Said the son of Gadhi, smiling to himself:—“Everything looks green to the saint’s eyes; though Rama has to-day broken the bow as though it were a stick of sugarcane, still he has not the sense to understand.”
Said Lakshman:—“Is there any one, Father, ignorant of your humour? It is notorious throughout the world. You have well paid the debt you owed to your father and mother; but it was a great distress to you to be still in debt to your guru. You have now transferred the account to me, but the interest by lapse of time has become very heavy. So you must bring forward the original creditor, and then, sir, I will at once open my purse.” When he heard these bitter words he grasped his axe, and all the people cried—“Alack, alack.” “O Bhrigu-bar, you still keep showing me your axe, but, regicide as you are, I only spare you on account of your being a Brahman. You have never yet met a real staunch fighting man, and, most reverend sir, you are a great man only in your own house.” They all cried out:—“How very wrong”; and Rama gave Lakshman a sign to be quiet.
Doha 269.
And how can a servant fight his master? O holy Brahman, restrain your wrath; whatever the boy may have said after looking at your dress, he meant no harm by it.
Said Lakshman:—“Is there any one, Father, ignorant of your humour? It is notorious throughout the world. You have well paid the debt you owed to your father and mother; but it was a great distress to you to be still in debt to your guru. You have now transferred the account to me, but the interest by lapse of time has become very heavy. So you must bring forward the original creditor, and then, sir, I will at once open my purse.” When he heard these bitter words he grasped his axe, and all the people cried—“Alack, alack.” “O Bhrigu-bar, you still keep showing me your axe, but, regicide as you are, I only spare you on account of your being a Brahman. You have never yet met a real staunch fighting man, and, most reverend sir, you are a great man only in your own house.” They all cried out:—“How very wrong”; and Rama gave Lakshman a sign to be quiet.
Doha 269.
And how can a servant fight his master? O holy Brahman, restrain your wrath; whatever the boy may have said after looking at your dress, he meant no harm by it.
For seeing You equipped with axe and bow and arrows, the child took you for a knight and challenged you; for though he knew Your name, he did not recognize Your person, and answered You according to your lineage. If you had come as a Religious, he would have put the dust of Your Holiness’s feet upon his head. Forgive the mistake of one who did not know You; a Brahman’s heart should be all mercy. What equality, my lord, can there be between You and me? We are as far apart as head and feet. I am called simply Rama. You have the long name of “Rama of the axe.” I have only one string to my bow, while you have all the holy nine. In every way I am Your inferior: as a Brahman, pardon my offence.
Doha 290.
Again and again did Rama entreat his namesake, addressing him by his titles of “Saint” and “Holy Brahman,” till Bhrigupati exclaimed in his rage: “You are as perverse as your brother.
You persist in taking me for a Brahman; I will tell you now what kind of a Brahman I am. My bow is my sacrificial ladle, my arrow the oblation, and my wrath the blazing fire; armies fully equipped with horses and chariots and elephants and footmen are the fuel, and mighty kings are the victims for oblation whom I have cut in pieces with this axe; thus have I celebrated countless sacrifices of war all over the world. To you my glory is unknown, and you address me contemptuously, taking me for a mere Brahman. Now that you have broken the bow, your pride has increased enormously, and you put yourself forward in your arrogance as a universal conqueror.” Said Rama: “O saint, think before You speak; your anger is excessive, my fault is a trifling one. The old bow broke at a touch. What reason have I to be proud?
Doha 290.
Again and again did Rama entreat his namesake, addressing him by his titles of “Saint” and “Holy Brahman,” till Bhrigupati exclaimed in his rage: “You are as perverse as your brother.
