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Collection: Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10
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Detected language: en (0.96213)
Duration: 3:18:15
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0:00–0:04PRO-LOG
0:04–0:12I dedicate this work as a tribute to the poets of ancient times.
0:12–0:17Come, let us also pay homage to speech.
0:17–0:22Immortal, a portion of the soul itself.
0:22–0:28After the invocation, look surround.
0:28–0:33Enter an actor.
0:33–0:37Now, without further delay, I must make an announcement before this discerning assembly
0:37–0:41gathered for the festival of Lord Kalapriya.
0:41–0:45You have surely heard of a certain Bababhuti, a learned Brahmin of the Kasyapa lineage who
0:45–0:48bears the title Shrikanta.
0:48–0:52The Goddess of Speech obeys this Brahmin's command.
0:52–0:53As readily.
0:53–0:57As she obeys the command of Brahma.
0:57–1:04He has composed this play, Rama's Last Act, which we shall perform before you today.
1:04–1:10In obedience to the poet, I shall now assume the identity of a citizen of Ayodhya in that
1:10–1:12age.
1:12–1:14Is anyone there?
1:14–1:16How strange.
1:16–1:20Why have the musicians fallen silent in the courtyards?
1:20–1:25At the coronation of our great and honoured King Rama, the wildfire that consumed the
1:25–1:31race of Pulasthia, joyous music continued day and night without a moment's pause.
1:31–1:32Prologue.
1:32–1:38Actor, my friend, the king has sent home the mighty allies who fought beside him in Lanka,
1:38–1:41the monkeys and the rakshaasas.
1:41–1:46The Brahmins and gods who came to honour him have also departed, sanctifying every region
1:46–1:49through which they passed.
1:49–1:54Festivities continued for so many days while these guests were entertained.
1:54–2:02now. Rama's royal mothers had gone under Vasishtha's protection, following Orandhati
2:02–2:07to their son-in-law's hermitage for a sacred rite.
2:07–2:14Tell me, I am not a native of this country, so I ask, who is this son-in-law?
2:14–2:21Actor. King Dasharatha had a daughter named Shanta, whom he gave in adoption to King
2:21–2:29Lomapada. She married Rishi Sringa, the son of Vibandaka. And he has now begun a sacrifice.
2:30–2:37That will continue for twelve years. The elders have gone to visit him in his honor,
2:37–2:42but they have left their daughter in Lord Johnaki. Here, though her pregnancy is already far
2:42–2:50advanced. Stage manager, no matter. Come, in keeping with our station, we must present
2:50–2:57ourselves at the palace gate. Prologue. Actor, then, my friend, you must compose a royal
2:57–3:05panagiric whose style is beyond reproach. My dear friend, whatever the circumstances,
3:05–3:13it is my duty to perform. There is no escape from slander. A statement, or a woman, however
3:13–3:19pure, will still be faulted by the wicked.
3:19–3:25should say by those worse than wicked. Four people are maligning queen, Vaidehi herself.
3:25–3:32Why? Because she lived in a Rakshasa's house and because they doubt the ordeal by fire.
3:32–3:38If this rumour reaches the king's ears, the consequences will be terrible.
3:38–3:40Duns.
3:40–3:43Listens.
3:43–3:46Accent both.
3:46–3:49Whatever happens, the sages and the gods will protect her.
3:49–3:51Is anyone there?
3:51–3:52Where is the king now?
3:52–3:58I hear people saying, Prologue, Janaka came out of deep affection to pay his respects,
3:58–4:02spent several days at the celebration, and has now returned to Videha.
4:02–4:08The queen is distressed by his departure, therefore, to console her, the king, has left the throne
4:08–4:10of justice and gone.
4:10–4:12To his private apartments.
4:12–4:15End of the Prologue.
4:15–4:21At rise Rama is seated with Sita beside him.
4:21–4:24Enter the chamberlain.
4:24–4:29He stops, then speaks with formal concern.
4:29–4:35Rama, Queen Vaidehi, please do not grieve.
4:35–4:40It was not easy for the elders to leave us.
4:40–4:50But the unbroken burden of daily sacred rites sets limits on human freedom.
4:50–4:57For those devoted to religion, domestic life is full of obligations.
4:57–5:00Sita, I understand.
5:00–5:04My Lord, I understand.
5:04–5:10And yet separation from those we love brings such sorrow.
5:10–5:18Rama True These stages of life tear the tenderest fibres
5:18–5:25of the heart and awaken in a sensitive person such detachment that he longs to renounce
5:25–5:30every pleasure and seek peace in the forest.
5:30–5:33Chamberlain Dear Rama
5:33–5:36Your Majesty
5:36–5:40Rama Good Sir Not So
5:40–5:48From one who served in my father's household, dear Rama is entirely proper.
5:48–5:52Speak to me as you did before.
5:52–5:58Chamberlain, Ashtavakra has arrived from Rishishringas Hermitage.
5:58–6:04Sita, then wide-eley, good sir.
6:04–6:07Exit Chamberlain.
6:07–6:10Sita Ashutva Kura
6:10–6:13Sitting
6:13–6:16Bring Him in at once.
6:16–6:20Ashutva Akra, blessings upon you both.
6:20–6:25Rama, my reverence, holy sir.
6:25–6:27Please be seated.
6:27–6:30Sita, my reverence.
6:30–6:35Are my elders and my sister-in-law Shanta?
6:35–6:36Well,
6:36–6:44Rama, are my soma drinking brother-in-law Rishya Sringa and my sister Shantha both well.
6:44–6:48Sita, did they remember us?
6:48–6:52Ashta-Vakra, certainly.
6:52–6:57Your majesty, Vasishtha sends you this message.
6:57–7:02Virtuous earth, who bears all things.
7:02–7:05Herself gave you birth.
7:05–7:14King Janaka, the equal of the Creator, is your Father, and my daughter, you are the daughter
7:14–7:27in law of a royal house that has two spiritual guides, ourselves, and the Son God Himself.
7:27–7:33What more can we wish for you than the birth of a heroic son?
7:33–7:38Rama, I am deeply honored.
7:38–7:45In ordinary life, a good man's words conform to fact.
7:45–7:54But in the case of a primeval seer, fact itself conforms to his word.
7:54–8:02Morondotti, the Queen Mother's, and Shanta have issued this emphatic command, whatever
8:02–8:10seated desires during her pregnancy must be granted without delay.
8:10–8:15Whatever she asks, I shall fulfill.
8:15–8:21Rishishringa, the Queen's brother-in-law.
8:21–8:32this, my daughter, because your pregnancy is so advanced. You have not been summoned here.
8:32–8:42Dear Rama, has been charged only with keeping you happy. I hope soon to see you safe and
8:42–8:49well. With your son in your arms.
8:49–8:54smiling with joy and modest embarrassment.
8:54–8:56So be it.
8:56–9:02Did Vasishtha send no message for me?
9:02–9:07Listen, we are detained.
9:07–9:12At your brother-in-law's sacrifice,
9:12–9:20you are still young and your reign has only just begun.
9:20–9:36devote yourself to the happiness of your people. For a stainless reputation is a treasure, more precious than life.
9:36–9:49The son of Maitra and Varna shall be obeyed. Affection, compassion, happiness, not only these, even Janaki herself.
9:49–9:58I would surrender without a moment's hesitation for the happiness of my people.
9:58–10:02That is why my lord is the mainstay of the house of Ragu.
10:02–10:05Is anyone there?
10:05–10:11See that Ash-Tavakra is given a place to rest.
10:11–10:14Rises and turns.
10:14–10:16Exit.
10:16–10:19Enter Lakshman.
10:19–10:24Ah, Prince Lakshmana has arrived.
10:25–10:29Lakshmana, victory to my brother.
10:30–10:38The painter has completed the story of your life in the picture gallery exactly as we described it.
10:39–10:43My sister-in-law is invited to see it.
10:43–10:51Dear brother, you have a gift for finding ways to lift the queen's sorrow.
10:51–10:55How far does the story go?
10:55–10:59As far as my sister-in-law's purification by fire.
10:59–11:03They rise and move forward.
11:03–11:06Looking.
11:06–11:08Silence.
11:08–11:12She who was perfectly pure from birth.
11:12–11:21What need had she of purification? Pure water and fire cannot themselves be purified.
11:21–11:24By any other means.
11:24–11:35Dear Queen, born from the sacrificial ground, forgive me. I shall remain humbled before you all my life.
11:35–11:44Those for whom family honor is true wealth must satisfy even their critics.
11:44–11:51The unrighteous demand I made under pressure of public opinion was one I never wished to
11:51–11:54make of you.
11:54–12:01Everyone knows that a rare and fragrant flower belongs as the crowning ornament upon the
12:01–12:13head, not crushed beneath the feet. Sita, let it be, my lord, let it be. Come, let us see
12:13–12:23the story of your life. Lakshmana, the mural is this way. Sita, who are those beings gathered
12:23–12:30above in this scene. They seem to be singing my Lord's praises.
12:30–12:38Lakshmana, they are the divine weapons called Trimbaka, together with their secret spells.
12:38–12:45Krishashva gave them to Kaushika Vishwamitra, friend of the world, and, after my brother
12:45–12:50slew to Taka, Vishwamitra bestowed them upon him.
12:50–12:56Rama, my queen, bow to the divine weapons.
12:56–13:04For the welfare of the Vedic faith, Brahma, and the other gods.
13:04–13:10Practiced austerities for more than a thousand years.
13:10–13:15These weapons are the embodied power of that penance.
13:15–13:20Which the ancient masters were able to behold.
13:20–13:21I bow to them.
13:21–13:25Rama, they will surely serve your children one day.
13:25–13:28Sita, I am blessed.
13:28–13:30This is the episode in Medi-la.
13:30–13:33Sita, ah, there is my lord.
13:33–13:38He has broken Shiva's bow with effortless ease, while my father gazes upon his gentle radiance,
13:38–13:43speechless with wonder at the beauty of his form, dark as a blue lotus in full bloom, soft and smooth,
13:43–13:47yet firm and strong, his head adorned only by the simple grace of a single topknot.
13:48–13:53Lakshmana, look here. Your father bows to his new kinsmen, Vasishtha and the others.
13:54–13:59And Shatna and Agadama, the family priest. Of all the kings of Janaka's line, bows as well.
14:01–14:07This scene is truly worth seeing. Who would not welcome the union?
14:08–14:19of the houses of Raghu and Janaka, in which the son of Kushika was both, the giver and the receiver.
14:19–14:26Sita, here are all four brothers after giving the customary gift of cattle.
14:26–14:30Here you have undertaken the marriage vows.
14:30–14:36I feel as though I were there again, as though that very moment were present now.
14:36–14:38Rama.
14:38–14:44My beloved, I too feel that the moment is here again.
14:44–14:49When Gautama, delighted, placed in my hand,
14:49–14:54your hand, shining with its wedding bracelet,
14:54–14:58as though it were the sacred rite of marriage,
14:58–15:00itself embodied.
15:00–15:10Lakshmana, this is you. This other lady is my sister-in-law Mandavi, and this is my wife Shukriti.
15:10–15:16Sita, and, dear boy, who is the other young woman?
15:16–15:21Smiling awkwardly, aside.
15:21–15:23Allowed.
15:23–15:26Ah, she must be asking about Irmila.
15:26–15:29Very well, I shall draw her attention elsewhere.
