There remained only one day of the appointed term; the people of the city, men and women alike, sorely distressed in mind and wasted in body by sorrow for Râma’s absence, were everywhere despondent. Auspicious omens of every kind occurred; at once every heart was glad and the city itself brightened up all round, as if to announce the Lord’s coming. Kausalyâ and the other royal dames were all as happy as if that minute expecting to be told, “The Lord is here, and with him Sita and Lakshman.” Bharat’s right eye and arm throbbed again and again. Recognizing this as a good sign, he was glad at heart and yet began to ponder deeply.
The one day that now only remains of the fixed time is my last chance; as I think thereon, my soul is full of anxiety. What is the reason that my Lord has not returned? God saw my evil nature when He passed me over. Ah! how blessed and truly fortunate is Lakshman in his devotion to Râma’s lotus feet. The Lord knew me to be false and perverse, and therefore He did not take me with him. If the Lord were to consider my actions, there would be no redemption for me in a hundred million of ages. But the Lord never regards the offences of His servants, being a very brother to the destitute and most tender-hearted. I am firmly persuaded of soul that Râma will come; the omens are so favourable. But if my life holds out after the term once expires, I shall be a more despicable wretch than any in the world.
The one day that now only remains of the fixed time is my last chance; as I think thereon, my soul is full of anxiety. What is the reason that my Lord has not returned? God saw my evil nature when He passed me over. Ah! how blessed and truly fortunate is Lakshman in his devotion to Râma’s lotus feet. The Lord knew me to be false and perverse, and therefore He did not take me with him. If the Lord were to consider my actions, there would be no redemption for me in a hundred million of ages. But the Lord never regards the offences of His servants, being a very brother to the destitute and most tender-hearted. I am firmly persuaded of soul that Râma will come; the omens are so favourable. But if my life holds out after the term once expires, I shall be a more despicable wretch than any in the world.