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Collection: Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10
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Duration: 28:22
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0:00–0:17Enter Janka. Looking. He rises. Looking. Enter Arunthathi, Kausalya and the Chamberlain.
0:17–0:28The wrong committed against my daughter, a vast and dreadful wrong, broke me and pierced my heart,
0:28–0:34and kindled a torrent of rage that, though old, remains forever new,
0:34–0:40cutting the vital core like the edge of a saw and never ceasing.
0:40–0:43How terrible!
0:43–0:50This wretched body, stripped by old age and unimaginable grief of every support,
0:50–0:59drained of substance and vitality by many austerities, month-long fasts, and mortification
0:59–1:07still refuses to prepare for death. It is unbelievable.
1:07–1:13Yet the sages say those who take their own lives go to worlds of darkness where no sun
1:13–1:23shines. Even after so many years, the blows of my acute grief, openly manifested and filled
1:23–1:29with unceasing thought, are still fresh and do not diminish.
1:29–1:31Mother!
1:31–1:40Sita, born from the sacrificial altar, is this what life brought you? Such a reversal
1:40–1:45that one feels shame even to weep to the heart's content.
1:45–1:53Ah, daughter! I remember your childhood face.
1:53–2:01Laughing and crying for no reason. Two or three milk teeth shining like jasmine
2:01–2:13buds. Your first words stumbling and indistinct. Earth, you truly are hard as stone. She whose
2:13–2:22greatness should have been acknowledged by you yourself. And likewise by fire, the sages,
2:22–2:33a sishta's wife, Gonga. Even by the sun god, teacher of Raghu's line, she whom you yourself
2:33–2:41gave birth to, a speech gives birth to true knowledge. Cruel earth, how could you endure
2:41–2:51the killing of your only daughter. Voice offstage, this way, holy lady, and your majesty.
2:51–2:58Janaka, ah, Grishtin is showing Arun Dottie the way.
2:58–3:02Whom did he call your majesty?
3:02–3:10Ah, can this be my dear friend, the lawful wife of King Dasharata, causalia?
3:10–3:14Who would believe it?
3:14–3:20She who in Dasharata's palace was like royal fortune.
3:20–3:23Why save like?
3:23–3:27She was royal fortune herself.
3:27–3:36been utterly transformed by the force of fate. A rare creature made of pure grief.
3:36–3:47Ah, what a reversal! Here is another terrible reversal in my own condition. Those who once
3:47–3:57were for me, a festival embodied, are now unbearable even to behold. As those so
3:57–4:02sold were being scattered upon a wound.
4:02–4:07But I am telling you that your family Perceptor commanded you to go in person to meet the
4:07–4:09King of Videha.
4:09–4:12And for that very reason I was sent to you.
4:12–4:16Why this paralyzing hesitation at every step?
4:16–4:22Your Majesty, compose yourself and obey Vasishtha's command, that is all I beg.
4:22–4:26The mere thought of meeting the King of Medila on such an occasion makes all my
4:26–4:33my sorrow surge up again at once. The strings of my heart are breaking. I cannot hold it
4:33–4:34steady.
4:34–4:41Indeed, a current of sorrow born from separation from dear kin may already flow with violent
4:41–4:48force, but the mere sight of a beloved friend makes it unbearable as though multiplied into
4:48–4:51a thousand streams.
4:51–4:56How can I face the royal sage after what happened to my beloved daughter-in-law?
4:56–4:59Approaching.
4:59–5:06This is your honored relative, the mainstay of Janaka's line, to whom the sage Yajnavalkya
5:06–5:11once imparted, the whole knowledge of Brahman, Kassalia.
5:11–5:17There stands the royal sage, the joy of the great king's heart, the father of my beloved
5:17–5:18daughter-in-law.
5:18–5:24God above everything returns to me, when we celebrated that great wedding festival,
5:24–5:27And today, Lord, everything is ended.
5:27–5:28Janaka.
5:28–5:33Arundhati Surya Dvaja, King of Videha, bows to you.
5:33–5:40She through whom alone her husband, though himself an inexhaustible Treasury of Holiness,
5:40–5:43regards himself as pure.
5:43–5:47And who among all the teachers of old, is the Supreme Teacher?
5:47–5:54I bow to that holy lady, who is like the dawn, before whom the entire world.
5:54–5:59its head to the ground, and who promotes the welfare of the whole universe.
5:59–6:06Arindati, may your supreme radiance remain fierce, and may the God who burns beyond all
6:06–6:07does purify you.
6:07–6:13Janaka, Krishnan, is the mother of the protector of the people well?
6:13–6:14Aside
6:14–6:16Allowed
6:16–6:18Sign
6:18–6:23She feigns and falls.
6:23–6:35This is mockery of us, merciless and sharp mockery. Royal sage, the queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been unable to see dear Rama's moon-like face.