15:29–15:34Ah, look at this, this is well worth seeing. It is Bhargava.
15:34–15:37Sita, the very sight of him frightens me.
15:37–15:40A little annoyed.
15:40–15:45Looking at him with affection and admiration.
15:45–15:49His eyes fill with tears.
15:49–15:54Without answering, he moves on.
15:54–15:57Laughing aside.
15:57–16:01My reverence, holy sage.
16:01–16:06Lakshmana, look, brother, here you are now.
16:06–16:11Rama, come, there is much else worth seeing.
16:11–16:14Show me another scene.
16:14–16:21Sita, my lord, how becoming that noble modesty is in you.
16:21–16:25Lakshmana, this is the return to Ayodhya.
16:25–16:32Rama, I remember, ah, I remember it all so clearly.
16:32–16:41Those days when father was alive, when our married life was new, and our mothers watched
16:41–16:47over me, those days are gone forever.
16:47–16:55And here is Janaki as she was then, a little girl whose face shone with innocence.
16:55–17:00Her few new teeth like tiny flowers.
17:00–17:03New shoots appearing in front.
17:03–17:07After her milk teeth had fallen.
17:07–17:11Her delicate little limbs so lovely.
17:11–17:15Like pure moonlight, as though nature herself.
17:15–17:19Had taught her the art of enchantment.
17:19–17:23That awakened such wonder in every part of me.
17:23–17:31Lakshmana, this is Manthara. Rama, Queen Vadehi.
17:31–17:36This is the Ingoody Tree at Sringavarapura, where.
17:36–17:42Long ago. We met our dear friend, the Nishata King.
17:42–17:50Lakshmana, ah, my brother wants to pass over the episode of our middle mother.
17:50–17:58Sita, this is the occasion when you had to bind your hair in a hermit's matted locks.
17:58–18:00Lakshmana.
18:00–18:05The vow that the ancient Ikshvaku kings assumed.
18:05–18:09After handing the kingdom to their sons.
18:09–18:13My brother assumed that vow while still young.
18:13–18:17The sacred vow of forest exile.
18:17–18:23Sita, this is the Bhagyartha, with her clear and holy waters.
18:23–18:31Rama, Goddess, Guardian deity of Raghu's house, I bow to you.
18:31–18:40While searching for the horse of Sagra's sacrifice, my ancestors dug into the earth with single-minded
18:40–18:51purpose. Until the wrathful and mighty Kapila reduced them to ashes. Those forefathers of
18:51–19:01Badjaratha were finally redeemed by Badjaratha's fierce austerities, heedless of his own body,
19:01–19:08And, holy river, by the touch of your waters they were set free.
19:08–19:16Mother, I pray you, love your daughter-in-law Sita as Arundhati loves her.
19:16–19:23This is Shema, the dark banyan, on the bank of the colony, along the road to Chitrakootah, where Barad Vajah directed us.
19:23–19:26Sita, does my lord remember this place?
19:26–19:28Rama, how could I forget?
19:28–19:32The hardship of the journey had left your delicate limbs weary and sore.
19:32–19:35Then, limp as a crushed lotus.
19:35–19:36You laid them in my lap.
19:36–19:39I massage them with firm hands.
19:39–19:41Until you fell into a deep sleep.
19:41–19:45Lakshmana, this is Virata, barring our way at the entrance to the Vindhya Forest.
19:45–19:48Sita, no, no more of that.
19:48–19:52Here I see us entering the southern forest, as though it were happening before my eyes,
19:52–19:55my lord holding a parasol of palm leaves above my head.
19:55–19:57Rama.
19:57–20:01These are the groves beside the mountain streams, where ascetics practiced penance beneath the
20:01–20:06trees and householders seeking peace built their homes.
20:06–20:10Generous to guests though they lived on a single handful of grain each day.
20:10–20:13This is Mount Prasravana in the heart of Janasthana.
20:13–20:18Its caves, embraced by dense forest on every side, echoed with the sound of the Godavari.
20:18–20:22The green-black woodland, thick with trees and undergrowth, was so deep that the
20:22–20:25mountain's natural darkness was made darker still by clouds forever gathering above
20:25–20:26it.
20:26–20:31My beloved, do you remember the days we spent on that mountain?
20:31–20:33When Lakshmana supplied our every need.
20:33–20:35And the place felt like home?
20:35–20:38Do you remember the clear-flowing Godavari nearby?
20:38–20:41And all our wanderings along its banks?
20:41–20:42And this too?
20:42–20:45Lying cheek against cheek in the depth of love.
20:45–20:49Murmuring whatever came to mind in voices scarcely heard.
20:49–20:51Holding each other in a close embrace.
20:51–20:53Hours passed without our knowing.
20:53–20:56When dawn came, it seemed that only the night had ended.
20:56–20:59Lakshmana, this is Sherpanaka at Panchavadi.
20:59–21:04Sita, my lord, this is the last time I saw you.
21:04–21:08Her eyes fill, aside.
21:08–21:11Watching Rama with concern.
21:11–21:16Come, why be so afraid of separation?
21:16–21:18It is only a picture.
21:18–21:22Sita, a picture, yes.
21:22–21:26But wicked people can still bring calamity.
21:26–21:35Rama, ah, it feels as though the events at Janasthana were truly happening again.
21:35–21:43Lakshmana, hear those evil rauchises, through the deception of the golden deer.
21:43–21:48Committed a crime that still wounds the heart today.
21:48–21:51Even though vengeance was complete.
21:51–21:57My brother's half-mad conduct when Janisthana lay empty
21:57–22:00Could still make stone weep and split a heart of iron
22:00–22:09Sita, ah, my lord, joy of Raghu's house, how much you suffered because of me
22:09–22:15Lakshmana, brother, what is this now?
22:15–22:18A flood of tears is rising
22:18–22:27The drops that fall to the ground scatter like a fine string of pearls torn apart.
22:27–22:36You try to master your grief, yet your trembling lips and nostrils, and your chest heaving beneath
22:36–22:43its weight make your anguish plain to all.
22:43–22:48Looking at the picture, aloud,
22:48–22:56Dear brother, then the fire of grief kindled by separation from my beloved,
22:56–23:04was fierce indeed, but the thirst for vengeance made it bearable.
23:04–23:09Now, after smoldering within me without cease,
23:09–23:16It has become the pain of a wound driven into the heart's most tender core.
23:16–23:24Sita, my lord, in boundless terror I see myself alone, without you.
23:24–23:29Lakshmana, I must turn their thoughts elsewhere.
23:29–23:36This depicts the age-old vulture king, Father Jatayu, and his valor.
23:36–23:44Sita, ah, father, you fulfill the father's duty of love toward his daughter.
23:44–23:51Rama, ah, father, king of birds, son of Kshapa.
23:51–23:56Where shall we ever find another benefactor so great?
23:56–24:04Lakshmana, this part of the Dandaka forest west of Janasthana is called Chitrakundjavat.
24:04–24:12lived the headless demon Kabanda. This is the hermitage of the great sage Mithinga on Mount
24:12–24:20Rishiamuka, and here is the wondrous Shabara ascetic, the holy woman Sharmani. Over there
24:20–24:27is the lotus lake called Pampa. I have heard that it was here my lord could no longer
24:27–24:31contain his grief and lamented aloud.
24:31–24:36My queen, it was a lake of extraordinary beauty.
24:36–24:42There were masses of white lotuses, their thick stem swayed.
24:42–24:47As the wings of joyfully calling swan stirred them.
24:47–24:52But between one falling tear and the next one rising,
24:52–24:57they all appeared to me as blue lotuses.
24:57–24:59This is the noble Hanuman.
24:59–25:01Yes.
25:01–25:05This is the great son of the Wind God, whose incomparable service delivered a world that
25:05–25:08had suffered so long.
25:08–25:16All glory to the mighty son of Anjana, whose power secured the welfare of us all and of
25:16–25:18the entire world.
25:18–25:24Dear boy, what is the name of this mountain, where peacocks on blossoming Kadamba trees
25:24–25:26were roused to a wild dance?
25:26–25:31Here my lord is shown beneath a tree, you hold him as tears stream from his eyes.
25:31–25:35He is on the verge of fainting, his natural radiance dimmed.
25:35–25:39Only a remnant of his former enchanting splendor left.
25:39–25:43This is Mount Malayavan, filled with the fragrance of kakuba blossoms.
25:43–25:46It's summit forever dark and wet beneath newly gathered clouds.
25:46–25:47Rama.
25:47–25:50Dear brother, stop, please stop.
25:50–25:52I can bear no more.
25:52–25:56It is as though separation from Jonaki were coming upon me once again.
25:56–26:00Lakshmana, beyond this, brother, are painted the countless marvelous feats of the monkeys
26:00–26:03and roctuses, each more astonishing than the last.
26:03–26:07But my sister-in-law must be tired, she should rest now.
26:07–26:12Sita, my lord, while looking at these pictures a pregnancy longing has arisen in me.
26:12–26:14I wish to ask one favor of you.
26:14–26:17Rama, you need only command me.
26:17–26:23I wish to go into a pure, deep forest and bathe in the holy, quiet, cooling waters of the
26:23–26:31Bajorathi. Rama, dear Lakshmana. Lakshmana, command me. Rama, the elders have just ordered
26:31–26:36that every desire of hers be fulfilled at once. Bring a comfortable chariot with the
26:36–26:42gentlest motion. My lord, will you not come with me too?
26:42–26:47it. She does so.
26:47–26:50In rapture.
26:50–26:54Cruel-hearted woman, did that even need to be asked?
26:54–26:59Sita, I am very happy to hear it.
26:59–27:03Lakshmana, as my brother commands.
27:03–27:09Rama, come, let us sit for a moment in this corner by the window.
27:09–27:13Sita, yes.
27:13–27:18After walking so much, I truly am tired.
27:18–27:25Rama, then come, put your whole weight upon me, I shall carry you.
27:25–27:31Place your arm around my neck, it gives me new life.
27:31–27:39Your arm, beaded with perspiration from effort and unease, is like a necklace of moon stones
27:39–27:42dripping water at the touch of moonbeams.
27:42–27:46Beloved, what is this?
27:46–27:54Every touch of yours produces a transformation that cannot be called.
27:54–27:57Pleasure or pain.
27:57–28:00Fainting or sleep.
28:00–28:04Intoxication or poison spreading through every limb.
28:04–28:08It bewilders my senses.
28:08–28:13and numbing consciousness at once.
28:13–28:16Laughing
28:16–28:20She looks for somewhere to lie down.
28:20–28:24Pretending to fall asleep.
28:24–28:27She falls asleep.
28:27–28:31He gazes at her tenderly.
28:31–28:34Enter a doorkeeper.
28:34–28:37Your love for me has always been unwavering.
28:37–28:39What else could it be?
28:39–28:43Rama! It makes the withered flower of my life.
28:43–28:47Bloom again! Renuse my strength!
28:47–28:52And entrances every sense! These sweet words of my lotus-eyed wife!
28:52–28:55Nectar to the ear, the elixir of life to the heart.
28:55–28:59Sita, sweet-tongued lord, come, let us rest!
28:59–29:05Rama! There is no need to look! From the moment of our marriage!
29:05–29:11at home or in the forest. In childhood or in youth. This has been your one place of rest.
29:12–29:19Where no other woman has ever laid her head. This arm of Rama shall be your pillow.
