The ladies all rose in their joy as they beheld their exquisite beauty; and the mothers of the brides, in token of their delight, passed the lustral lamp around their heads and scattered gifts.
Full of love at the vision of Rama’s beauty, they affectionately fell at his feet again and again, nor were conscious of shame, so rapt was their soul in devotion and an involuntary attachment beyond all description. After bathing him and his brothers and rubbing his body with cosmetics, they lovingly entertained him at a banquet of the six flavours. Then seeing that the time had come, Rama said to them in the most amiable, loving and modest tone: “The king is desirous of starting for Avadh and has sent us to take leave of you. O mother, be pleased to give me your commands and ever regard me with affection as your own child.” At these words the queens grieved sore and were too overcome by love to speak a word, but clasped their daughters to their bosom and then meekly gave them to their lords.
Meekly her mother surrendered Sita to Rama, crying again and again with hands clasped in prayer: “Ah my son, you, I ween, are all-wise, and to you are apparent the thoughts of all men. Know well that Sita is dear as life to the king and myself, nay, to all her kinsfolk and all the people of the city; consider her amiability and her affection and accept her as your own servant.
Full of love at the vision of Rama’s beauty, they affectionately fell at his feet again and again, nor were conscious of shame, so rapt was their soul in devotion and an involuntary attachment beyond all description. After bathing him and his brothers and rubbing his body with cosmetics, they lovingly entertained him at a banquet of the six flavours. Then seeing that the time had come, Rama said to them in the most amiable, loving and modest tone: “The king is desirous of starting for Avadh and has sent us to take leave of you. O mother, be pleased to give me your commands and ever regard me with affection as your own child.” At these words the queens grieved sore and were too overcome by love to speak a word, but clasped their daughters to their bosom and then meekly gave them to their lords.
Meekly her mother surrendered Sita to Rama, crying again and again with hands clasped in prayer: “Ah my son, you, I ween, are all-wise, and to you are apparent the thoughts of all men. Know well that Sita is dear as life to the king and myself, nay, to all her kinsfolk and all the people of the city; consider her amiability and her affection and accept her as your own servant.
You are the fulness of desire, the crown of wisdom, the beloved of the universe, quick to recognize merit in your votaries, destroyer of evil, Rama the all-merciful.”
So saying the queens still clung to his feet and their voice seemed lost as it were in the quicksands of love. On hearing their most affectionate address, Rama showed them the highest honour, and with clasped hands begged his congé, again and again making them obeisance. When he had received their blessing, he bowed once more and then with his brothers took his leave. Treasuring up his sweet and gracious image in their heart, the queens at first seemed paralyzed by excess of love; but summoning up courage they called their daughters and again and again gave them a maternal embrace; then leading them a few steps would take them to their arms yet again with ever growing mutual love. Time after time they left their attendants for yet one more last embrace, as a heifer not yet weaned from the cow.
So saying the queens still clung to his feet and their voice seemed lost as it were in the quicksands of love. On hearing their most affectionate address, Rama showed them the highest honour, and with clasped hands begged his congé, again and again making them obeisance. When he had received their blessing, he bowed once more and then with his brothers took his leave. Treasuring up his sweet and gracious image in their heart, the queens at first seemed paralyzed by excess of love; but summoning up courage they called their daughters and again and again gave them a maternal embrace; then leading them a few steps would take them to their arms yet again with ever growing mutual love. Time after time they left their attendants for yet one more last embrace, as a heifer not yet weaned from the cow.