And now the night had past away; Out shone the Maker of the Day, Bringing the planetary hour And moment of auspicious power. Vasishtha, virtuous, far renowned, Whose young disciples girt him round, With sacred things without delay Through the fair city took his way. He traversed, where the people thronged. And all for Rama's coming longed, The town as fair in festive show As his who lays proud cities low.1 He reached the palace where he heard The mingled notes of many a bird, Where crowded thick high-honoured bands Of guards with truncheons in their hands. Begirt by many a sage, elate, Vasishtha reached the royal gate, 1 Indra, called also Purandara, Town - destroyer.
And standing by the door he found Sumantra, for his form renowned, The king's illustrious charioteer And noble counsellor and peer. To him well skilled in every part Of his hereditary art Vasishtha said: * O charioteer, Inform the king that I am here. Here ready by my side behold These sacred vessels made of gold, Which water for the rite contain From Ganga and each distant main. Here for installing I have brought The seat prescribed of fig-wood wrought, All kinds of seed and precious scent And many a gem and ornament; Grain, sacred grass, the garden's spoil,. Honey and curds and milk and oil; Eight radiant maids, the best of all War elephants that feed in stall; A four-horse car, a bow and sword, A litter, men to bear their lord; A white umbrella bright and fair That with the moon may well compare; Two chouries of the whitest hair; A golden beaker rich and rare; A bull high-humped and fair to view, Girt with gold bands and white of hue; A four-toothed steed with flowing mane,. A throne which lions carved sustain; A tiger's skin, the sacred fire, Fresh kindled, which the rites require; The best musicians skilled to play, And dancing-girls in raiment gay; Kine, Brahmans, teachers fill the court, And bird and beast of purest sort.
From town and village, far and near, The noblest men are gathered here; Here merchants with their followers crowd, And men in joyful converse loud, And kings from many a distant land To view the consecration stand. The dawn is come, the lucky day; Go bid the monarch haste away, That now Prince Rama may obtain The empire, and begin his reign/ Soon as he heard the high behest The driver of the chariot pressed Within the chambers of the king, His lord with praises honouring. And none of all the warders checked His entrance for their great respect Of him well known, in place so high, Still fain their king to gratify. He stood beside the royal chief, Unwitting of his deadly grief, And with sweet words began to sing The praises of his lord and king: ' As, when the sun begins to rise, The sparkling sea delights our eyes, Wake, calm with gentle soul, and thus Canto XV.
THE Canto XV.
THE Give rapture, mighty King, to us. As Matali1 this self same hour feang lauds of old to Indra's power, "When he the Titan hosts o'erthrew, So hymn I tliee with praises due. The Vedas, with their kindred lore, Brahma their soul- born Lord adore, Wita all the doctrines of the wise, And bid him. as I bid thee, rise. As, with the moon, the Lord of Day Wakes with the splendour of his ray Prolifis Earth, who neath him lies, So, mighty King, I bid thee rise. With b.issful words, O Lord of men, Rise, radiant in thy form, as when The sun ascending darts his light Froni'Meru'a everlasting height. May £iva, Agni, Sun, and Moon Bestow on thee each choicest boon, Kuvera, Varun, Indra bless Kakutstha's son with all success. Awake, the holy night is fled, The happy light abroad is spread; Awake, O best of kings, and share The glorious task that claims thy care. The holy sage Vasishtha waits, With all his Brahmans, at the gates. Give thy decree, without delay, To consecrate thy son to-day. As armies, by no captain led, As flocks that feed unshepherded, Such is the fortune of a state Without a king and desolate.'
Such were the words the bard addressed, With weight of sage advice impressed; And, as he heard, the hapless king Felt deeper yet his sorrow's sting. At length, all joy and comfort fled, He raised his eyes with weeping red, And, mournful for his Rama's sake, The good and glorious monarch spake: ' Why seek with idle praise to greet The wretch for whom no praise is meet? Thy words mine aching bosom tear, And plunge me deeper in despair.'
Sumantra heard the sad reply, And saw his master's tearful eye. With reverent palm to palm applied He drew a little space aside. Then, as the king, with misery weak, With vain endeavour strove to speak, Kaikeyi, skilled in plot and plan, To sage Sumantra thus began: ' The king, absorbed in joyful thought For hi? dear son, no rest has sought: Sleepless to him the night has past, And now o'erwatched he sinks at last. Then go, Sumantra, and with speed The glorious Rama hither lead: Go, as I pray, nor longer wait; No time is this to hesitate.'
' How can I go, O Lady fair, Unless my lord his will declare?'
* Fain would I see him,' cried the king, .' Quick, quick, my beauteous Rama bring.'