29:20–29:28Sita, it is true, my lord, true. Rama, what is this? Has my sweet-speaking beloved fallen
29:28–29:33into a deep sleep upon my breast. She is Lakshmi herself dwelling in my house.
29:33–29:41An ambrosial balm for my eyes. The touch of a rich sandalwood paste upon my body. Her arm about my neck.
29:41–29:47Is a cool, smooth necklace of pearls. What is not dear to me and her?
29:47–29:53Accept the agony of separation. Doorkeeper, my lord, he is here.
29:53–29:58Here. Who is here?
29:58–30:01Your Majesty's personal attendant, Demika.
30:01–30:15aside, allowed, exit doorkeeper, enter Durmukha, aside.
30:15–30:20Durmukha, an attendant of the Inner Palace.
30:20–30:26I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and countryside are saying.
30:26–30:28I admit him.
30:28–30:35Durmukha, how can I tell the king this unspeakable rumor about Queen Sita?
30:35–30:39Yet this burden has fallen upon unfortunate me.
30:39–30:43Crying out in her sleep.
30:43–30:47Tender hearted lord, where are you?
30:47–30:51He gently caresses her.
30:51–30:59The dreadful fear of separation awakened by the pictures is troubling the queen's dreams.
30:59–31:03Constancy in joy and sorrow.
31:03–31:06Harmony in every circumstance.
31:06–31:10A place where the heart can rest.
31:10–31:15A sweetness that even old age cannot destroy.
31:15–31:19When time strips away every covering.
31:19–31:25and pure love ripens what alone remains.
31:25–31:29This incomparable blessing comes only to the good
31:29–31:34and even then only through fortune.
31:34–31:37Approaching!
31:37–31:40Victory to the King!
31:40–31:43Tell me what you have learned.
31:43–31:47The people of the city and countryside praise your majesty,
31:47–31:52saying Lord Roma has made us forget even King Doshrata.
31:52–31:54That is mere flattery.
31:55–32:00If you have learned of any fault, tell me, so that it may be corrected.
32:02–32:04His eyes fill with tears.
32:05–32:09He whispers everything in Ramasya.
32:10–32:12Listen, my lord.
32:13–32:15He feigns.
32:16–32:18God above.
32:18–32:24Your words have become a thunderbolt and pierced me to the heart.
32:24–32:28My Lord, take hold of yourself.
32:28–32:32Recovering consciousness.
32:32–32:37He thinks, then speaks in anguish.
32:37–32:40He whispers the command.
32:40–32:44No, ah, no.
32:44–32:49The stain of having lived in another man's house.
32:49–32:53Vada he had erased by a miraculous means.
32:53–32:58But through a crooked turn of fate it has appeared again,
32:58–33:04spreading far and wide like the poison of a rabid dog.
33:04–33:07What can wretched Rama do?
33:07–33:09What else can I do?
33:09–33:15The vow of a righteous king is to keep his people content by every means.
33:15–33:20My father upheld that vow at the cost of me.
33:20–33:25And, in the end, of his own life.
33:25–33:30And thus Ishta has only now given me the same command.
33:30–33:36Then, if the stainless honor of this house,
33:36–33:41Brightened by the conduct of the mighty ancient kings of the solar line,
33:41–33:46Is sullied by reproach arising from my marriage,
33:46–33:51Then I am surely ruined and condemned.
33:51–33:55O Queen, born from the sacrificial ground,
33:55–34:01By your birth you honored and sanctified earth herself.
34:01–34:05You brought joy to Janaka and the line of Nimi.
34:05–34:12Fire, Vasishta and Arundhati have praised your character.
34:12–34:17Rama is your whole life, in the deep forest.
34:17–34:23You were my beloved companion, gentle and measured in speech.
34:23–34:26The darling of my father.
34:26–34:31How can such calamity fall upon such a woman?
34:31–34:40you every creature in the world is blessed. Yet this accursed rumor has fallen upon you.
34:40–34:48In you the people found a true protector. Yet you yourself stand unprotected before destruction.
34:48–34:57Durmukha, tell Lakshmana that the inexperienced King Rama has an order for him.
34:57–35:02The Queen, purified before the fire and made holiaste by carrying the continuance of
35:02–35:06of Rugu's line in her womb, how could your majesty reach such a decision merely on hearing
35:06–35:10a wicked rumor about her?
35:10–35:12Silence.
35:12–35:17How dare you call the people of the city and countryside wicked.
35:17–35:22The Ikshvaku house has earned the people's trust.
35:22–35:26This seed of slander is the fruit of fate.
35:26–35:31And the miraculous event at the time of her purification.
35:31–35:36Place in a distant land, who here will believe it.
35:36–35:39Go!
35:39–35:40Exit!
35:40–35:44Aw, my queen!
35:44–35:50He carefully lifts Sita's head and withdraws his arm.
35:50–35:53Rising!
35:53–35:57He lays his head at Sita's feet.
35:57–35:59He weeps.
35:59–36:05Ah, what a loathsome deed I am about to commit.
36:05–36:08How cruel I have become.
36:08–36:14From childhood my tender beloved was nourished on the finest food.
36:14–36:19And in the depth of our love was never separated from me.
36:19–36:26Today, by deceit, I am delivering her into the hands of death.
36:26–36:31a man who cuts the throat of a little bird he has raised and cherished.
36:31–36:41How, then, can I, an outcast, untouchable, dare pollute the queen with my touch?
36:41–36:44Sinless woman, release me.
36:44–36:48I am a chandala capable of anything.
36:48–36:53You thought you rested upon a sandalwood tree.
36:53–36:57Not that you had lain upon a poisonous one.
36:57–36:59God above.
36:59–37:02The world has overturned.
37:02–37:07There is no longer any purpose in Rama's living.
37:07–37:14Suddenly the earth is an empty and desolate forest, life is lifeless, the body mere inert
37:14–37:16matter.
37:16–37:22There is no refuge, what shall I do, where shall I go?
37:22–37:32It seems Rama was given consciousness only so that he might feel pain.
37:32–37:38Life itself is tearing through my heart as though my body had been fastened with iron
37:38–37:41spikes.
37:41–37:49Mother Arundhati, Lord Vasishtha and Vishwamitra, Lord Fire, Goddess Earth who bears all living
37:49–37:51beings.
37:51–38:00Janaka, my mother's, dear friend King Sugriva, gentle Hanuman, Vibhishana Lord of Lanka,
38:00–38:07greatest of benefactors, dear friend Trajata, this vile Rama has deceived and dishonored
38:07–38:09you all.
38:09–38:14But who am I now to take your names upon my lips?
38:14–38:21For an ungrateful wretch like me even to speak their names, would be to stain those great
38:21–38:32souls with my sin. I. I remove from my breast the jewel of my house, my beloved wife. Who
38:32–38:41sleeps there unsuspecting, heavy with pregnancy, how anxiously the child moved, and cast her
38:41–38:49mercilessly before dogs like an offering of flesh. My queen, my queen, this is the
38:49–38:54The last time Rama will lay his head upon your lotus feet.
38:54–38:58Voice offstage, disaster.
38:58–39:00A terrible disaster.
39:00–39:06Rama, someone find out what has happened.
39:06–39:12A community of great ascetic sages who live along the Yamunoh have come to seek your
39:12–39:17protection, terrified by Lavana.
39:17–39:22He takes a few steps, then turns back.
39:22–39:25Exit Rama.
39:25–39:34In her dream, she wakes suddenly, looks around,
39:34–39:37Enter Durmukha.
39:37–39:39What?
39:39–39:43Is Arakshasa still causing havoc?
39:43–39:48The Trugna must be sent to destroy Kamanasi's Sun Root and Branch.
39:48–39:56Ah, my Queen, what will become of you in this terrible crisis?
39:56–40:00Holy Earth, protect your helpless daughter, Jonaki.
40:00–40:06The entire good fortune of the houses of Raghu and Janaka.
40:06–40:13The sacred child you brought forth during the Gods holy sacrifice.
40:13–40:16Sita, beloved husband.
40:16–40:18My God!
40:18–40:20I had a dreadful dream.
40:20–40:26I was separated from my Lord, calling for Him and weeping.
40:26–40:31But where has He gone, leaving me asleep and alone?
40:31–40:37When I see Him, I shall show a little anger, if I can command my heart once He stands
40:37–40:39before me.
40:39–40:41Is anyone there?
40:41–40:49Damuka, your majesty, Prince Lachmana submits that the chariot is fully prepared and awaits you.
40:49–40:53She rises.
40:54–40:56Accent bought.
40:57–41:02I am ready. The child in my womb keeps moving. I must walk slowly.
41:02–41:05Damuka, this way, your majesty.
41:05–41:09Sita, I bow to the gods of Raghu's house.
41:09–41:11End of Act 1.
41:11–41:13Interlude to Act 2.
41:14–41:19Enter an ascetic woman dressed as a traveller.
41:19–41:24Enter the forest goddess presenting the offering.
41:24–41:27They sit.
41:27–41:30Welcome to the Holy Lady.
41:30–41:37ascetic are. The forest goddess herself has come to attend me, bearing an offering of fruit,
41:37–41:45flowers and leaves. Forest Goddess, take your full enjoyment of this forest. Today is an
41:45–41:51auspicious day for me. Meeting a good person is rare, and comes only as the fruit of
41:51–41:59merit. The shade of trees, water, and food suited to an ascetic. Fruit, roots, and
41:59–42:02and all else are at your service.
42:02–42:03Asetic.
42:03–42:05What can I say?
42:05–42:13Affectionate conduct, restrained speech, made sweet by courtesy, a heart naturally disposed
42:13–42:20to goodwill, and service without hesitation, whether offered first or last, its flavour
42:20–42:22never spoils.
42:22–42:25All glory to this secret of the Virtuous.
42:25–42:28Tree from deceit and stain.
42:28–42:29Forest Goddess.
42:29–42:33May I know who my honoured guest is.
42:33–42:35Interlude to Act 2.
42:35–42:36Asetic.
42:36–42:38I am a trey.
42:38–42:43Forest Goddess, a trey, where have you come from, and for what purpose are you wandering
42:43–42:45through the Dandaka Forest?
42:45–42:47A trey.
42:47–42:53Many masters of the essence of the Vedas, Agastya and others live in this region.
42:53–42:59I have travelled far from Valmiki to learn the knowledge of Vedanta from them.
42:59–43:06Forest Goddess, but other sages worship that ancient teacher, the son of Prashtas, in order
43:06–43:08to attain spiritual perfection.
43:08–43:13Why, then, does the noble lady remain away from him?
43:13–43:19A trey, a very great obstacle has recently arisen in studying near him, and for that
43:19–43:23reason I have accepted this long separation.
43:23–43:27Forest Goddess. What sort of obstacle?
43:27–43:32A god, what a marvellous event it was, once brought two twin boys, newly weaned to Lord
43:32–43:39Valmiki. Naturally, the children won his heart, not his alone, but the hearts of every living
43:39–43:46and unmoving thing. Forest Goddess is anything known of their names. A tree, it is said
43:46–43:52that the god himself revealed their names, Kusha and Lava, and their powers. Interlude
43:52–43:54to act too.
43:54–43:56Forest Goddess, what powers?
43:56–44:01Atre'i, it is said that from the moment of birth the divine weapons, together with their
44:01–44:05secret spells, were under their command.
44:05–44:07Forest Goddess, truly astonishing.