6:35–6:41Please do not increase her suffering with your anger. A terrible calamity befell Rama too.
6:41–6:52He was told that a malicious scandal was spreading among the citizens and because people of little understanding did not believe in the purification of the ordeal by fire, he was forced to take the harshest measure.
6:52–6:57Janka, Gods above, who is this fire that dares boast of purifying my daughter?
6:57–7:03Rama has already insulted us enough. How can anyone dare insult us further by saying such a thing?
7:03–7:11Arunthati, it is entirely true. Before my child, the word fire is merely a meaningless string of sounds.
7:11–7:19It is enough that she is Sita. My child, whether you were my daughter or my pupil, matters not at all.
7:19–7:36Your Supreme Purity itself awakens such affection in my heart. Whether one is a girl or a woman is irrelevant. You have won the praise of the whole world. It is worthy qualities in a good person that deserve honour. Not sex or age.
7:36–7:41Gosselia, ah, my wound is splitting open again.
7:41–7:46God above, what has happened now?
7:46–7:49Royal Sage, what else could happen?
7:49–7:53That King, that Happiness, that Pride in her children.
7:53–7:55Those days gone by.
7:55–8:00The instant she saw you, her friend, all memory surged up again.
8:00–8:04You can see how deeply this terrible event has shaken her.
8:04–8:09Even an aged mother's heart can be as tender as a flower.
8:09–8:15He sprinkles water from his water pot over her.
8:15–8:18Recovering
8:18–8:21How base I have become.
8:21–8:28After seeing her again after so long, I could not even cast a loving glance upon my dear
8:28–8:32friend's beloved wife.
8:32–8:37Honoured kinsman, dear friend, my heart.
8:37–8:43My joy embodied the whole essence of life.
8:43–8:48My body's life breath and whatever was dearer still.
8:48–8:53What was the illustrious King Dasharata not to me?
8:53–8:58Ah, is this truly causalia?
8:58–9:05If husband and wife ever quarreled in private, she would leave him and bring her complaint
9:05–9:12only to me, and whether she should remain angry or forgive him.
9:12–9:16The decision rested with me.
9:16–9:20But enough of such memories.
9:20–9:24They attack my heart and burn it.
9:24–9:31Morandotti, Ar, sigh suppressed within for so long have hardened his heart.
9:31–9:37Janaka, Ar, my dear friend's wife.
9:37–9:45Chamberlain At first fate was like a favorable friend.
9:45–9:53Following each of her wishes, then came its sudden and merciless transformation, leaving
9:53–9:57her only anguish of heart.
9:57–9:58Corsaya!
9:58–10:00Johnicky!
10:00–10:01My daughter!
10:01–10:04Where are you?
10:04–10:11How clearly I remember that innocent lotus face adorned only by the radiance of marriage
10:11–10:14with its pure smile in bloom.
10:14–10:22Child, brighten my lap again with those limbs lovelier than the first moonlight.
10:22–10:28The king always used to say, she is certainly the daughter-in-law of the lord of Raghu's
10:28–10:36line, but my kinship with Janaka makes her my own youngest daughter.
10:36–10:39What your majesty says is exactly how it was.
10:39–10:45Though the king had five children, the enemy of Subahu was dearest of all.
10:45–10:50And though he had four daughters-in-law, Sita, was no less a daughter than Shanta.
10:50–10:53Janka, ah, my dear friend King Dasarath.
10:53–10:56That is why in every way you were my equal.
10:56–10:58How can I forget you?
10:58–11:00They say the father of a bride.
11:00–11:03Must honour the bridegroom's family.
11:03–11:06But in my case it was exactly the reverse.
11:06–11:09You were always the one who pleased me.
11:09–11:12Fate took from me both a man such as you
11:12–11:14and the foundation of our kinship.
11:14–11:16Shame upon me.
11:16–11:18I must be a sinner
11:18–11:21To remain alive in this dreadful, hell-like world.
11:21–11:25Kausalya, Janki, my child, what shall I do?
11:25–11:30My unfortunate life seems permanently fastened by some unbreakable mortar, it will not leave
11:30–11:32this wretched body.
11:32–11:36Arunthati, compose yourself, you are a king's daughter.
11:36–11:39For now, do your best to restrain your sobs.
11:39–11:44And one thing more, do you not remember what your family preceptor said at Rishishanga's
11:44–11:45hermitage?
11:45–11:51He declared firmly that what happened was unavoidable, but that in the end all would be well.
11:51–11:56When all our dreams have been shattered, how can that be possible?
11:56–11:59A commotion offstage.
11:59–12:02All listen.
12:02–12:04Do you then believe he spoke falsely?
12:04–12:08You are a princess and the mother of Maitik Shatriyas.
12:08–12:11Do not think otherwise it had to happen.
12:11–12:17doubt the words of Brahmins, who have directly perceived the light.
