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though tried by trouble never fail,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Like rooted hills that mock the gale.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then Ráma, pierced by anger's sting,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Laid a keen arrow on his string,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And by the faithful Lakshmaṇ's side</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Roamed through the forest far and wide.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Jaṭáyus there with blood-drops dyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Lying upon the ground he spied,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Huge as a mountain's shattered crest,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Mid all the birds of air the best.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In wrath the mighty bird he eyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thus the chief to Lakshmaṇ cried:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Ah me, these signs the truth betray;</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My darling was the vulture's prey.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Some demon in the bird's disguise</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Roams through the wood that round us lies.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On large-eyed Sítá he has fed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And rests him now with wings outspread.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But my keen shafts whose flight is true,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Shall pierce the ravenous monster through.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">An arrow on the string he laid,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And rushing near the bird surveyed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">While earth to ocean's distant side</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Trembled beneath his furious stride.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With blood and froth on neck and beak</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The dying bird essayed to speak,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And with a piteous voice, distressed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus Daśaratha's son addressed:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“She whom like some sweet herb of grace</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou seekest in this lonely place,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fair lady, is fierce Rávaṇ's prey,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who took, beside, my life away.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Lakshmaṇ and thou had parted hence</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And left the dame without defence.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I saw her swiftly borne away</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By Rávaṇ's might which none could stay.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I hurried to the lady's aid,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I crushed his car and royal shade,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And putting forth my warlike might</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Hurled Rávaṇ to the earth in fight.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here, Ráma, lies his broken bow,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Here lie the arrows of the foe.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There on the ground before thee are</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fragments of his battle car.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There bleeds the driver whom my wings</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Beat down with ceaseless buffetings.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">When toil my aged strength subdued,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His sword my weary pinions hewed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then lifting up the dame he bare</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His captive through the fields of air.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy vengeful blows from me restrain,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Already by the giant slain.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">When Ráma heard the vulture tell</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The tale that proved his love so well,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His bow upon the ground he placed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And tenderly the bird embraced:</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then to the earth he fell o'erpowered,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And burning tears both brothers showered,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For double pain and anguish pressed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Upon the patient hero's breast.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The solitary bird he eyed</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who in the lone wood gasped and sighed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And as again his anguish woke</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus Ráma to his brother spoke:</div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Expelled from power the woods I tread,</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">My spouse is lost, the bird is dead.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A fate so sad, I ween, would tame</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The vigour of the glorious flame.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If I to cool my fever tried</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To cross the deep from side to side,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sea,—so hard my fate,—would dry</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His waters as my feet came nigh.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In all this world there lives not one</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So cursed as I beneath the sun;</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So strong a net of misery cast</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Around me holds the captive fast,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Best of all birds that play the wing,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Loved, honoured by our sire the king,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The vulture, in my fate enwound,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Lies bleeding, dying on the ground.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em">
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then Ráma and his brother stirred</div>
<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page309"></span><SPAN name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By pity mourned the royal bird,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And, as their hands his limbs caressed,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Affection for a sire expressed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Ráma to his bosom strained</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The bird with mangled wings distained,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">With crimson blood-drops dyed.</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He fell, and shedding many a tear,</div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Where is my spouse than life more dear?</span></div>
<div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Where is my love?”</span> he cried.</div>
</div></div>
<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em">
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