44:07–44:14Atre'i, Valmiki undertook the work of a nurse and reared and cared for both boys.
44:14–44:18After their first tauncher, he formally instructed them in the three branches of learning
44:18–44:23apart from the three Vedas, finally, in their eleventh year, he performed their initiation
44:23–44:28according to the Kshatriya Rite and taught them the three sacred sciences.
44:28–44:33It is hardly fitting for ordinary students like us to study beside boys of such brilliant
44:33–44:35intelligence and insight.
44:35–44:374.
44:37–44:42A teacher gives the same knowledge to the dull and the keen, but cannot create or
44:42–44:45destroy their capacity to receive it.
44:45–44:48Therefore the results differ greatly.
44:48–44:51A polished jewel holds a reflection.
44:51–44:54A lump of clay does not.
44:54–44:57Forest goddess, is that the obstacle to your studies?
44:57–45:01A tray, there is another as well.
45:01–45:03Interlude to act too.
45:03–45:06Forest goddess, what is it?
45:06–45:11Once the Brahmarshi went to the river Tamesa for his midday bath.
45:11–45:16There he saw a hunter kill one bird of a pair of crownches while they were mating.
45:16–45:21the goddess of speech appeared to his mind's eye. Every sound was clear, measured in a
45:21–45:29metre of eight syllables. She found voice in this form. Hunter, through endless time, you
45:29–45:37shall win no honour. Because you killed one bird. Of this crown she pair joined in love.
45:37–45:44Forest goddess, how wondrous, a new incarnation of metre, independent of the Vedas.
45:44–45:48Her eyes filled with tears.
45:48–45:51Alarmed, aside.
45:51–45:54Allowed.
45:54–45:58She whispers in Vasanthi's ear.
45:58–46:00She feints.
46:00–46:05At that moment, when the light of speech's sacred mystery appeared within the sage, the
46:05–46:10lotus-born god, the giver of life to every creature, came to him and said,
46:10–46:17knowledge of the mystery called speech. Now tell the story of Rama. You shall receive
46:17–46:25the eye of inspiration, a seer's vision whose light never grows dim. You are the first poet.
46:25–46:31Having said this, he vanished. Then the son of Prachatas composed the Ramayana, the
46:31–46:36first revelation in human society of the mystery of speech in the form of history.
46:36–46:42to act too. Forest Goddess, all life itself has been enriched.
46:42–46:49Atreyi, that is why I spoke of a great impediment to study. Forest Goddess, naturally.
46:49–46:57Atreyi, good lady, I have rested. Now tell me the road to Agustya's Hermitage.
46:57–47:03Forest Goddess, enter Panchavadi from here and continue along the bank of the Godavari.
47:03–47:08Atre'i, is this the celebrated sacred grove of Panchavadi?
47:08–47:11Is this river the Godavari, that mountain Prazirvana?
47:11–47:14And are you Vasanti, goddess of Janasthana?
47:14–47:18Vasanti, every word you say is true.
47:18–47:21Atre'i, daughter Janaki.
47:21–47:24All these things were dear to you.
47:24–47:28The subject of countless conversations from moment to moment.
47:28–47:33And today, as I look upon them, it is as though I see you in person.
47:33–47:35So now nothing remains but your name.
47:35–47:40Vasanti, nothing remains but her name, what does that mean?
47:40–47:44Noble lady, has some calamity befallen Queen Sita.
47:44–47:49Atreyi, not calamity alone, disgrace as well.
47:49–47:51Interlude to act too.
47:51–47:54Vasanti, ah.
47:54–47:55What a cruel blow of fate.
47:55–48:00Atreyi, dear lady, take hold of yourself.
48:00–48:07Vasanti, ah my beloved friend, most honored of women, is this what life has brought you.
48:07–48:11Dear Rama, dear Rama, know enough of your name.
48:11–48:18Atreyi, is there any news of what happened to Sita after Lakshmana left her in the forest and returned?
48:18–48:22Atreyi, alas, none at all.
48:22–48:27How terrible! With Ragu's house under the protection of Orondottie and Vesishtha, and
48:27–48:30the aged Queen Mother is still alive, how could this happen?
48:30–48:36A tray! At that time the elders were at Rishishringer's Hermitage. The twelve-year sacrifice has
48:36–48:41now ended. Rishishringer was preparing to send them away with due honour when Orondottie
48:41–48:45said, I will not return to Ayurthaya without my daughter-in-law.
48:45–48:50Rammer's mothers agreed. In accordance with Orondottie's wish, Vesishtha too
48:50–48:55wisely advised that they should all go and live in Valmiki's sacred grove. Vasanti, what
48:55–49:02is the king doing? A tray. The king has begun a horse sacrifice. Vasanti, God above, has
49:02–49:05he then taken another wife?
49:05–49:15Harise Phil, with affection and wonder. They turn and exit together.
49:15–49:18May the Lord never do such a thing, never.
49:18–49:20Interlude to act too.
49:20–49:24Vasanti, then who is his consecrated wife at the sacrifice?
49:24–49:28Atreyi, a golden image of Sita.
49:28–49:31Vasanti, ah.
49:31–49:35Who can understand the heart of such an extraordinary man?
49:35–49:37At once harder than steel.
49:37–49:40And far softer than a flower.
49:40–49:45Atreyi, after Vamadeva's formal blessing, the sacrificial horse was released and its
49:45–49:48guardians appointed according to scripture.
49:48–49:55Chandraketu, Lakshmana's son, who has inherited the lineage of divine weapons, commands them.
49:55–49:58He has been sent ahead with the fourfold army.
49:58–50:02Vasanti, Prince Lakshmana has a son too.
50:02–50:05Mother, that news gives me strength.
50:05–50:10Atreey, amid all these events, a Brahmin laid his dead son at the palace gate, beat his
50:10–50:13breast and cried, disaster.
50:13–50:19Dear Rama, compassion embodied, reflected that no untimely death could occur among his
50:19–50:22subjects unless there were some fault in the king.
50:22–50:28Then a voice from the sky declared, Somewhere on earth a low-born man named Shambhukha
50:28–50:30is practicing austerities.
50:30–50:33Rama, cut off his head.
50:33–50:37Only by killing him will the Brahmin's son live again.
50:37–50:39Interlude to Act 2.
50:39–50:43On hearing this, the Lord of the world took sword in hand, mounted the Pushpaka aerial
50:43–50:48chariot, and set out to search in every direction for the Shudra ascetic.
50:48–50:54Vasanti, here in Janasthana itself, a Shudra named Shambhuka, is performing penance by
50:54–50:56inhaling smoke.
50:56–51:00If only dear Rama might adorn this forest once again.
51:00–51:08Atre'i, dear lady, I must leave now. Vassanti, very well, atre'i, though the day has become
51:08–51:13unbearably hot. The trees dwelling on the riverbank worship the godavari with offerings
51:13–51:20of flowers. When elephants come to rub their itching cheeks against them. Masses of blossoms
51:20–51:25fall from stems softened by the heat. In the shade, birds tear at the bark and pick
51:25–51:32insects out with their beaks. While doves and jungle fell grown in the oppressive heat.
51:32–51:40End of the interlude. At rise, Rama is aboard the Pushpaka aerial
51:40–51:52chariot filled with compassion, his sword raised. With great effort, he strikes. Enter a celestial
51:52–52:02man. My right hand strike this Shudra aesthetic with the sword and restore the Brahmin's dead
52:02–52:12son to life. You are a limb of that same Rama who dared banish his own weary Sita heavy with
52:12–52:21pregnancy. Why does compassion awaken in you now? There you have done a deed worthy of Rama.
52:21–52:26Let the Brahmin son live.
52:26–52:30Celestial man, victory to the king.
52:30–52:38By imposing just punishment, you grant safety even from Yama himself.
52:38–52:44Because of you the child has returned to life, and I too have attained a higher state.
52:44–52:50I, Shambhuka, bow my head at your feet.
52:50–52:58Whatever comes through contact with the good, even death, brings liberation.
52:58–53:00Looks around.
53:00–53:03Both results please me.
53:03–53:08Now enjoy the fruit of your severe austerities.
53:08–53:16May the vast, radiant world of heaven, filled with joy and happiness accumulated through
53:16–53:18merit.
53:18–53:21Be yours forever.
53:21–53:28Shambhuka, I attained this exalted state by bowing at your feet, austerity had no part
53:28–53:30in it.
53:30–53:35Yet perhaps my penance did me one great service.
53:35–53:43Lord of all creatures and my refuge, I should have had to search the whole earth for you.
53:43–53:48But you yourself crossed hundreds upon hundreds of leagues.
53:48–53:58seek out a low-born man like me. Surely this was the boom granted by my penance. Otherwise
53:58–54:02why would you leave Ayodhya and return to Dandaka?
54:02–54:13Rama, what, is this the Dandaka forest? Yes. Here are soft, deep green pastures, their
54:13–54:22harsh and terrifying ground. On every side, to the horizon, the roar of swift rivers echoes.
54:24–54:31Between them lie forts, hermitages, mountains, streams, caves, and woods.
54:33–54:38Yes, I know this land, the Dandika region of the Vinnyas.
54:38–54:48This is certainly the Dandika Forest. They say that when your majesty lived here, you
54:48–54:58slough 14,000 fearsome roxas as in battle, and 3 more to Dashana, Ikara, and Trishiras.
54:58–55:04Thus Dandistana became holy ground, where even timid people like me could move in
55:04–55:13What, not only Dandika, but Janus Thanatou?
55:13–55:16Yes, certainly.
55:16–55:21The vast forest stretching south from Janus Thanatou with its lots of mountain caves
55:21–55:27full of parks of savage wild dogs makes anyone's hair stand on end.
55:27–55:31In some places the land is silent as death.
55:31–55:35Elsewhere wild beasts howl.
55:35–55:42The heath of Enomas, the dreadful snake's line quietly asleep seems to kindle fire.
55:42–55:46Water is scarce, a found only in deep fishes.
55:46–55:53Thirsty lizards drink the sweat from sapon's bucks.
55:53–55:55Looks around.
55:55–55:59His eyes fill with tears.
55:59–56:05As I gaze upon Janus Thana, the dwelling place of Cara.
56:05–56:14event seemed to unfold again before my eyes. How deep that he's love for Rama was. God
56:14–56:22above, this very forest, what could be more terrifying. Yet she said, I will live with
56:22–56:33you in the honey-scented forest. And she was truly happy here. So profound was her love.
56:33–56:36A person need do nothing.
56:36–56:41The joy of mere companionship erases suffering.
56:41–56:47To have someone who loves you, what a great blessing.
56:47–56:51Live memories that bring only pain.
56:51–56:57Let your majesty look toward the forest in the middle distance, quiet and grave, enclosed
56:57–57:02by mountains the color of the soft necks of peacocks in rut, adorned with clusters
57:02–57:10of trees casting dense deep shade where every kind of animal rests without fear.
57:10–57:15Here mountain streams run with clear cooling water.
57:15–57:21Filled with the fragrance of flowering vines and reeds shaken by excited birds.
57:21–57:27The fierce current plunges roaring through groves of German trees.
57:27–57:30Duck with ripe fruit.
57:30–57:38father. There are caves in the mountains where bear calves live. Their gulls are multiplied
57:38–57:47many times by echoes. They cool to sharp the stringent scent of juicy sholaki leaves.