12:17–12:20Aspicious Lakshmi dwells in their speech.
12:20–12:23No word of theirs is false.
12:23–12:26Today is a holiday from study.
12:26–12:31The noise must be children at play.
12:31–12:32Looking
12:32–12:36How easy it is to find happiness in childhood.
12:36–12:42Ah, who is that among them, who is exquisitely lovely, soft, and delicate limbs,
12:42–12:47adorned with the beauty of dear Rama, sooth even the pain in my eyes.
12:48–12:51Aside with dears of joy.
12:52–12:58This must be the fruit of that secret, know of that nectar, which Bhagirthi revealed.
12:58–13:04I only do not know which of the two he is Kusha or Lava. May they both live forever.
13:05–13:09A dark radiance like the petal of a blue lotus.
13:09–13:22A head adorned with lovely locks, beauty ornamented by virtue as though his very presence ennobles
13:22–13:25the whole company of boys.
13:25–13:33He looks like Raghunandana, as though my dear child had become a boy again.
13:33–13:39Who is he, the mere sight of whom?
13:39–13:42His ambrosial barn to my eyes?
13:42–13:49Chamberlain, I think the boy is a criteria student of sacred learning.
13:49–13:54Janaka, surely so, for he?
13:54–13:58Where's two quivers upon his back?
13:58–14:03The arrows touching his top-knot.
14:03–14:11On his chest are the marks of his lineage, lines of sacred ash, and a black antelope
14:11–14:13skin.
14:13–14:22His lower garment is dyed with madder, and bound by a cord of merver grass.
14:22–14:30In one hand he carries a bow and rosary, in the other a staff of sacred fig wood.
14:30–14:36Orendotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from?
14:36–14:42Orendotti, but I myself am newly arrived here.
14:42–14:49Janaka, Grishtin, my curiosity knows no bounds.
14:49–14:53Go at once to Valmiki and ask him.
14:53–14:58Tell the boy as well that some elders wish to see him.
14:58–15:12exit. As you command. Why do you think you will come when summoned? Will not his conduct be as courteous as his appearance?
15:12–15:24Looking. What is this? Having listened respectfully to Grishton, the boy is dismissing the sages, other pupils and coming here.
15:24–15:31gazing at him for a long time, enter lava.
15:31–15:38He thinks, approaching respectfully,
15:38–15:41What is happening to me?
15:41–15:46Only those who see truth can understand.
15:46–15:49The measure of his real power,
15:49–15:59cooled by modesty and softened by innocence. No one else can. This boy has the power to
15:59–16:11stir my heart. Made immovable by despair. As a tiny piece of magnet, moves a massive lump
16:11–16:13of I am.
16:13–16:22Lava, without knowing their names and stations, how should I salute these noble elders?
16:22–16:29There is one manna taught by the elders in which there can be no fault.
16:29–16:34Lava bows his head in turn at the feet of each of you.
16:34–16:39Orundhati and Janaka, good child, may you live long.
16:39–16:44Child, may you live a long life.
16:44–16:50She takes Lava onto her lap, aside.
16:50–16:53She takes him.
16:53–16:58She lifts his gen and looks with tears and wonder.
16:58–17:02Come child, how beautiful my fortune is.
17:02–17:07Not only is my lap filled, at last my dream has been fulfilled.
17:07–17:14Kassoya. Child come into my lap for a moment too. Ah! Not only in the form of his dark
17:14–17:21radiant body, like a newly opened blue lotus, but in his voice too he resembles dear Rama,
17:21–17:27like the long low call of a swan whose throat is colored by eating lotus filaments. His body
17:27–17:33must be the same to the touch. Soft as the heart of a fully opened lotus. Child let me
17:33–17:41see your face. Royal sage, do you not see? Look carefully. Is it not exactly like the moonface
17:41–17:48of your daughter, my daughter-in-law? Janaka. Yes, friend, I see it. I certainly see it.
17:48–17:54Kasalia. Ah, my heart is so confused that amidst scattered thoughts I am speaking wildly.
17:54–18:01Janaka. In this boy appear my daughter-in-rama. A living image of the air of Ragu's line in that
18:01–18:09fairy form. The same radiance, the same voice, the same natural manner, even the same stainless
18:09–18:14splendor. Creator, why does my agitated mind run after this mirage?
18:16–18:20Child, is your mother alive? Do you have any memory of your father?
18:21–18:21No, I do not.
18:22–18:23Who cares for you?
18:25–18:25Lord Valmiki.
18:27–18:29Come, child, you must tell your story here.
18:29–18:32That is all I know.
18:32–18:39Soldiers, Prince Chandraketu commands that no one enter the Hermitage grounds without permission.
18:39–18:46Orondotti and Jinnaka are, Prince Chandraketu has arrived while guarding the sacrificial horse.