You persist in taking me for a Brahman; I will tell you now what kind of a Brahman I am. My bow is my sacrificial ladle, my arrow the oblation, and my wrath the blazing fire; armies fully equipped with horses and chariots and elephants and footmen are the fuel, and mighty kings are the victims for oblation whom I have cut in pieces with this axe; thus have I celebrated countless sacrifices of war all over the world. To you my glory is unknown, and you address me contemptuously, taking me for a mere Brahman. Now that you have broken the bow, your pride has increased enormously, and you put yourself forward in your arrogance as a universal conqueror.” Said Rama: “O saint, think before You speak; your anger is excessive, my fault is a trifling one. The old bow broke at a touch. What reason have I to be proud?
Doha 291.
Hear the truth, O Bhrigunath; you say I set you at nought when I treat you with the respect due to a Brahman; but is there any warrior to whom I would bow my head in fear?
Any god, demon, king, or warrior, whether my equal in strength or my superior, who will challenge me to combat, him would I gladly meet, or even Death himself. For one who is born of warrior caste and yet shirks the battle is a disgrace to his lineage and a contemptible wretch. I state what is only a characteristic of my race and make no idle boast; there is not a descendant of Raghu who would fear to meet in battle even Death himself; but so great is the power of Brahmanical descent that he fears you who fears nought else.” On hearing this calm and profound speech of Rama’s, the eyes of the soul of the axe-bearer were opened: “O Rama, take and draw this bow of Vishnu’s and let my doubts be ended.” As he gave it, the bow strung itself of its own accord; then was Parasurama amazed at heart.
Doha 292.
He acknowledged the power of Rama; his whole frame quivered with excitement; and his heart bursting with love, he thus spake with clasped hands:
“Glory to the Sun of the lotus race of Raghu, to the fire that consumes the serried ranks of the demons; glory to the friend of gods, Brahmans and kine: glory to the dispeller of the delusions induced by pride, ignorance and passion: glory to Him whose piety, amiability, and compassion are fathomless as ocean: glory to Him who is unrivalled in the art of speech, the rewarder of service, the all-beautiful of form, more gracious of person than a myriad Loves. How can I with one tongue declare His praise, who is as it were the divine swan in the hyperboreal lake of Mahadeva’s soul? In my ignorance I have said much that was unseemly; but pardon me, ye twin brothers, mercy’s shrine.” Still repeating as he went, “Glory, glory, glory to the mighty Rama,” Bhrigupati withdrew to the forest to practise penance. The wicked kings were self-dismayed and trembled, and fled—the cowards—in all directions, without a word.
Hear the truth, O Bhrigunath; you say I set you at nought when I treat you with the respect due to a Brahman; but is there any warrior to whom I would bow my head in fear?
Any god, demon, king, or warrior, whether my equal in strength or my superior, who will challenge me to combat, him would I gladly meet, or even Death himself. For one who is born of warrior caste and yet shirks the battle is a disgrace to his lineage and a contemptible wretch. I state what is only a characteristic of my race and make no idle boast; there is not a descendant of Raghu who would fear to meet in battle even Death himself; but so great is the power of Brahmanical descent that he fears you who fears nought else.” On hearing this calm and profound speech of Rama’s, the eyes of the soul of the axe-bearer were opened: “O Rama, take and draw this bow of Vishnu’s and let my doubts be ended.” As he gave it, the bow strung itself of its own accord; then was Parasurama amazed at heart.
Doha 292.
He acknowledged the power of Rama; his whole frame quivered with excitement; and his heart bursting with love, he thus spake with clasped hands:
“Glory to the Sun of the lotus race of Raghu, to the fire that consumes the serried ranks of the demons; glory to the friend of gods, Brahmans and kine: glory to the dispeller of the delusions induced by pride, ignorance and passion: glory to Him whose piety, amiability, and compassion are fathomless as ocean: glory to Him who is unrivalled in the art of speech, the rewarder of service, the all-beautiful of form, more gracious of person than a myriad Loves. How can I with one tongue declare His praise, who is as it were the divine swan in the hyperboreal lake of Mahadeva’s soul? In my ignorance I have said much that was unseemly; but pardon me, ye twin brothers, mercy’s shrine.” Still repeating as he went, “Glory, glory, glory to the mighty Rama,” Bhrigupati withdrew to the forest to practise penance. The wicked kings were self-dismayed and trembled, and fled—the cowards—in all directions, without a word.