57:47–57:56Broken from their stems and scattered by elephants. Also tickens within the caves.
57:56–57:59His voice breaking with psalms.
57:59–58:04Good sir, may your journey be blessed.
58:04–58:11Travel by the celestial path and attain the worlds of the virtuous.
58:11–58:14Exit Shambhuka.
58:14–58:22After going to the ancient Brahmashya Gästya, I shall enter the Itanonabod.
58:22–58:24He looks.
58:24–58:27In anguish.
58:27–58:31Re-enter Shambhuga.
58:31–58:35Today I see again the same forest.
58:35–58:46Where many years ago I lived for so long, both as an ascetic firm in his duty and as a householder,
58:46–58:51and where I also tasted the sweetness of worldly happiness.
58:51–58:55The same mountains were peacocks called.
58:55–59:00The same forest tracks were deer roamed in rut.
59:00–59:06The same river banks, filled with lovely reeds, vines.
59:06–59:11And rushes growing in dense blue-black clusters.
59:11–59:17That mass rising in the distance like a bank of clouds.
59:17–59:22Is Mount Pasaravana, where the Godavari flows?
59:22–59:27On that mountain's high summit the king of birds once lived.
59:27–59:34And below, on the Godavari's bank, we lived happily in a leaf-thatched hut.
59:34–59:40A forest alive with calling birds and adorned with dark trees.
59:40–59:46Here is Panchavadi, whose many places witness the countless intimate conversations of our
59:46–59:48long residence.
59:48–59:56lives Vasundi, my beloved friend. But what is happening to Rama?
59:56–1:00:05Now, like poison that spreads slowly and suddenly reveals its violent power, or the point of
1:00:05–1:00:12an arrow lodged within and jarred by an outward blow, or an old wound in the heart's tender
1:00:12–1:00:17core that splits open after seeming healed.
1:00:17–1:00:24So my ancient grief has suddenly awakened and begun to tear me apart again.
1:00:24–1:00:28Yet I wish to see those regions that were once my friends.
1:00:28–1:00:34Ah, how greatly the face of the land has changed.
1:00:34–1:00:40Where a stream once flowed, there is now a dry riverbed.
1:00:40–1:00:44Where the trees were dense, they have thinned.
1:00:44–1:00:49And where they were sparse, they have grown thick.
1:00:49–1:00:56Seen after so many years, the forest seems entirely changed.
1:00:56–1:01:01Only the position of the mountains assures me that this is the same place.
1:01:01–1:01:10Ah, despite my reluctance, affection for Panchavadi is drawing me toward it by force.
1:01:10–1:01:17all those days with her were spent. And after we returned home this place remained the subject
1:01:17–1:01:25of constant memory and endless conversation. Now sinful Rama, having killed the one dearest
1:01:25–1:01:34to him and left himself alone. How can he look upon Panchavadi, or pass it without bowing?
1:01:34–1:01:38Shambhuka, victory to the king.
1:01:38–1:01:44Agastya, having learned from me of your arrival, sends this message,
1:01:44–1:01:52Lopamudra has made every preparation for your welcome and waits affectionately with the great sages.
1:01:52–1:01:56Please come and honor us with your presence.
1:01:56–1:02:06Afterwards, you may return swiftly to your own country in the Pushpaka and prepare for the horse sacrifice.
1:02:06–1:02:11I obey the Holy Sage's command.
1:02:11–1:02:16Then let your Majesty turn the Pushpaka this way.
1:02:16–1:02:25Panchavadi, forgive the momentary neglect Rama must show you in order to obey his elder's command.
1:02:25–1:02:28Accent both.
1:02:28–1:02:32Enter to River Goduses.
1:02:32–1:02:35Look of my Lord, look!
1:02:35–1:02:38That is Mount Crunch of Water,
1:02:38–1:02:43where the harsh roar of wind through the bamboo forest,
1:02:43–1:02:48doubled by the cries of owls in lifetossed groves,
1:02:48–1:02:51silences flocks of crows,
1:02:51–1:02:56sapons hanging from branches of ancient sandalwood trees,
1:02:56–1:03:01right in fear at the cause of peacocks strutting proudly below.
1:03:02–1:03:03And further,
1:03:04–1:03:06there are the mountains of the south,
1:03:07–1:03:11in their caves the waters of the Godavari gargle,
1:03:12–1:03:16and their summits are dark beneath clouds sucking the peaks,
1:03:17–1:03:21and there are the sacred places at the river confluences,
1:03:22–1:03:26where deep water rose under the irregular blows of waves,
1:03:26–1:03:32From currents colliding head on. End of act 2.
1:03:32–1:03:40Interlude to act 3. First river friend Muralla to you seem troubled.
1:03:40–1:03:51Muralla Tumessa, Lopamudra, wife of Agestia has sent me with this message for our noble river Godavari.
1:03:51–1:03:59You know well that from the moment he abandoned his daughter in law, Rama has been filled with a tragic mood.
1:03:59–1:04:10His grave bearing conceals it, while acute pain smolders within him, like an earthen vessel baking among embers.
1:04:10–1:04:21The current of grief born from the calamity that befell his beloved wife, growing ever stronger without cease, has now utterly broken the aroma.
1:04:21–1:04:25The strings of my heart snap when I see him.
1:04:25–1:04:35Today he is returning to Pantivati to look for the last time upon the places that witnessed the intimate moments of his forest life with his wife.
1:04:35–1:04:45He is self-controlled by nature, yet I fear that in such a place unbearable blows of grief will assail him at every step.
1:04:45–1:04:49God over it, take heed of this.
1:04:49–1:04:54Send toward the aroma, with utmost gentleness.
1:04:54–1:05:02Abrace cool by droplets from your waves, and carrying the fragrance of lotus pollen.
1:05:02–1:05:06And when he is about to faint, he sooth his life-breath.
1:05:06–1:05:09Interlude to Act 3.
1:05:09–1:05:16Tomasa, such foresight is entirely worthy of Lopomudra's affection.
1:05:16–1:05:22Yet a more fundamental means of reviving the aroma is available even now.
1:05:22–1:05:24How?
1:05:24–1:05:26Listen.
1:05:26–1:05:32It is said that many years ago, immediately after Lokshmana abandoned her and returned
1:05:32–1:05:36from Valmiki's sacred grove, Queen Sita's labour pains began.
1:05:36–1:05:40The agony was so intense that she threw herself into the Ganges.
1:05:40–1:05:44There she gave birth to twin sons.
1:05:44–1:05:48Earth and Gonga came to her aid and took her down to the netherworld.
1:05:48–1:05:53When the boys were weaned, Goddess Gonga herself entrusted them to the care of the
1:05:53–1:05:56The great sage descended from Prashtas.
1:05:56–1:05:57In astonishment!
1:05:57–1:06:04Even the calamities of such a woman become occasions for pure wonder.
1:06:04–1:06:08For divine powers such as these come to her aid.
1:06:08–1:06:12They turn and exit together.
1:06:12–1:06:16Now Bagarata learned from Sarayu that Dear Rama might have come to Janasthana because
1:06:16–1:06:19of the affair of Shambuka.
1:06:19–1:06:23She too was seized by the same tender concern as Lopamudra.
1:06:23–1:06:28So, on the pretext of performing a right to ward off evil, she came with Sita to visit
1:06:28–1:06:30the Godavari.
1:06:30–1:06:32Interlude to Act 3.
1:06:32–1:06:36Murala, Gonga's foresight was wise.
1:06:36–1:06:40As long as King Rama remained in the capital, occupied with the many urgent affairs of
1:06:40–1:06:44his subjects, his attention was necessarily divided.
1:06:44–1:06:51But now, with no diversion and no companion but grief, returning to Panchavati is dangerous.
1:06:51–1:06:54Can Queen Sita somehow console Dear Rama?
1:06:54–1:06:59Tamasa, Goddess Bagarate has already considered this.
1:06:59–1:07:04She said to Sita, Daughter Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, today the tally of
1:07:04–1:07:09the birth years of Kusha and Lava, may they live forever, has reached twelve.
1:07:09–1:07:14Therefore, gather flowers with your own hands and worship the stainless sun, first ancestor
1:07:14–1:07:21of humankind, founder of your son's royal line, and your primordial father-in-law. By my power,
1:07:21–1:07:26not merely human beings, but even gods upon earth will be unable to perceive your presence.
1:07:27–1:07:31Then she commanded me, Tamasa, daughter Jonaki, my daughter-in-law,
1:07:31–1:07:37holds you in special affection, therefore you must attend her. I am now carrying out that command.
1:07:37–1:07:45Murala, I shall tell Lopamudra of this plan. It seems dear Rama himself has arrived.
1:07:45–1:07:49Tamasa, and there, emerging from a pool of the Godavari.
1:07:49–1:07:57Interlude to Act 3. Her face veiled by dishevelled hair. Made lovelier by pale and hollow cheeks.
1:07:57–1:08:02The image of compassion, the embodied pain of separation from love.
1:08:02–1:08:05Johnnacky is entering the forest.
1:08:05–1:08:08Murala, yes, it must be she.
1:08:08–1:08:11Like a tender shoot cut from its stem.
1:08:11–1:08:15The heat of long, harsh grief has dried the flower of her heart.
1:08:15–1:08:19As autumn heat dries the leaf of a ketokibad.
1:08:19–1:08:22Her pale, wasted body has withered.
1:08:22–1:08:24End of the interlude.
1:08:26–1:08:30End to Sita, absorbed in gathering flowers.
1:08:30–1:08:37During the cry, she is gradually filled with compassion and anxiety.
1:08:37–1:08:40Danger, danger.
1:08:40–1:08:44Is that the voice of my dear friend Vasanti?
1:08:44–1:08:54Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy, feeding him with her own hand the tender tips of shellaki leaves she had gathered.
1:08:54–1:09:00gathered, the little elephant who would stand impatiently before her.
1:09:00–1:09:03What has happened to him?
1:09:03–1:09:09He was playing in the river with his mate, when a wild elephant in rut shamelessly attacked
1:09:09–1:09:11him.
1:09:11–1:09:16Distraught moving forward a few steps.
1:09:16–1:09:22She acts as though memory returns, disolate.
1:09:22–1:09:25She feints.
1:09:25–1:09:27Enter Tamasa.
1:09:27–1:09:31My lord, save my little son, save him.
1:09:31–1:09:36God above, the sight of Pantavati, has brought those long familiar words back to my unfortunate
1:09:36–1:09:37lips.
1:09:37–1:09:39Ah, my lord!
1:09:39–1:09:44Tamasa, daughter, please take hold of yourself.
1:09:44–1:09:48Noble chariot, halt here.
1:09:48–1:09:57consciousness suddenly agitated. Smiling and weeping at once.
1:09:57–1:10:02Why does this human voice, deep and sweet, as the low rumble of a rain-filled cloud,
1:10:02–1:10:06flood my ears and suddenly throw unfortunate me into such turmoil?
1:10:06–1:10:11Tamasa, daughter. Like a peahen hearing distant thunder.
1:10:11–1:10:15How can a woman such as you become so agitated and eager?
1:10:15–1:10:23a sound so indistinct and uncertain. Sita, holy lady, why call it indistinct? It can
1:10:23–1:10:27only be the voice of my lord. I know his voice.