18:46–18:51We shall soon see him. What an auspicious day this is.
18:51–18:59Dear Lakshmana's little son is issuing a command the very syllable sounds sweet as drops of nectar in my ears.
18:59–19:02Sir, who is this person named Shankaketu?
19:02–19:09Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lakshmana?
19:09–19:11They are the heroes of the Ramayana.
19:11–19:13Laughing
19:13–19:16Certainly.
19:16–19:22Lavva, then how could I not have heard their names?
19:22–19:28Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshman our son.
19:28–19:36Lavva, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the king of Matilla.
19:36–19:41Orondotti, clearly the boy knows the story well.
19:41–19:49Janaka, since you know the story so thoroughly, answer some questions. What are the names
19:49–19:56of the children of Dasharata's other sons and which wives bore them?
19:56–20:02Lava, neither I nor anyone else has heard that part of the story.
20:02–20:07Janaka, has the poet not composed it?
20:07–20:13Lava he has, but it has not yet been made public.
20:13–20:21One portion, newly enriched with dramatic flavour, has been prepared for performance.
20:21–20:28The great sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Bharata, author of
20:28–20:33the treatise on the threefold art of music.
20:33–20:35Janaka, for what purpose?
20:37–20:39It is said that Barada will have it performed by the apps races.
20:39–20:41Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity.
20:42–20:44Valmiki is extremely careful about it.
20:44–20:47To ensure that no mishap befalls the pupils carrying the manuscript to Barada's hermitage,
20:47–20:49he has sent my brother with him, armed with bow and arrows.
20:49–20:50Kosalia, you have a brother too?
20:50–20:52Lava, I have an excellent brother named Kusha.
20:53–20:56That is, he is older than you.
20:56–21:00Lava, yes, by order of birth he is my elder.
21:00–21:02Janaka, are you twins?
21:02–21:04Lava, certainly.
21:04–21:07Janaka, tell me, how does the main story end?
21:08–21:13Distressed by the citizen's malicious scandal, the king banished Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, to the forest.
21:13–21:16When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in the desolate wilderness and returned.
21:16–21:21Kausalia, my innocent moon-faced daughter, what dreadful reversal of fate suddenly fell upon your flower-soft body when you were all alone.
21:21–21:29Janaka, child. When at once you had to contend with humiliation, the terrible forest, and the pains of childbirth, and packs of flesh-eating beasts, surrounded you on every side,
21:29–21:33Then interior thoughts must surely have centered upon me, your final refuge.
21:33–21:362. Arun Diti
21:36–21:38Who are these two noble persons?
21:38–21:45Lava looks at them with reverence, concern and curiosity.
21:45–21:47Terrified
21:47–21:50This is Kosloya and this is Janaka.
21:50–21:54Janaka, ah, how depraved the citizens were
21:54–22:02and how thoughtless King Rama, as I consider the terrible blow of this thunderbolt-like calamity,
22:02–22:08the time has come to kindle my wrath with my bower with a curse. Kausalya,
22:08–22:16Arndadi protect us. Please try to calm the angry King. Lava, for an honorable man whose dignity
22:16–22:24has been insulted, this alone is the proper form of revenge. Arndadi, but your Majesty,
22:24–22:30Rama is your son and the unfortunate citizens are entitled to protection.
22:30–22:35Enter a noisy group of school boys.
22:35–22:43They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and pull him.
22:43–22:53With curiosity, reluctance and courtesy, he goes hurriedly with them.
22:53–23:03Then let neither side show fear of Raghunandana. After all, he is my priceless son. And many
23:03–23:13among the citizens are old and weak. Brahmins, children and women.
23:13–23:20Schoolboys, young master. We had heard in village after village about the appearance
23:20–23:28of a marvellous creature called a horse, and now we have seen one with our own eyes.
23:28–23:35Lava, a horse, is mentioned both in the scriptures concerning sacrificial animals and in the
23:35–23:38science of war.
23:38–23:43Tell me, what sort of creature is it?
23:43–23:47Schoolboys, listen, then.
23:47–23:57it is a great tale. Which it keeps swishing without stop. Its neck is long and it has
23:57–24:11for hooves. No more and no fewer. It eats grass and passes droppings. The size of man goes.
24:11–24:19enough description. It is running away. Quick! Come!
24:19–24:25Lava, my elders can see that I am being dragged away.
24:25–24:33Orendoti and Janaka, go! Child! Satisfy your curiosity!
24:33–24:42Causalia, holy lady, if we do not watch him, may he live forever, I shall feel cheated.
24:42–24:49Come, let us see him go from another place.
24:49–24:52Enter the Chamberlain.
24:52–24:56The group of elders exits.
24:56–24:59Re-enter the school boys.
24:59–25:05The little rogue has gone so far so quickly that he can scarcely be seen now.
25:05–25:06Chamberlain!
