  When Lakshma?, who had joined them there, Had heard the converse of the pair, His mien was changed, his eyes o'erflowed, His breast no more could bear its load. The son of Raghu, sore distressed, His brother's feet with fervour pressed, While thus to SÍtÁ he complained, And him by lofty vows enchained: “If thou wilt make the woods thy home, Where elephant and roebuck roam, I too this day will take my bow And in the path before thee go. Our way will lie through forest ground Where countless birds and beasts are found, I heed not homes of Gods on high, I heed not life that cannot die, Nor would I wish, with thee away, O'er the three worlds to stretch my sway.” Thus Lakshma? spake, with earnest prayer His brother's woodland life to share. As RÁma still his prayer denied With soothing words, again he cried: “When leave at first thou didst accord, Why dost thou stay me now, my lord? Thou art my refuge: O, be kind, Leave me not, dear my lord, behind. Thou canst not, brother, if thou choose That I still live, my wish refuse.” The glorious chief his speech renewed To faithful Lakshma? as he sued, And on the eyes of RÁma gazed Longing to lead, with hands upraised: “Thou art a hero just and dear, Whose steps to virtue's path adhere, Loved as my life till life shall end, My faithful brother and my friend. If to the woods thou take thy way With SÍtÁ and with me to-day, Who for Kau?alyÁ will provide, And guard the good SumitrÁ's side? The lord of earth, of mighty power, Who sends good things in plenteous shower, As Indra pours the grateful rain, A captive lies in passion's chain. The power imperial for her son Has A?vapati's daughter306 won, And she, proud queen, will little heed Her miserable rivals' need. So Bharat, ruler of the land, By Queen KaikeyÍ's side will stand, Nor of those two will ever think, While grieving in despair they sink. Now, Lakshma?, as thy love decrees, Or else the monarch's heart to please, Follow this counsel and protect My honoured mother from neglect. So thou, while not to me alone Thy great affection will be shown, To highest duty wilt adhere By serving those thou shouldst revere. Now, son of Raghu, for my sake Obey this one request I make, Or, of her darling son bereft, Kau?alyÁ has no comfort left.” The faithful Lakshma?, thus addressed In gentle words which love expressed, To him in lore of language learned, His answer, eloquent, returned: “Nay, through thy might each queen will share Attentive Bharat's love and care, Should Bharat, raised as king to sway This noblest realm, his trust betray, Nor for their safety well provide, Seduced by ill-suggesting pride, Doubt not my vengeful hand shall kill The cruel wretch who counsels ill— Kill him and all who lend him aid, And the three worlds in league arrayed. And good Kau?alyÁ well can fee A thousand champions like to me. A thousand hamlets rich in grain The station of that queen maintain. She may, and my dear mother too, Live on the ample revenue. Then let me follow thee: herein: Is naught that may resemble sin. So shall I in my wish succeed, |
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