Then rose the happy thought to cheer The bosom of the charioteer, ' The king, I ween, of pious mind, The consecration has designed.' Sumantra for his wisdom famed, Delighted with the thought he framed, From the calm chamber, like a bay Of crowded ocean, took his way.
He turned his face to neither side, But forth he hurried straight; Only a little while he eyed The guards who kept the gate. He saw in front a gathered crowd Of men of every class, Who, parting as he came, allowed The charioteer to pass.
CANTO XV. THE PREPARATIONS.
There slept the Brahmans, deeply read. In Scripture, till the night had fled; Then, with the royal chaplains, they Took each his place in lon<* array. There gathered fast the chiefs of trade, Nor peer nor captain long delayed, 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 Kama'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 the royal car whereon A tiger's skin resplendent shone; There water, brought for sprinkling thence Where, in their sacred confluence, Blend Jumna's waves with Ganga's tide, ?rom many a holy flood beside, From brook and fountain far and near, From pool and river, sea and mere. And there were honey, curd, and oil, Parched rice and grass, the garden's spoil, Fresh milk, eight girls in bright attire, An elephant with eyes of fire; And urns of gold and silver made, With milky branches overlaid, All brimming from each sacred flood, And decked with many a lotus bud.
THE RAMAYAN.
Soot II.
And dancing- women fair and free, Gay with their gems, were there to see, Who stood in bright apparel by With lovely brow and witching eye. White flashed the jewelled chouri there, And shone like moonbeams through the air; T he white umbrella overhead A pale and moonlike lustre shed, Wont in pure splendour to precede, And in such rites the pomp to lead. There stood the charger by the side Of the great bull of snow-white hide; There was all music soft and loud, And bards and minstrels swelled the crowd. For now the monarch bade combine Each custom of his ancient line With every rite Ayodhya's state Observed, her kings to consecrate.
Then, summoned by the king's behest, The multitudes together pressed, And, missing still the royal sire, Began, impatient, to inquire: 4 Who to our lord will tidings bear That all his people throng the square? Where is the king? the sun is bright, And all is ready for the rite.'
As thus they spoke, Sumantra, tried In counsel, to the chiefs replied, Gathered from lands on every side: ' To Rama's house I swiftly drave, For so the king his mandate gave. Our aged lord and R6ma too In honour high hold all of you: I in your words (be long your days!) Will ask him why he thus delays.'
Thus spoke the peer in Scripture read, And to the ladies' bower he sped. Quick through the gates Sumantra hied, Which access ne'er to him denied. Behind the curtained screen he drew, Which veiled the chamber from the view. In benediction loud he raised His voice, and thus the monarch praised: 'Sun, Moon, Kuvera, £iva bless Kakutstha's son with high success I The Lords of air, flood, fire decree The victory, my King, to thee! The holy night has past away, Auspicious shines the morning's ray. Rise, Lord of men, thy part to take In the great rite, awake 1 awake! Brahmans and captains, chiefs of trade, All wait in festive garb arrayed; For thee they look wiih enger eyes: O Raghu's son, awake! arise' To him in holy Scripture read, Who hailed him thus, the monarch said, Upraising from his sleep his head: ' Go. Rama hither lead as thou Wast ordered by the queen but now.
Come, tell me why my mandate laid Upon thee thus is disobeyed. Away! and Rarna hither bring; I sleep not: make no tarrying.'
Thus gave the king command anew,' Sumantra from hia lord withdrew; With head in lowly reverence bent, And filled with thoughts of joy, he vent. The royal street he traversed, where Waved fla^ and pennon to the air, And, as with joy the car he drove, He let his eyes delighted rove. On every side, where'er he came, He heard glad words, their theme the same, As in their joy the gathered folk Of Rama and the throning spoke. Then saw he Rama's palace bright And vast as Mount Kailasa's height, That glorious in its beauty showed As Indra's own supreme abode: With folding doors both high and wide; With hundred porches beautified: Where golden statues towering rose O'er gemmed and coral led porticoes: Bright like a cave in Meru's side, Or clouds through Autumn's sky that ride: Festooned with length of bloomy twine, Flashing with pearls and jewels' shine, While sandal-wood and aloe lent The mingled riches of their scent; With all the odorous sweets that fill The breezy heights of Dardar's hill. There by the gate the Saras screamed. And shrill-toned peacocks' plumage gleamed.
gleamed.