25:06–25:10Valmiki has replied that you will learn the answer to your question yourselves at the
25:10–25:12proper time.
25:12–25:13Janaka!
25:13–25:16It must be a matter of the utmost importance.
25:16–25:22Arndadi friend Kosaliyah Grishdan, come let us go in person to see the son of Prachatas.
25:22–25:24Sobu!
25:24–25:27Young Master, look at this marvelous object!
25:27–25:28Lava!
25:28–25:34At first sight I understand, it is the horse of the Ashwameda sacrifice.
25:34–25:36So boys, how did you know?
25:38–25:39Jealously aside.
25:41–25:45Fools! You have studied that part of the Veda and still do not understand? It must have guards,
25:45–25:48hundreds of soldiers in each division, bearing armor, maces, or arrows. The army we see here is
25:48–25:52almost exactly of that kind. If you do not believe me, ask them yourselves. Estetra will be a wise
25:52–25:56soldiers. Why is this horse wandering under guard? Lava, the Ashwameda is the final test of the
25:56–25:59the supreme sovereignty of a world conquering Kshatriya. Its purpose is to humiliate every
25:59–26:01other Kshatriya.
26:01–26:10Fired with excitement, enter an angry and arrogant officer.
26:10–26:20Laughing, he strings his bow. All move off at a pace suited to them.
26:20–26:25This is less a horse than a banner of victory or a battle challenge.
26:25–26:29Proclaiming the one true hero of all seven worlds.
26:29–26:33The enemy of the race of the ten-headed one.
26:33–26:34Lava.
26:34–26:37Ah, that is a challenge to battle.
26:37–26:38Schoolboys.
26:38–26:39What can we say?
26:39–26:42The young master truly is very learned.
26:42–26:43Lava.
26:43–26:44Soldiers.
26:44–26:49You boast as though no kshatriya remained anywhere on earth.
26:49–26:50Voice offstage.
26:50–26:54What value has any other kshatriya before the Universal Emperor?
26:54–26:58Lava, shame on you, villains.
26:58–27:02If they are kshatriyas, then kshatriyas they certainly are.
27:02–27:05Whom do you think you can frighten?
27:05–27:07But the time for words is past.
27:07–27:09Now I shall attack.
27:09–27:11And seize that banner.
27:11–27:13Boys.
27:13–27:18Surround them, rain clods of earth upon them, and drag the horse here.
27:18–27:22Let the poor creature roam freely with the deer of the Hermitage.
27:22–27:25Officer, shame on you, villain.
27:25–27:27What did you say?
27:27–27:30The king's army is ruthless and severe.
27:30–27:34It will not tolerate insolent words even from a child.
27:34–27:40Before Prince Chandraketu, destroyer of enemies, arrives in his eagerness to visit this famous
27:40–27:44forest, flee quickly through that grove of trees.
27:44–27:52Bullboys, young master, forget the horse. The army is coming, brandishing weapons and threatening
27:52–27:59you, and the hermitage is far away. Come, let us run from here at once. Lava, what do I
27:59–28:07care if they brandish their weapons? My terrible bow is ready to yawn. It is not a weapon,
28:07–28:14but the laughing mouth of death. Greedily swallowing its prey, mad and slow, rumbling like a
28:14–28:20a cloud. While its tongue, the bowstring, licks its sharp front teeth.
28:20–28:21End of Act 4

Plain text

Enter Janka. Looking. He rises. Looking. Enter Arunthathi, Kausalya and the Chamberlain. The wrong committed against my daughter, a vast and dreadful wrong, broke me and pierced my heart, and kindled a torrent of rage that, though old, remains forever new, cutting the vital core like the edge of a saw and never ceasing. How terrible! This wretched body, stripped by old age and unimaginable grief of every support, drained of substance and vitality by many austerities, month-long fasts, and mortification still refuses to prepare for death. It is unbelievable. Yet the sages say those who take their own lives go to worlds of darkness where no sun shines. Even after so many years, the blows of my acute grief, openly manifested and filled with unceasing thought, are still fresh and do not diminish. Mother! Sita, born from the sacrificial altar, is this what life brought you? Such a reversal that one feels shame even to weep to the heart's content. Ah, daughter! I remember your childhood face. Laughing and crying for no reason. Two or three milk teeth shining like jasmine buds. Your first words stumbling and indistinct. Earth, you truly are hard as stone. She whose greatness should have been acknowledged by you yourself. And likewise by fire, the sages, a sishta's wife, Gonga. Even by the sun god, teacher of Raghu's line, she whom you yourself gave birth to, a speech gives birth to true knowledge. Cruel earth, how could you endure the killing of your only daughter. Voice offstage, this way, holy lady, and your majesty. Janaka, ah, Grishtin is showing Arun Dottie the way. Whom did he call your majesty? Ah, can this be my dear friend, the lawful wife of King Dasharata, causalia? Who would believe it? She who in Dasharata's palace was like royal fortune. Why save like? She was royal fortune herself. been utterly transformed by the force of fate. A rare creature made of pure grief. Ah, what a reversal! Here is another terrible reversal in my own condition. Those who once were for me, a festival embodied, are now unbearable even to behold. As those so sold were being scattered upon a wound. But I am telling you that your family Perceptor commanded you to go in person to meet the King of Videha. And for that very reason I was sent to you. Why this paralyzing hesitation at every step? Your Majesty, compose yourself