Doha 293.
The gods sounded their kettledrums and rained down flowers on the Lord; and all the people of the city rejoiced, now that the thorn of fear and error had been extracted from their heart.
Chaupai
There was a tumultuous clash of instruments of music and a display of all things pleasant and auspicious. Troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed maidens joined in song with voices of exquisite melody. Janak's delight was beyond description, as that of a born beggar who has found a treasure; and Sita, relieved of her fears, was as glad as a young partridge at the rising of the moon. The king made obeisance before Visvamitra, saying: “It is by my lord's favour that Rama has broken the bow. These two brothers have gained me my purpose; tell me now, reverend sir, what it becomes me to do.” Said the saint: “Hearken, wise king, the marriage was dependent on the bow, and took effect directly the bow broke; this is well known to every one, whether god, man or Naga:
Dohā 294
Still, go and perform according to family usage whatever practices are prescribed in the Veda, after consultation with the Brahmans and elders and your own guru;
Chaupai
and despatch a herald to Avadh to invite king Dasarath.” The prince responded gladly: “’Tis well, gracious sir,” and sent a messenger to Avadh that very moment. Then he summoned all the burghers, who came, every one of them, and humbly bowing before him received the order: “Decorate all the markets and streets and temples and shrines in all four quarters of the city.” They returned in joy, each to his own house. Then he called up his own servants and instructed them: “Have all kinds of pavilions made and erected.” They obeyed in all gladness and sent word to the different artificers who were skilful in the construction of canopies and triumphal arches; and they, after invoking Brahma, set to work and made pillars of gold in the shape of plantain trees,
The gods sounded their kettledrums and rained down flowers on the Lord; and all the people of the city rejoiced, now that the thorn of fear and error had been extracted from their heart.
Chaupai
There was a tumultuous clash of instruments of music and a display of all things pleasant and auspicious. Troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed maidens joined in song with voices of exquisite melody. Janak's delight was beyond description, as that of a born beggar who has found a treasure; and Sita, relieved of her fears, was as glad as a young partridge at the rising of the moon. The king made obeisance before Visvamitra, saying: “It is by my lord's favour that Rama has broken the bow. These two brothers have gained me my purpose; tell me now, reverend sir, what it becomes me to do.” Said the saint: “Hearken, wise king, the marriage was dependent on the bow, and took effect directly the bow broke; this is well known to every one, whether god, man or Naga:
Dohā 294
Still, go and perform according to family usage whatever practices are prescribed in the Veda, after consultation with the Brahmans and elders and your own guru;
Chaupai
and despatch a herald to Avadh to invite king Dasarath.” The prince responded gladly: “’Tis well, gracious sir,” and sent a messenger to Avadh that very moment. Then he summoned all the burghers, who came, every one of them, and humbly bowing before him received the order: “Decorate all the markets and streets and temples and shrines in all four quarters of the city.” They returned in joy, each to his own house. Then he called up his own servants and instructed them: “Have all kinds of pavilions made and erected.” They obeyed in all gladness and sent word to the different artificers who were skilful in the construction of canopies and triumphal arches; and they, after invoking Brahma, set to work and made pillars of gold in the shape of plantain trees,
Dohā 295
with leaves and fruit of emeralds and ruby flowers; such a gorgeous show that the Creator was quite disconcerted at the sight—
Chaupai
The rods all encrusted with emeralds, and so like in form and colour that no one could tell them from real, with betel leaves fashioned in gold so bright and glistening that no one could look at them. Then they worked up the leaves into wreaths, with strings of beautiful pearls inserted here and there, and after much cutting and graving and inlaying made lotuses of mosaic with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and turquoises. Bees, too, they made and birds of varied plumage, which buzzed and whistled in the rustling breeze; and on the pillars they sculptured figures of the gods, all standing erect with things of good omen in their hands. Squares were drawn on the ground and filled in with diverse devices made of elephant pearls, of exquisite beauty.