1:10:27–1:10:32Tomasa. I have heard that the king of the Ikshvaku line has come to Janasthana to punish
1:10:32–1:10:38a Shudra who is practicing austerities. Sita, it is fortunate that the king has not abandoned
1:10:38–1:10:40the duties of kingship.
1:10:40–1:10:42Voice offstage.
1:10:42–1:10:45Wear trees and animals too where I are kin.
1:10:45–1:10:48Here I lived so long with my beloved.
1:10:48–1:10:51These are the mountain slopes of the Godavari.
1:10:51–1:10:54Filled with caves and cleft by rushing streams.
1:10:54–1:11:03Looking, she feigns into Thamasas arms.
1:11:03–1:11:05Supporting her.
1:11:05–1:11:07Aside.
1:11:07–1:11:11Recovering.
1:11:11–1:11:15She falls at Thamasas feet.
1:11:15–1:11:20Above, what is this the body pale, wasted, and weak like the disk of the moon at dawn,
1:11:20–1:11:24yet only his distinctive gentle and grave-bearing allows me to recognize him?
1:11:24–1:11:27Yes, it must be my lord.
1:11:27–1:11:28Hold me.
1:11:28–1:11:32Tamasa, daughter, please take hold of yourself.
1:11:32–1:11:35Voice offstage, the sight of Panchavati.
1:11:35–1:11:39Rekindles the fire of grief that has slept so long within my heart.
1:11:39–1:11:44But first unconsciousness closes around me like a shroud of dense smoke.
1:11:44–1:11:46Ah, beloved Johnikey.
1:11:46–1:11:50Tamasa, this is exactly what my teacher feared.
1:11:50–1:11:52Sita, how can this be possible?
1:11:52–1:11:58Voice offstage, ah, my queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka Forest.
1:11:58–1:12:00Ah, princess of Videha.
1:12:00–1:12:06Sita, god above, as he takes my unfortunate name upon his lips, his blue lotus eyes roll
1:12:06–1:12:09back, he has fainted and fallen to the ground.
1:12:09–1:12:13How can I leave him stretched out on the lonely earth, friendless and helpless?
1:12:14–1:12:18Tamasa, save him, save him, give my lord his life back.
1:12:19–1:12:24Lovely daughter, only you have the power to restore the lord of the world to life.
1:12:24–1:12:27The touch of your hand is dear to him.
1:12:27–1:12:30The entire burden rests upon that alone.
1:12:32–1:12:34She exits in agitation.
1:12:34–1:12:42The scene opens to reveal Rama lying unconscious on the ground. Sita,
1:12:42–1:12:49weeping, carresses him. He begins to recover with an expression of supreme bliss.
1:12:49–1:12:56Let whatever must happen, happen. I obey the holy lady's command.
1:12:56–1:12:59With suppressed joy.
1:12:59–1:13:04It is as though the life of the whole world has returned.
1:13:04–1:13:12With fear and compassion, withdrawing her hand, sitting up.
1:13:12–1:13:20But what is happening? Is this the essence pressed from heavenly sandal leaves?
1:13:20–1:13:25Or a drop fallen from a moonbeam stop crushed in a press?
1:13:25–1:13:31Has someone poured upon my heart the juice?
1:13:31–1:13:37Of the Divine life restoring herb and cool the life already burned?
1:13:37–1:13:41This touch is familiar from long ago.
1:13:41–1:13:47It restores consciousness and also brings deep intoxication.
1:13:47–1:13:51The instant it removes a faint born of pain.
1:13:51–1:13:55It produces the stillness of perfect bliss.
1:13:55–1:13:59Sita, this much is enough for now.
1:13:59–1:14:07Rama, is it possible that the Queen has come, out of affection, to help me?
1:14:07–1:14:12Sita, ah, why does my Lord speak of me now?
1:14:12–1:14:16Rama, let me look around.
1:14:16–1:14:21Sita, Tamasa, come.
1:14:21–1:14:25The king will be angry if he sees me here without permission.
1:14:25–1:14:34Tamasa, but daughter, through Bhagyathi's grace you are invisible even to the gods.
1:14:34–1:14:38Sita, ah, yes.
1:14:38–1:14:41You speak the truth.
1:14:41–1:14:45Her voice breaking with anger.
1:14:45–1:14:48Her eyes fill.
1:14:48–1:14:50Beloved Janaki.
1:14:50–1:14:54Surely it was beloved Johnachy.
1:14:54–1:15:03Sita, my Lord, after all that has happened, such an address is deeply improper.
1:15:03–1:15:09And yet, when he speaks to unfortunate me with affection, and when I had not imagined even
1:15:09–1:15:16for a moment, that I would see him again even in another birth, why should I be so hard
1:15:16–1:15:19and merciless toward him?
1:15:19–1:15:24I know his heart, just as he knows mine.
1:15:24–1:15:28Looking around, desolate.
1:15:28–1:15:30No.
1:15:30–1:15:34There is no one here.
1:15:34–1:15:38Tamesa, he abandoned me without cause, yet seeing him in this condition makes my heart
1:15:38–1:15:43experience feelings, I cannot myself understand.
1:15:43–1:15:46I understand, daughter, I understand.
1:15:46–1:15:53chilled by despair, bitter from his cruelty, almost numb from meeting him after long separation,
1:15:54–1:16:00forgiving through your own goodness, filled with profound sympathy for every misery of your husband,
1:16:01–1:16:05melted by love. Your heart is all these things in a single instant.
1:16:07–1:16:15My Queen, your touch is forgiveness itself, cool and moist with love,
1:16:15–1:16:26present, despite everything, to give me joy. But Queen of my heart, where are you?
1:16:26–1:16:31With rising compassion and anxiety.
1:16:31–1:16:36My Lord's sorrowful words about Sita are filled with deep affection and overflowing with the
1:16:36–1:16:41bliss of love. When I believe them, it seems my birth has been fulfilled, though the arrow
1:16:41–1:16:47of unjust abandonment remains terribly sharp. Rama, but what would beloved Jonaki be doing
1:16:47–1:16:52here? This is only Rama's pure delusion, the fruit of wishful imagining strengthened by
1:16:52–1:17:01long habit. Voice offstage, danger. Danger. Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy,
1:17:01–1:17:05feeding him with her own hand the tender tips of shellaki leaves she had gathered, the
1:17:05–1:17:10little elephant, who would stand impatiently before her. Rama, what has happened to
1:17:10–1:17:18him. Voice offstage again. He was playing in the river with his mate. When a wild elephant
1:17:18–1:17:24in rut shamelessly attacked him. Sita, who will protect him now.
1:17:24–1:17:30He rises. Enter Vasanti in alarm.
1:17:30–1:17:38Where is the villain who dared attack my beloved's little son and his mate? Vasanti, is this
1:17:38–1:17:41This King Ragon and Dana.
1:17:41–1:17:45Ah, this is my dear friend Vasanti.
1:17:45–1:17:48Victory to the King.
1:17:48–1:17:49Looking.
1:17:49–1:17:56Why, this is Vasanti, the Queen's dear friend.
1:17:56–1:18:00Quickly, my lord, quickly.
1:18:00–1:18:04From here, go beyond Jatayu Peak and descend toward the Godavari by Cesar's Ford.
1:18:04–1:18:07There you will see the Queen's little son.
1:18:07–1:18:13Ah, Father Jatayu! Without you Janasthana is empty.
1:18:13–1:18:18Ah, these reminders tear open the tender core of the heart.
1:18:18–1:18:23This way, my lord, this way.
1:18:23–1:18:28Holy lady, truly even the forest divinities cannot see me.
1:18:28–1:18:36Dear daughter, Mandikini's power is far greater than that of all other divinities. Do not be anxious.
1:18:36–1:18:42They all move. Then we shall follow behind them.
1:18:42–1:18:49Holy Godavari, I bow to you. Looking.
1:18:49–1:18:56Rejoice, my lord. The Queen's little son has defeated the wild elephant and stands victorious beside his mate.
1:18:56–1:19:01Rammer, victory to him. May he live long.
1:19:01–1:19:04Cedar, our, how large he has grown.
1:19:04–1:19:08Rammer, my queen, how fortunate you are!
1:19:08–1:19:11Beloved wife, the son of yours,
1:19:11–1:19:14Who once tore the larvaly leaf from behind your ear,
1:19:14–1:19:18With the tips of new sprouting teeth, smooth as lotus petals,
1:19:18–1:19:21Has today defeated an elephant in rut.
1:19:21–1:19:25Clearly the good fortune of his childhood still attends him.
1:19:25–1:19:30Cedar, may he live long, and from this day never be separated from his tender-hearted mate.
1:19:30–1:19:36Rammur, look, friend for Santi, look, the boy has nearly learned the art of honoring his
1:19:36–1:19:42beloved. While chewing a mouthful of lotus dork a pruted in play. He pours ease to spray
1:19:42–1:19:47into her mouth with his water-bedded trunk. Water fragrant with a newly fallen lotus.
1:19:47–1:19:53But he has not yet learned, when they rest, to show proper care. By shading her with
1:19:53–1:19:55a straight-stemmed lotus leaf.
1:19:55–1:20:01Tamasa, seeing him so grown makes me think of Kusha and Lava.
1:20:01–1:20:05After all this time, what must they look like?
1:20:05–1:20:08They are just like this.
1:20:08–1:20:13How unfortunate I am, to have been torn so cruelly not only from my husband, but from
1:20:13–1:20:15my sons as well.
1:20:15–1:20:18So it was written by fate.
1:20:18–1:20:22What is the use of bearing sons if my lord can never kiss their faces, faces like two
1:20:22–1:20:28fresh lotuses, bright with a few tender white teeth just emerging, innocent childhood laughter,
1:20:28–1:20:32lisping speech, and hair gathered in top knots.
1:20:32–1:20:34May the gods be gracious.
1:20:34–1:20:40Tamesa, the mere memory of my sons fills my breasts with milk, and with their father
1:20:40–1:20:46before me, for a moment I feel as though I have returned to the world of the living.
1:20:46–1:20:51What can one say? A child is the furthest limit of love and the root of the deepest
1:20:51–1:20:57bond between parents. Because a child is the shared object of both spouse's love, it is
1:20:57–1:21:00a knot of joy that binds their hearts together.
1:21:00–1:21:07My Lord, look there as well. That same peacock sits like a joiled crown on the high branch
1:21:07–1:21:13of a cadambe tree, calling to his mate. Having just completed his uncomfortable festive
1:21:13–1:21:18tandaver dance, he has spread the soft feathers of his tail.
1:21:18–1:21:31eyes fill in wonder. It is the same one. Dear son, may every blessing be yours. Yes, so be
1:21:31–1:21:40it. I remember you with a father's affection. My simple-hearted wife made you dance as though
1:21:40–1:21:49you were her child. Clapping her hands and rolling her eyes to make you turn in circles.
1:21:49–1:21:56Her pupils revolved like wheels. And in the skillful quiver of her brows appeared every
1:21:56–1:22:05movement of the Tandava. Ah, even animals recognized those they knew long ago.
1:22:05–1:22:14This Kadamba tree, now in bloom, was planted from seed by my beloved Queen.
1:22:14–1:22:18Looking, her eyes fill.
1:22:18–1:22:21How keen my Lord's memory is.
1:22:21–1:22:25And surely the peacock remembers her.
1:22:25–1:22:30So he regards the tree as his own brother.
1:22:30–1:22:32Let your Majesty sit here for a moment.