and obey Vasishtha's command, that is all I beg. The mere thought of meeting the King of Medila on such an occasion makes all my my sorrow surge up again at once. The strings of my heart are breaking. I cannot hold it steady. Indeed, a current of sorrow born from separation from dear kin may already flow with violent force, but the mere sight of a beloved friend makes it unbearable as though multiplied into a thousand streams. How can I face the royal sage after what happened to my beloved daughter-in-law? Approaching. This is your honored relative, the mainstay of Janaka's line, to whom the sage Yajnavalkya once imparted, the whole knowledge of Brahman, Kassalia. There stands the royal sage, the joy of the great king's heart, the father of my beloved daughter-in-law. God above everything returns to me, when we celebrated that great wedding festival, And today, Lord, everything is ended. Janaka. Arundhati Surya Dvaja, King of Videha, bows to you. She through whom alone her husband, though himself an inexhaustible Treasury of Holiness, regards himself as pure. And who among all the teachers of old, is the Supreme Teacher? I bow to that holy lady, who is like the dawn, before whom the entire world. its head to the ground, and who promotes the welfare of the whole universe. Arindati, may your supreme radiance remain fierce, and may the God who burns beyond all does purify you. Janaka, Krishnan, is the mother of the protector of the people well? Aside Allowed Sign She feigns and falls. This is mockery of us, merciless and sharp mockery. Royal sage, the queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been unable to see dear Rama's moon-like face. Please do not increase her suffering with your anger. A terrible calamity befell Rama too. He was told that a malicious scandal was spreading among the citizens and because people of little understanding did not believe in the purification of the ordeal by fire, he was forced to take the harshest measure. Janka, Gods above, who is this fire that dares boast of purifying my daughter? Rama has already insulted us enough. How can anyone dare insult us further by saying such a thing? Arunthati, it is entirely true. Before my child, the word fire is merely a meaningless string of sounds. It is enough that she is Sita. My child, whether you were my daughter or my pupil, matters not at all. Your Supreme Purity itself awakens such affection in my heart. Whether one is a girl or a woman is irrelevant. You have won the praise of the whole world. It is worthy qualities in a good person that deserve honour. Not sex or age. Gosselia, ah, my wound is splitting open again. God above, what has happened now? Royal Sage, what else could happen? That King, that Happiness, that Pride in her children. Those days gone by. The instant she saw you, her friend, all memory surged up again. You can see how deeply this terrible event has shaken her. Even an aged mother's heart can be as tender as a flower. He sprinkles water from his water pot over her. Recovering How base I have become. After seeing her again after so long, I could not even cast a loving glance upon my dear friend's beloved wife. Honoured kinsman, dear friend, my heart. My joy embodied the whole essence of life. My body's life breath and whatever was dearer still. What was the illustrious King Dasharata not to me? Ah, is this truly causalia? If husband and wife ever quarreled in private, she would leave him and bring her complaint only to me, and whether she should remain angry or forgive him. The decision rested with me. But enough of such memories. They attack my heart and burn it. Morandotti, Ar, sigh suppressed within for so long have hardened his heart. Janaka, Ar, my dear friend's wife. Chamberlain At first fate was like a favorable friend. Following each of her wishes, then came its sudden and merciless transformation, leaving her only anguish of heart. Corsaya! Johnicky! My daughter! Where are you? How clearly I remember that innocent lotus face adorned only by the radiance of marriage with its pure smile in bloom. Child, brighten my lap again with those limbs lovelier than the first moonlight. The king always used to say, she is certainly the daughter-in-law of the lord of Raghu's line, but my kinship with Janaka makes her my own youngest daughter. What your majesty says is exactly how it was. Though the king had five children, the enemy of Subahu was dearest of all. And though he had four daughters-in-law, Sita, was no less a daughter than Shanta. Janka, ah, my dear friend King Dasarath. That is why in every way you were my equal. How can I forget you? They say the father of a bride. Must honour the bridegroom's family. But in my case it was exactly the reverse. You were always the one who pleased me. Fate took from me both a man such as you and the foundation of our kinship. Shame upon me. I must be a sinner To remain alive in this dreadful, hell-like world. Kausalya, Janki, my child, what shall I do? My unfortunate life seems permanently fastened by some unbreakable mortar, it will not leave this wretched body. Arunthati, compose yourself, you are a king's daughter. For now, do your best to restrain your sobs. And one thing more, do you not remember what your family preceptor said at Rishishanga's hermitage? He declared firmly that what happened was unavoidable, but that in the end all would be well. When all our dreams have been shattered, how can that be possible? A commotion offstage. All