Its floors with deftest art inlaid, Its sculptured wolves in gold arrayed, With its bright sheen the palace took The mind of man and chained the look, For like the sun and moon it glowed, And mocked Kuvera's loved abode. C ircling the walls a crowd he viewed Who stood in reverent attitude, With throngs of countrymen who sought Acceptance of the gifts they brought. The elephant was stationed there, Appointed Rama's self to bear; Adorned with pearls, his brow and cheek Were sandal-dyed in many a streak, While he, in stature, bulk, and pride, With Indra's own Aiiavat1 vied. Sumantra, borne by coursers fleet, Flashing a radiance o'er the street, To Rama's palace flew, And all who lined the royal road, Or thronged the prince's rich abode, Rejoiced as near he drew. And with delight his bosom swelled As onward still his course he held 1 The elephant of India.
Canto XVL THE RAM AY AN.
Ill Through many a sumptuous court Like Indra's palace nobly made, Where peacocks revelled in the shade, And beasts of silvan sort. Through many a hall and chamber wide, That with Kailasa's splendour vied, Or mansions of the Blest, While Rama's friends, beloved and tried, Before his coming stepped aside, Still on Sumantra pressed. He reached the chamber door, where stood Around his followers young and good, Bard, minstrel, charioteer. Well skilled the tuneful chords to sweep, With soothing strain to lull to sleep, Or laud their master dear. Then, like a dolphin darting through Unfathomed depths of ocean's blue With store of jewels decked, Through crowded halls that rock-like rose, Or as proud hills where clouds repose, Sumantra sped unchecked — Halls like the glittering domes on high Beared for the dwellers of the sky By heavenly architect.
CANTO XVI.
RAMA 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. All armed with trusty bows and darts, Watched with devoted eyes andShearts. 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. Then to the warders quickly cried The skilled Sumantra, void of pride: 'Tell Rama that the charioteer Sumantra waits for audience here/ The ancient men with one accord Seeking the pleasure of their lord, Passing with speed the chamber door To Rama's ear the message bore. Forthwith the prince with duteous heed Called in the messenger with speed, For 'twas his sire's command, he knew, That sent him for the interview. Like Lord_Kuvera, well arrayed, He pressed a couch of gold, Wherefrom a covering of brocade Hung down in many a fold. Oil and the sandal's fragrant dust Had tinged his body o'er Dark as the stream the spearman's thrust Drains from the wounded boar. Him Sita watched with tender care, A chouri in her hand, As Chitra,1 ever fond in fair, Beside the Moon will stand. Him glorious with unborrowed light, A liberal lord of sunlike joight, Sumantra hailed in words like these, Well skilled in gentle courtesies, As, with joined hands in reverence raised, Upon the beauteous prince he gazed: 1 Happy Kausalya! Blest is she, The Mother of a son like thee. Now rise, O Rama, speed away, Go to thy sire without delay; For he and Queen Kaikeyi seek And interview with thee to speak.1 The lion-lord of men, the best Of splendid heroes, thus addressed, To Sita spake with joyful cheer: ' The king and queen, my lady dear, Touching the throning, for my saka Some salutary counsel take. The lady of the full bla -k eye Would fain her husband gratify, And, all his purpose understood, Counsels the monarch to my good. A happy fate is mine, I ween, When he, consulting with his queen, Sumantra on this charge, intent Upon my gain and good, has sent. An envoy of so noble sort Well suits the splendour of the court. The consecration rite this day Will join me in imperial sway. To meet the lord of earth, for so His order bids me,. I will go. Thou, lady, here in comfort stay, And with thy maidens rest or play/ Thus Rama spake. For meet reply The lady of the large black eye Attended to the door her lord, And blessings on his head implored: 'The majesty and royal state Which holy Brahmans venerate, The consecration and the rite Which sanctities the ruler's might, And all imperial powers should be Thine by thy father's high decree, As He, the worlds who formed and planned, The kingship gave to Indra's hand.
1 A star in the spike of Virgo: hence the name of the month Chaitra, or Chai* THE RAMAYAN.
Book n Then shall mine eyes my king adore When iustral rites and fast are o'er, And black deer's skin and roebuck's horn Thy lordly limbs and hand adorn. May He whose hands the thunder wield Be in the east thy guard and shield; May Yama's care the south befriend, And Varun's arm the west defend; And let Kuvera. Lord of Gold, The north with firm protection hold.'
Then Ratna spoke a kind farewell, And hailed the blessings as they fell From Sita's gentle lips; and then, As a young lion from his den Descends the mountain's stony side, So from the hall the hero hied. First Lakshman at the door he viewed Who stood in reverent attitude, Then to the central court he pressed Where watched the friends who loved him best.
best.