1:22:32–1:22:36This is the stone seat in the banana grove.
1:22:36–1:22:43you and your beloved wife used to rest. Cetir fed the foreons so much grass, that they would not
1:22:43–1:22:51let her leave. He said saleswear and weeps. I cannot bear to look at this.
1:22:53–1:22:57Friend Vasanti, what are you doing to my lord, Antony, by showing all this?
1:22:58–1:23:03God above, here is my lord, the same husband, the same forest of Puntavati,
1:23:03–1:23:08The same friend Vasanti, the same woodland along the Godavari that witnessed our countless intimate
1:23:08–1:23:14moments, the same trees, birds, and animals that were like our children. All are before my eyes,
1:23:14–1:23:19yet for unfortunate me they have ceased to exist. How completely my world has overturned.
1:23:20–1:23:26Friend Cedar, do you not see Rama's condition? When his body was fresh as a blue lotus petal.
1:23:27–1:23:32He was a festival for the eyes. Even after one had gazed to the heart's content,
1:23:32–1:23:37He seemed new every moment. Now nearly senseless, at once pale and dark.
1:23:38–1:23:43So weakened by grief that he is difficult to recognize. He still gives joy to the eyes.
1:23:45–1:23:47I see, friend. I see.
1:23:49–1:23:52Daughter, continue to gaze upon your beloved for a long time.
1:23:54–1:23:56She continues to gaze.
1:23:57–1:24:01My lord, who would believe that he could live without me and I without him?
1:24:02–1:24:06Between falling tears, let me look at my beloved Lord a little longer.
1:24:06–1:24:08Seeing Him is like receiving a new birth.
1:24:09–1:24:13Weeping with affection, she embraces Sita.
1:24:15–1:24:18A swelling flood of tears born of joy and sorrow
1:24:18–1:24:21is released from your eyes, widened with longing.
1:24:22–1:24:25Your bright, sweet, innocent gaze, flowing with love
1:24:26–1:24:29bathes the Lord of your heart like a stream of milk.
1:24:29–1:24:38Sitting, her eyes fill, Pretending not to hear.
1:24:38–1:24:46Aside, Allowed, He begins to weep.
1:24:46–1:24:50Let the trees offer a welcome of honey-dripping flowers and fruit.
1:24:50–1:24:54Let the forest wind carry the full fragrance of newly opened lotuses.
1:24:54–1:24:58And let the birds begin a sweet, unbroken song at full voice.
1:24:58–1:25:02For King Rama himself has returned to visit this forest.
1:25:02–1:25:06Rama, come, friend Vasanti, shall we sit here?
1:25:06–1:25:10Vasanti, your Majesty, I hope Prince Lakshmana is well?
1:25:10–1:25:17Rama, may Thelij use to give water, seed, and grass with her lotus hands to these trees,
1:25:17–1:25:19birds, and deer.
1:25:19–1:25:23Seeing them again, I am transformed as though my heart were melting and ready to burst
1:25:23–1:25:24into a flood.
1:25:24–1:25:29For Santee, but your Majesty, I asked where the Prince Lakshmana is well.
1:25:29–1:25:34Rama, R, a your Majesty, e, how cold the address.
1:25:34–1:25:39She asks only after Sermitri's welfare, yet her voice is choked with sobs.
1:25:39–1:25:41She must know what happened to Cetir.
1:25:41–1:25:45Yes, the Prince is well.
1:25:45–1:25:46She faints.
1:25:46–1:25:51R, my Lord, why did you become so cruel in the end?
1:25:51–1:25:56Cedar, friend for Santi, how can you speak to him like that?
1:25:56–1:26:01My lord deserves compassion from everyone, most of all from my dear friend.
1:26:01–1:26:05For Santi, you are my life, my second heart.
1:26:05–1:26:09Moonlight to my eyes, nectar to my limbs.
1:26:09–1:26:14With countless hunted words like these, you enchanted that innocent girl.
1:26:14–1:26:16But enough.
1:26:16–1:26:18What is the use of saying more?
1:26:18–1:26:23To Marcer, naturally she is struck speechless, even driven merely mad.
1:26:23–1:26:26Rammer, friend, please take hold of yourself.
1:26:27–1:26:29Recovering
1:26:30–1:26:33But why did your Majesty perform that unspeakable deed?
1:26:33–1:26:35Seater, stop!
1:26:35–1:26:38Friend Vasanti, stop!
1:26:38–1:26:41Rammer, because of the people's reproach.
1:26:41–1:26:44Vasanti, what cause the reproach?
1:26:44–1:26:46Rammer, only the people know.
1:26:46–1:26:50It is far too late for reproach now.
1:26:50–1:26:52Vasanti.
1:26:52–1:26:53Cruel man.
1:26:53–1:26:56They say you value reputation.
1:26:56–1:26:59But what greater infamy could there be than this?
1:26:59–1:27:03Do you understand what became of that doe-eyed woman in the forest?
1:27:03–1:27:06Tell me, my lord.
1:27:06–1:27:09Friend Vasanti, you are cruel and pitiless.
1:27:09–1:27:13You are feeding the fire of a man already burning in flames.
1:27:13–1:27:20To Marsa, it is love and grief speaking. Rama, friend, what can be imagined in such a case?
1:27:20–1:27:25Her eyes, heavy with weariness from the child moving in her womb. Must have rolled like
1:27:25–1:27:31the eyes of a frightened yelling deer. Her body, tender as a lotus petal, or a mass
1:27:31–1:27:37of moonbeams. Must have been torn apart by wild beasts.
1:27:37–1:27:44My lord, I am alive, here, alive. Rama, ah, beloved Jonaki, where are you?
1:27:44–1:27:49Sita, god above, my lord too is calling out with all his voice.
1:27:49–1:27:56Daughter, this is beneficial. A grief-stricken person must try to let grief flow outward.
1:27:56–1:28:03Four. When flood water presses against a dam, it is resisted by releasing the water.
1:28:03–1:28:08and weeping helps a heart oppressed by sorrow, become able to endure.
1:28:08–1:28:14Especially for Dhirama, whose world has now become dreadful in so many ways.
1:28:14–1:28:19He must protect the whole earth according to rule, with the sharpest intelligence.
1:28:19–1:28:24While grief for his beloved dries his soul like a flower beneath summer heat.
1:28:24–1:28:29The fault of abandonment is his own, so lament brings no peace.
1:28:29–1:28:32Yet life stubbornly remains.
1:28:32–1:28:35Therefore weeping is surely a blessing.
1:28:35–1:28:38Rama, how terrible!
1:28:38–1:28:42In extreme agony the heart breaks, yet does not split.
1:28:42–1:28:46The ruined body reels, yet does not lose consciousness.
1:28:46–1:28:50The inner fire burns the limbs, yet does not reduce them to ash.
1:28:50–1:28:54Fate strikes the vital core, yet does not end life.
1:28:54–1:28:56Yes!
1:28:56–1:28:58That is the truth!
1:28:58–1:29:01Rama, people of the city and countryside.
1:29:01–1:29:05She would not allow the queen to remain in my house.
1:29:05–1:29:10Therefore I left her in the lonely forest, valuing her no more than a blade of grass,
1:29:10–1:29:12and without grieving.
1:29:12–1:29:16But these long familiar sights are utterly destroying me.
1:29:16–1:29:20So forgive this helpless weeping that continues even now.
1:29:20–1:29:23Tamasa, how deep is the roar of his ocean of grief?
1:29:23–1:29:28The santi, my lord, hold fast to courage before what has passed.
1:29:28–1:29:34Friend, what do you mean by courage?
1:29:34–1:29:39It is the twelfth year of this empty world without the Queen.
1:29:39–1:29:44A world in which even her name has nearly vanished.
1:29:44–1:29:46And still Rama lives.
1:29:46–1:29:51Sita, my Lord's words are torturing me.
1:29:51–1:29:56Tamasa, yes, daughter.
1:29:56–1:30:03These are the words of your beloved, now tender with love, now harsh with grief.
1:30:03–1:30:09A stream of honey mixed with poison dripping into your ears.
1:30:09–1:30:12Aside.
1:30:12–1:30:14Allowed.
1:30:14–1:30:19Vasanti, have I not endured at last?
1:30:19–1:30:23The burning goat of sorrow in my heart.
1:30:23–1:30:30piercing the vital core like the point of a heated arrow lodged unseen within, or like
1:30:30–1:30:32a poisonous sting.
1:30:32–1:30:40Sita, I am so unfortunate that even now I continue to cause my lord pain.
1:30:40–1:30:48Rama, though my heart had broken and grown numb, today, seeing the things dear and familiar
1:30:48–1:30:52to her, I was stunned again.
1:30:52–1:30:59remedy attempted with enormous effort. To restrain compassion awakened to a furious
1:30:59–1:31:05force failed within. The unspeakable transformation of consciousness
1:31:05–1:31:13burst outward in full flood. Like floodwater breaking a sandbank and flowing without restraint.
1:31:13–1:31:21Sita, the blow of my Lord's cruel, ceaselessly surging grief seems to have swept away the
1:31:21–1:31:27grief in my own heart, but left it beating wildly beyond control.
1:31:27–1:31:32Thus Auntie, his condition is dreadful.
1:31:32–1:31:35I must try to distract him.
1:31:35–1:31:42Would your Majesty now like to see the old familiar regions of Janisthana?
1:31:42–1:31:46They rise and move.
1:31:46–1:31:48In anguish.
1:31:48–1:31:51He feints.
1:31:51–1:31:54She feints.
1:31:54–1:32:00Sita rushes forward and touches his heart and head.
1:32:00–1:32:03He closes his eyes in delight.
1:32:03–1:32:07Yes, very well.
1:32:07–1:32:13Sita, what my friend thinks will entertain him will only inflame his grief.
1:32:13–1:32:18Vasanti, my lord, my lord.
1:32:18–1:32:24In this bower of vines you stood looking down the road toward home.
1:32:24–1:32:30She was delayed, enchanted by the swans on the Godavari.
1:32:30–1:32:38When she returned and saw you angry, she grew anxious, and bowed with innocent folded hands
1:32:38–1:32:41like an unopened lotus.
1:32:41–1:32:45Sita, Vasanti, you are very cruel.
1:32:45–1:32:51By making my unfortunate memory return again and again, you drive the knife still deeper
1:32:51–1:32:55into the tender core of my Lord's heart.
1:32:55–1:33:03Rama, heart-hearted Jonaki, you appear everywhere, yet show me no mercy.
1:33:03–1:33:07My Queen, my heart is splitting.
1:33:07–1:33:12The bonds of my body are coming loose.
1:33:12–1:33:17The world is empty, and within I burn without cease.
1:33:17–1:33:24My soul, submerged in darkness, is drowning helplessly.
1:33:24–1:33:28Complete unconsciousness closes around me.
1:33:28–1:33:30What shall wretched Rama do?
1:33:30–1:33:35Sita, God above, my Lord has fainted again.
1:33:35–1:33:41Vasanti, my lord, please regain consciousness.
1:33:41–1:33:49Sita, my lord, you are the source of well-being for the whole mortal world, yet for you, afflicted
1:33:49–1:33:55by unceasing self-destructive calamity, the blessing of birth has been reversed, all
1:33:55–1:33:58because of unfortunate me.
1:33:58–1:34:02Ah, I am destroyed.
1:34:02–1:34:07Tamasa, daughter, regain consciousness.