Dohā 296
There were also made most lovely mango-boughs of graven sapphires with blossoms of gold, while clusters of emerald fruit glistened on silken cords.
Chaupai
Next they made charming festoons as it were Love’s own nooses, and many golden vases with silken flags and banners and waving chauries, and elegant lamps all studded with gems. It is impossible to describe the various pavilions, and in particular the one intended for the royal bride; what poet would have the hardihood to attempt its description? While the canopy for Rama, the bridegroom, the centre of all beauty and perfection, flashed its radiance through all three worlds. In every house throughout the city there was the same splendour as in Janak’s palace; any one who then saw Tirhut thought there was nothing in the fourteen spheres to compare with it, and the prosperous appearance of the very meanest house was enough to fascinate even the king of heaven.
with leaves and fruit of emeralds and ruby flowers; such a gorgeous show that the Creator was quite disconcerted at the sight—
Chaupai
The rods all encrusted with emeralds, and so like in form and colour that no one could tell them from real, with betel leaves fashioned in gold so bright and glistening that no one could look at them. Then they worked up the leaves into wreaths, with strings of beautiful pearls inserted here and there, and after much cutting and graving and inlaying made lotuses of mosaic with rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and turquoises. Bees, too, they made and birds of varied plumage, which buzzed and whistled in the rustling breeze; and on the pillars they sculptured figures of the gods, all standing erect with things of good omen in their hands. Squares were drawn on the ground and filled in with diverse devices made of elephant pearls, of exquisite beauty.
Dohā 296
There were also made most lovely mango-boughs of graven sapphires with blossoms of gold, while clusters of emerald fruit glistened on silken cords.
Chaupai
Next they made charming festoons as it were Love’s own nooses, and many golden vases with silken flags and banners and waving chauries, and elegant lamps all studded with gems. It is impossible to describe the various pavilions, and in particular the one intended for the royal bride; what poet would have the hardihood to attempt its description? While the canopy for Rama, the bridegroom, the centre of all beauty and perfection, flashed its radiance through all three worlds. In every house throughout the city there was the same splendour as in Janak’s palace; any one who then saw Tirhut thought there was nothing in the fourteen spheres to compare with it, and the prosperous appearance of the very meanest house was enough to fascinate even the king of heaven.
Dohā 297
For the magnificence of the city wherein dwelt the goddess Lakshmi, in disguise as a woman, was more than even Sarada or Seshnag could tell.
Chaupai
When the heralds arrived at Rama’s sacred birthplace, they rejoiced to see the beauty of the city. At the royal gate they sent in word, and king Dasarath at once summoned them to his presence. With a profound salutation they delivered the letter, and the king in his joy rose to receive it. As he read it his eyes filled with tears, his body quivered all over, and his heart seemed bursting. With Rama and Lakshman in his soul and their dear letter in his hand, he could not utter a word either good or bad. At last, taking courage, he read the letter, and all the court rejoiced to hear the certain news. Now Bharat was playing about, and on hearing the tidings he, nay, the two brothers, came and with the utmost modesty and affection asked: “Father, where has the letter come from?
For the magnificence of the city wherein dwelt the goddess Lakshmi, in disguise as a woman, was more than even Sarada or Seshnag could tell.
Chaupai
When the heralds arrived at Rama’s sacred birthplace, they rejoiced to see the beauty of the city. At the royal gate they sent in word, and king Dasarath at once summoned them to his presence. With a profound salutation they delivered the letter, and the king in his joy rose to receive it. As he read it his eyes filled with tears, his body quivered all over, and his heart seemed bursting. With Rama and Lakshman in his soul and their dear letter in his hand, he could not utter a word either good or bad. At last, taking courage, he read the letter, and all the court rejoiced to hear the certain news. Now Bharat was playing about, and on hearing the tidings he, nay, the two brothers, came and with the utmost modesty and affection asked: “Father, where has the letter come from?