To all his dear companions there He gave kind looks and greeting fair. On to the lofty car that glowed Like fire the royal tiger strode. Bright as himself its silver shone: A tiger's skin was laid thereon. With cloudlike thunder, as it rolled, It flashed with gems and burnished gold, And, like the sun's meridian blaze, Blinded the eye that none could gaze. Like youthful elephants, tall and strong, Fleet coursers whirled the car along: In such a car the Thousand-eyed Borne by swift horses loves to ride. So like Parjanya,1 when he flies Thundering through the autumn skies, The hero from the palace sped, As leaves the moon some cloud o'erhead. Still close to Rama Lakshman kept, Behind him to the car he leapt, And, watching with fraternal care, Waved the long chouri's silver hair, As from the palace gate he came Up rose the tumult of acclaim, While loud huzza and jubilant shout Pealed from the gathered myriads out. Then elephants, like mountains vast, And steeds who all their kind surpassed, Followed their lord by hundreds, nay By thousands, led in long array. First marched a band of warriors trained, With sandal dust and aloe stained; Well armed was each with sword and bow, And every breast with hope aglow, And ever, as they onward went, Shouts from the warrior train, And every sweet-toned instrument Prolonged the minstrel strain.
^he Bain-God.
On passed the tamer of his foes, While well clad dames, in crowded rows, Each chamber lattice thronged to view, And chaplets on the hero threw. Then all, of peerless face and limb, Sang Rama's praise for love of him, And blent their voices, soft and sweet, From palace high and crowded street: * Now, sure, Kausah a's heart must swell To see the son she loves so well, Thee.Rama, thee, her joy and pride, Triumphant o'er the realm preside.' Then — for they knew his bride most fair Of all who part the soft dark hair, His love, his life, possessed the whole Of her young hero's heart and soul: — * Be sure the lady's fate repays Some mighty vow of ancient days,1 For blest with Rama's love is she As, with the Moon's, sweet Rohini.'2 Such were the witching words that came From lips of many a peerless dame Crowding the palace roofs to greet The hero as he gained the street.
CANTO XVII.
KAMA'S APPROACH.
As Rama, 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 high palaces, 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 joyful people cried, 1 Be thou our guardian, lord arid guide. Throned and anointed king to-day, Thy feet set forth upon the way Wherein, each honoured as a God, Thy fathers and forefathers trod. Thy sire and his have graced the throne, And loving care to us have shown: Thus blest shall we and ours remain, Yea still more blest fn Rama's reign.
1 In a former life.
a One of the lunar asterisms, represented as the favourite wife of the Moon. See Canto XV1IL THE RAM AY AN.
No more of dainty fare we need, And but one cherished object heed, That we may see our prince to-day Invested with imperial sway.'
Such were the words and pleasant speech That Rama heard, unmoved, from each Of the dear friends around him spread, As onward through the street he sped. For none could turn his eye or thought From the dear form his glances sought, With fruitless ardour forward cast Even when Raghu's son had past. And he who saw not Rama nigh, Nor caught a look from Rama's eye, A mark for scorn and general blame, Reproached himself in bitter shame. For to each class his equal mind With sympathy and love inclined Most fully of the princely four, So greatest love to him they bore, His circling course the hero bent Round shrine and altar, reverent, Bound homes of Gods, where cross-roads met, Where many a sacred tree was set. Near to his father's house he drew Like Indra's beautiful to view, And with the light his glory gave Within the royal palace drave. Through three broad courts, where bow- men kept Their watch and ward, his coursers swept, Then through the two remaining went On foot that prince preeminent. Through all the courts the hero passed, And gained the ladies' bower at last; Then through the door alone withdrew, And left without his retinue. When thus the monarch's noble boy Had gone his sire to meet, The multitude, elate with joy, Stood watching in the street, And his return with eager -eyes Expected at the gates, As for his darling moon to rise The King of Rivers1 waits.
CANTO 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, arid touched Kaikeyi's too. The king, with eyes still brimming o'er, Cried Rama 1 and could do no more.
The Sea.