listen. Do you then believe he spoke falsely? You are a princess and the mother of Maitik Shatriyas. Do not think otherwise it had to happen. doubt the words of Brahmins, who have directly perceived the light. Aspicious Lakshmi dwells in their speech. No word of theirs is false. Today is a holiday from study. The noise must be children at play. Looking How easy it is to find happiness in childhood. Ah, who is that among them, who is exquisitely lovely, soft, and delicate limbs, adorned with the beauty of dear Rama, sooth even the pain in my eyes. Aside with dears of joy. This must be the fruit of that secret, know of that nectar, which Bhagirthi revealed. I only do not know which of the two he is Kusha or Lava. May they both live forever. A dark radiance like the petal of a blue lotus. A head adorned with lovely locks, beauty ornamented by virtue as though his very presence ennobles the whole company of boys. He looks like Raghunandana, as though my dear child had become a boy again. Who is he, the mere sight of whom? His ambrosial barn to my eyes? Chamberlain, I think the boy is a criteria student of sacred learning. Janaka, surely so, for he? Where's two quivers upon his back? The arrows touching his top-knot. On his chest are the marks of his lineage, lines of sacred ash, and a black antelope skin. His lower garment is dyed with madder, and bound by a cord of merver grass. In one hand he carries a bow and rosary, in the other a staff of sacred fig wood. Orendotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from? Orendotti, but I myself am newly arrived here. Janaka, Grishtin, my curiosity knows no bounds. Go at once to Valmiki and ask him. Tell the boy as well that some elders wish to see him. exit. As you command. Why do you think you will come when summoned? Will not his conduct be as courteous as his appearance? Looking. What is this? Having listened respectfully to Grishton, the boy is dismissing the sages, other pupils and coming here. gazing at him for a long time, enter lava. He thinks, approaching respectfully, What is happening to me? Only those who see truth can understand. The measure of his real power, cooled by modesty and softened by innocence. No one else can. This boy has the power to stir my heart. Made immovable by despair. As a tiny piece of magnet, moves a massive lump of I am. Lava, without knowing their names and stations, how should I salute these noble elders? There is one manna taught by the elders in which there can be no fault. Lava bows his head in turn at the feet of each of you. Orundhati and Janaka, good child, may you live long. Child, may you live a long life. She takes Lava onto her lap, aside. She takes him. She lifts his gen and looks with tears and wonder. Come child, how beautiful my fortune is. Not only is my lap filled, at last my dream has been fulfilled. Kassoya. Child come into my lap for a moment too. Ah! Not only in the form of his dark radiant body, like a newly opened blue lotus, but in his voice too he resembles dear Rama, like the long low call of a swan whose throat is colored by eating lotus filaments. His body must be the same to the touch. Soft as the heart of a fully opened lotus. Child let me see your face. Royal sage, do you not see? Look carefully. Is it not exactly like the moonface of your daughter, my daughter-in-law? Janaka. Yes, friend, I see it. I certainly see it. Kasalia. Ah, my heart is so confused that amidst scattered thoughts I am speaking wildly. Janaka. In this boy appear my daughter-in-rama. A living image of the air of Ragu's line in that fairy form. The same radiance, the same voice, the same natural manner, even the same stainless splendor. Creator, why does my agitated mind run after this mirage? Child, is your mother alive? Do you have any memory of your father? No, I do not. Who cares for you? Lord Valmiki. Come, child, you must tell your story here. That is all I know. Soldiers, Prince Chandraketu commands that no one enter the Hermitage grounds without permission. Orondotti and Jinnaka are, Prince Chandraketu has arrived while guarding the sacrificial horse. We shall soon see him. What an auspicious day this is. Dear Lakshmana's little son is issuing a command the very syllable sounds sweet as drops of nectar in my ears. Sir, who is this person named Shankaketu? Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lakshmana? They are the heroes of the Ramayana. Laughing Certainly. Lavva, then how could I not have heard their names? Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshman our son. Lavva, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the king of Matilla. Orondotti, clearly the boy knows the story well. Janaka, since you know the story so thoroughly, answer some questions. What are the names of the children of Dasharata's other sons and which wives bore them? Lava, neither I nor anyone else has heard that part of the story. Janaka, has the poet not composed it? Lava he has, but it has not yet been made public. One portion, newly enriched with dramatic flavour, has been prepared for performance. The great sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Bharata, author of the treatise on the threefold art of music. Janaka, for what purpose? It is said that Barada will have it performed by the apps races. Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity. Valmiki is extremely careful about it. To ensure that no mishap befalls the pupils carrying the manuscript to Barada's hermitage, he has sent my brother with him, armed with bow and arrows. Kosalia, you have a brother too? Lava, I have an excellent brother named Kusha. That is, he is older than you. Lava, yes, by order of birth he is my elder. Janaka, are you twins? Lava, certainly. Janaka, tell me, how does the main story end? Distressed by the citizen's malicious scandal, the king banished Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, to the forest. When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in the desolate wilderness and returned. Kausalia, my innocent moon-faced daughter, what dreadful reversal of fate suddenly fell upon your flower-soft body when you were all alone. Janaka, child. When at once you had to contend with humiliation, the terrible forest, and the pains of childbirth, and packs of flesh-eating beasts, surrounded you on every side, Then interior thoughts must surely have centered upon me, your final refuge. 2. Arun Diti Who are these two noble persons? Lava looks at them with reverence, concern and curiosity. Terrified This is Kosloya and this is Janaka. Janaka, ah, how depraved the citizens were and how thoughtless King Rama, as I consider the terrible blow of this thunderbolt-like calamity, the time has come to kindle my wrath with my bower with a curse. Kausalya, Arndadi protect us. Please try to calm the angry King. Lava, for an honorable man whose dignity has been insulted, this alone is the proper form of revenge. Arndadi, but your Majesty, Rama is your son and the unfortunate citizens are entitled to protection. Enter a noisy group of school boys. They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and pull him. With curiosity, reluctance and courtesy, he goes hurriedly with them. Then let neither side show fear of Raghunandana. After all, he is my priceless son. And many among the citizens are old and weak. Brahmins, children and women. Schoolboys, young master. We had heard in village after village about the appearance of a marvellous creature called a horse, and now we have seen one with our own eyes. Lava, a horse, is mentioned both in the scriptures concerning sacrificial animals and in the science of war. Tell me, what sort of creature is it? Schoolboys, listen, then. it is a great tale. Which it keeps swishing without stop. Its neck is long and it has for hooves. No more and no fewer. It eats grass and passes droppings. The size of man goes. enough description. It is running away. Quick! Come! Lava, my elders can see that I am being dragged away. Orendoti and Janaka, go! Child! Satisfy your curiosity! Causalia, holy lady, if we do not watch him, may he live forever, I shall feel cheated. Come, let us see him go from another place. Enter the Chamberlain. The group of elders exits. Re-enter the school boys. The little rogue has gone so far so quickly that he can scarcely be seen now. Chamberlain! Valmiki has replied that you will learn the answer to your question yourselves at the proper time. Janaka! It must be a matter of the utmost importance. Arndadi friend Kosaliyah Grishdan, come let us go in person to see the son of Prachatas. Sobu! Young Master, look at this marvelous object! Lava! At first sight I understand, it is the horse of the Ashwameda sacrifice. So boys, how did you know? Jealously aside. Fools! You have studied that part of the Veda and still do not understand? It must have guards, hundreds of soldiers in each division, bearing armor, maces, or arrows. The army we see here is almost exactly of that kind. If you do not believe me, ask them yourselves. Estetra will be a wise soldiers. Why is this horse wandering under guard? Lava, the Ashwameda is the final test of the the supreme sovereignty of a world conquering Kshatriya. Its purpose is to humiliate every other Kshatriya. Fired with excitement, enter an angry and arrogant officer. Laughing, he strings his bow. All move off at a pace suited to them. This is less a horse than a banner of victory or a battle challenge. Proclaiming the one true hero of all seven worlds. The enemy of the race of the ten-headed one. Lava. Ah, that is a challenge to battle. Schoolboys. What can we say? The young master truly is very learned. Lava. Soldiers. You boast as though no kshatriya remained anywhere on earth. Voice offstage. What value has any other kshatriya before the Universal Emperor? Lava, shame on you, villains. If they are kshatriyas, then kshatriyas they certainly are. Whom do you think you can frighten? But the time for words is past. Now I shall attack. And seize that banner. Boys. Surround them, rain clods of earth upon them, and drag the horse here. Let the poor creature roam freely with the deer of the Hermitage. Officer, shame on you, villain. What did you say? The king's army is ruthless and severe. It will not tolerate insolent words even from a child. Before Prince Chandraketu, destroyer of enemies, arrives in his eagerness to visit this famous forest, flee quickly through that grove of trees. Bullboys, young master, forget the horse. The army is coming, brandishing weapons and threatening you, and the hermitage is far away. Come, let us run from here at once. Lava, what do I care if they brandish their weapons? My terrible bow is ready to yawn. It is not a weapon, but the laughing mouth of death. Greedily swallowing its prey, mad and slow, rumbling like a a cloud. While its tongue, the bowstring, licks its sharp front teeth. End of Act 4

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