His voice was choked, his -eye was dim, He could not speak or look on him. Then sudden fear made Rama 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, despairing, and distraught,, In a fierce whirl of wildering thought The hapless monarch lay, Like Ocean wave-engarlanded Storm-driven from his tranquil bed, The Sun-God in eclipse, Or like a holy seer, heart- stirred With anguish, when a lying word Has passed his heedless lips. The sight of his dear father, pained With woe and misery unexplained, Filled Rama with unrest, As Ocean's pulses rise and swell When the great moon he loves so well Shines full upon his breast. So grieving for his father's sake, To his own heart the hero spake: ' Why will the king my sire to-day No kindly word of greeting say? At other times, though wroth he be. His eyes grow calm that look on me. Then why does anguish wring his brow To see his well-beloved now? ' Sick and perplexed, distraught with woe, To Queen Kaikeyi bowing low, While pallor o'er his bright cheek spread, With humble reverence he said: • What have I done, unknown, amiss To make my father wroth like this? Declare it, O dear Queen, and win His pardon for my heedless sin. Why is the sire I ever find Filled with all love to-day unkind? With eyes cast down and pallid cheek This day alone he will not speak. Or lies he prostrate neath the blow Of tierce disease or sudden woe? For all our bliss is dashed with pain, And joy unmixt is hard to gain. Does stroke of evil fortune smite Dear Bharat, charming to the sight,, Or on the brave Satrughna fall, Or consorts, for he loves them all? Against his words when I rebel, Or fail to please the monarch well, When deeds of mine his soul offend, That hour I pray my life may end. How should a man to him who gave His being and his life behave? The sire to whom he owes his birth Should be his deity on earth.
Hast thou, by pride and folly moved, TEE RAM AY AN.
Boole It With bitter taunt the king reproved? Has scorn of thine or cruel jest To passion stirred his gentle breast? Speak truty, Queen, that I may know What cause has changed the monarch so.'
Thus by the high • sou led prince addressed, Of Kagbu's sons the chief and best, She cast all ruth and shame aside, And bold with greedy words replied: 4 Not wrath, O Kama, stirs the king, Nor misery stabs with sudden sting; One thought that fills his soul has he, But dares not speak for fear of thee. Thou art so dear, his lips refrain From words that might his darling pain. But thou, as duty bids, must still The promise of thy sire fulfil. He who to me in days gone by Touch safed a boon with honours high, Dares now, a king, his word regret, And caitiff-like disowns the debt. The lord of men his promise gave To grant the boon that I might crave, And now a bridge would idly throw When the dried stream has ceased to flow, His faith the monarch must not break In wrath, or e'en for thy dear sake. From faith, as well the righteous know, Our virtue and our merits flow. Now, be they good or be they ill, Do thou thy father's words fulfil: Swear that his promise shall not fail, And I will tell thee all the tale. Yes, Rama, when I hear that thou Hast bound thee by thy father's vow, Then, not till then, my lips shall speak, Nor will he tell what boon I seek.'
He heard, and with a troubled breast This answer to the queen addressed: * Ah me, dear lady, canst thou deem That words like these thy lips beseem? I. at the bidding of my sire, Would cast my body to the fire, A deadly draught of poison drink, Or in the waves of ocean eink: If he command, it shall be done,— My father and my king in one. Then speak and let me know the thing So longed for by my lord the king. It shall be done: let this suffice; Ham a* ne'er makes a promise twice.'
He ended. To the princely youth Who loved the right and spoke the truth, Cruel, abominable came The answer of the ruthless dame: ' When Gods and Titans fought of yore, Transfixed with darts and bathed in gore Two boons to me thy father gave For the dear life 'twas mine to save, Of him I claim the ancient debt, That Bharat on the throne be set, And thou, O Rama, go this day To Dandakff orest far away. Now, &ama, if thou wilt maintain Thy father's faith without a stain, And thine own truth and honour clear, Then, best of men, my bidding hear. Do thou thy father's word obey, Nor from the pledge he gave me stray. Thy life in Dandak forest spend Till nine long years and five shall end. Upon my Bharat 's princely head Let consecrating drops be shed, With all the royal pomp for thee Made ready by the king's decree. Seek Dandak forest and resign Rites that would make the empire thine. For twice seven years of exile wear The coat of bark and matted hair. Then in thy stead let Bharat reiga Lord of his royal sire's domain, Rich in the fairest gems that shine, Cars, elephants, and steeds, and kine. The monarch mourns thy altered fata And vails his brow compassionate: Bowed down by bitter grief he lies And'dares not lift to thine his eyes. Obey his word: be firm and brave, And with great truth the monarch save.'
While thus with cruel words she spoke.
No grief the noble youth betrayed; But forth the father's anguish broke, At his dear Rama's lot dismayed.
CANTO XIX. RAMA'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 take, And 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 1 speak. In hermit's coat with matted hail- To the wild wood will I repair. How can I fail his will to do, Friend, master, grateful sovereign too? One only pang consumes my breast, That his own lips have not expressed His will, nor made his longing known That Bharat should ascend the throne.
Vanto XIX.
THE RAM AY AN.
l.\> Bharat I would yield my wife, My realm and wealth, mine own dear life.
Unasked I fain would yield them all; More gladly at my father's call, More gladly when the gift may free Bis honour and bring joy to thee.
Ihus, lady, his sad heart release From the sore shame, and give him peace,