1:34:07–1:34:13The touch of your hand alone will restore dear Rama to life.
1:34:13–1:34:18Vasanti, ah, he is still unconscious.
1:34:18–1:34:22Sita, dear friend, where are you?
1:34:22–1:34:25Console the lord of your life.
1:34:25–1:34:32Vasanti, what good fortune, dear Rama has regained consciousness.
1:34:32–1:34:45Rama, a touch, as though rubbing nearly ambrosia-alloyment, over every limb of my body, within and without,
1:34:45–1:34:55has suddenly restored me to life, and spread through me in new, and blissful, faintness.
1:34:55–1:35:00And Vasanti, how fortunate you are!
1:35:00–1:35:03Relishing the touch.
1:35:03–1:35:07He takes her hand.
1:35:07–1:35:10Sita quickly frees her hand and steps back.
1:35:10–1:35:12How so?
1:35:12–1:35:15Rama, friend.
1:35:15–1:35:17It means Jonaki has returned.
1:35:17–1:35:18What else could it mean?
1:35:18–1:35:22Vasanti, but my lord, dear Rama, where is she?
1:35:22–1:35:25Rama, look, she is here before me.
1:35:25–1:35:30But, Santee, why do you burn me with this cruel and meaningless ravings, cutting again into
1:35:30–1:35:33the vital core already scorched by grief for my dear friend?
1:35:33–1:35:40Cedar, I must withdraw, yet my lords touch, so soft and cool with long, true affection,
1:35:40–1:35:43so soothing to long and cruel pain, seems to have farcened my hand there.
1:35:43–1:35:49It is at once damp with sweat, weary, agitated, trembling, and helpless.
1:35:49–1:35:53Rammer, friend, why call it a raving?
1:35:53–1:35:57The hand I held at our wedding, wearing its bracelet.
1:35:57–1:36:01Long familiar, mine to touch whenever I wished, cool as nectar.
1:36:01–1:36:05Cedar, my lord, this is that very hand.
1:36:05–1:36:07Now I understand.
1:36:07–1:36:08Rammer.
1:36:08–1:36:11This very hand, her hand.
1:36:11–1:36:13Soft as a larvaly stem.
1:36:13–1:36:17So beautiful that every other hand is measured against it.
1:36:17–1:36:22Cedar, god above, in the joy of my lord's touch I have made a terrible mistake.
1:36:22–1:36:28Ramar, friend Vasanti, my sense is a numb with joy and my mind so shaken that I cannot trust myself.
1:36:29–1:36:34Please touch her yourself and see. Vasanti, our, this is complete madness.
1:36:36–1:36:37Looking at her tenderly.
1:36:39–1:36:40Aside.
1:36:42–1:36:44God above, what a mistake.
1:36:45–1:36:49I was so stunned that I suddenly released that pedal soft hand.
1:36:49–1:36:54My own hand trembled and sweated like hers.
1:36:54–1:37:00Sita, God above, I still have no control over myself.
1:37:00–1:37:07At once restless, numb, and confused, the pain is unbearable.
1:37:07–1:37:09Tamasa.
1:37:09–1:37:16At your beloved's touch, poor child, sweat and goose flesh cover your limbs.
1:37:16–1:37:24You tremble like the trunk of a cadamba tree swaying in the wind,
1:37:24–1:37:28Wet with new rain and suddenly breaking into buds.
1:37:28–1:37:36Sita, ah, I am ashamed before Tamesa of this unruly body.
1:37:36–1:37:44She must be thinking, after such abandonment, such infatuation still.
1:37:44–1:37:46Looking around.
1:37:46–1:37:48What? Nowhere.
1:37:48–1:37:52Merciless Vadahi, have pity.
1:37:52–1:38:00Sita, surely I am merciless, to remain alive while seeing you in this condition.
1:38:00–1:38:04Rama, my queen, where are you?
1:38:04–1:38:07Do not leave me like this.
1:38:07–1:38:14Sita, ah, my lord, are you not saying the reverse of the truth?
1:38:14–1:38:15truth.
1:38:15–1:38:21My lord, by your extraordinary strength, please put an end to this complete delusion.
1:38:21–1:38:24How could my dear friend be here?
1:38:24–1:38:26Rama, clearly she is not.
1:38:26–1:38:29Otherwise why would Vasanti herself not see her?
1:38:29–1:38:31Yes, it must be a dream.
1:38:31–1:38:33But no, I was not asleep.
1:38:33–1:38:35Where is sleep for Rama now?
1:38:35–1:38:40Surely that holy mental illusion, repeatedly produced by imagination, has closed around
1:38:40–1:38:41me again.
1:38:41–1:38:42Seater, no.
1:38:42–1:38:43No!
1:38:43–1:38:44Cruel me!
1:38:44–1:38:46I have confused my lord.
1:38:46–1:38:49For Santi, my lord, look!
1:38:49–1:38:54The black-iron chariot of the son of Pulastia, destroyed by Jataryu.
1:38:54–1:38:59Before it, mule-like beasts with monkey faces, now only skeletons.
1:38:59–1:39:03From here the enemy cut off Jataryu's wings with his sword,
1:39:03–1:39:08and rose into the sky with radiant cedar, like a cloud encircled by lightning.
1:39:08–1:39:11Entero
1:39:11–1:39:16My lord, father has been killed, and I am being carried away. Save me.
1:39:17–1:39:19Springing up.
1:39:20–1:39:26Villain, thief of both father and Sita at once. Where are you fleeing?
1:39:27–1:39:34My lord, you were the fire of annihilation to the Rakshasa race. Could any object of your wrath still remain alive?
1:39:35–1:39:37Ah, for a moment I went completely mad.
1:39:37–1:39:49Ah, but my calamity today is altogether different. Then a remedy was available. Heroic battle
1:39:49–1:39:56constantly diverted the mind and filled the world with wonder. I knew separation from
1:39:56–1:40:04my wife would end with the enemy's death. But how bitter it is to endure endless separation
1:40:04–1:40:15in silence. Endless. Ah, I am truly destroyed. Ah, where friendship with the Monkey King is
1:40:15–1:40:26useless and the strength of the Monkey's fame, where Jambavan's wisdom shows no path,
1:40:26–1:40:35the wisdom of the Wind God Sun, where even Nawa, son of Vishvakarma, can build no bridge.
1:40:35–1:40:42Beloved, where are you, beyond even the reach of Somethri's arrows?
1:40:42–1:40:49Sita, how dear the first separation seems now?
1:40:49–1:40:55Started, distraught, clinging to Thamasa.
1:40:55–1:41:01In Vasanthi, the sight of Rama now brings his friends only sorrow.
1:41:01–1:41:04How long shall I make you weep?
1:41:04–1:41:06Give me leave to depart.
1:41:06–1:41:11Sita, Tamasa, my lord is going.
1:41:11–1:41:17Tamasa, daughter, take hold of yourself.
1:41:17–1:41:23Whatever happens, we must now go to Bhagyarthi to perform the rites for the birth anniversary
1:41:23–1:41:32of Kusya and Lavla, may they live forever. Sita, holy lady, please let me look upon him
1:41:32–1:41:41one last moment, him whom I shall never see again. Rama, to assist at the horse sacrifice,
1:41:41–1:41:46I now have another consecrated wife.
1:41:46–1:41:59trembling, breathing in relief, embracing her with affection, smiles and tears, bowing her
1:41:59–1:42:03head in embarrassment aside.
1:42:03–1:42:04My Lord Who.
1:42:04–1:42:07Rama, a golden image of Sita.
1:42:07–1:42:12Sita, my Lord, yes, now you are truly my husband.
1:42:12–1:42:17At last you have drawn from me the sharp point of the arrow of shame caused by abandonment.
1:42:17–1:42:22Rama, at least there, eyes forever drowned in tears find a little rest.
1:42:22–1:42:28Sita, blessed is the woman whom my lord honours so greatly for his consolation, for that reason
1:42:28–1:42:30she is a source of hope to the world.
1:42:30–1:42:34Tamasa, daughter, you are praising yourself.
1:42:34–1:42:37Sita, the holy lady is teasing me.
1:42:37–1:42:43Vasanti, what caused you such great anguish has become grace toward us all.
1:42:43–1:42:45If you must go, go according to your duty.
1:42:45–1:42:49Sita, Vasanti has become my sworn enemy.
1:42:49–1:42:52Tamasa, daughter, come.
1:42:52–1:42:54Let us go.
1:42:54–1:42:55Desolate.
1:42:55–1:42:59Yes, I must go.
1:42:59–1:43:02Tamasa, but how can you go when?
1:43:02–1:43:06However hard you try, your eyes, widened with longing.
1:43:06–1:43:11fixed upon your beloved and cannot be turned away.
1:43:11–1:43:12She feigns.
1:43:12–1:43:16I bow to my lord's lotus feet.
1:43:16–1:43:19Surely it is the fruit of incomparable merit that I saw him today.
1:43:19–1:43:24Daughter, please take hold of yourself.
1:43:24–1:43:26Recovering.
1:43:26–1:43:31How long is the full moon visible amid black clouds?
1:43:31–1:43:33How intricate this story is.
1:43:33–1:43:37The dominant emotion is one, sorrow.
1:43:37–1:43:41But as circumstances change, it assumes many forms.
1:43:41–1:43:44As water becomes whirlpool, bubble or wave.
1:43:44–1:43:49Though in the end all are one thing, water alone.
1:43:49–1:43:52All rise.
1:43:52–1:43:57Respectively to Sita and Rama.
1:43:57–1:44:00Excent all.
1:44:00–1:44:03to young acetics.
1:44:03–1:44:07Noble chariot, come here at once.
1:44:07–1:44:11Tamasa and Vasanti.
1:44:11–1:44:17May earth, the divine river, and the other goddesses like us.
1:44:17–1:44:22May the teacher who first employed poetic meter.
1:44:22–1:44:27May the sage Vasishta and his companion Arundhati.
1:44:27–1:44:32May all of them bless you and grant you lasting good fortune.
1:44:32–1:44:38End of Act 3 Interlude to Act 4
1:44:38–1:44:46First ascetic, Sautataki, how beautiful Valmiki's hermitage looks, with all its decorations
1:44:46–1:44:50and the crowds of arriving guests.
1:44:50–1:44:57Look! A hermitage deer is drinking its fill of the cream left from sweet, warm milk.
1:44:57–1:44:59milk rice.
1:44:59–1:45:04Prepared for his mate, who has just given birth.
1:45:04–1:45:10The smell of greens cooking with jujube fruit spreads through the air.
1:45:10–1:45:16With the faintest fragrance of rice and clarified butter.
1:45:16–1:45:18Laughing!
1:45:18–1:45:22A heartfelt welcome to the guests, especially these old people whose arrival gives us a
1:45:22–1:45:24holiday from our studies.
1:45:24–1:45:28ascetic, so the Taki, your reverence for the elderly is entirely unprecedented.
1:45:29–1:45:33Bandayana, what is the name of the guest walking at the head of that company of old women?
1:45:34–1:45:39No more joking. Usually know that this is Vasishta, who has come from Rishesh Ringo's
1:45:39–1:45:44hermitage protecting King Dashrath's wives, with Orundati leading them. Why ask such a foolish
1:45:44–1:45:53question? Interlude to act 4. So the Taki, what Vasishta? Bandayana, yes, of course. So the
1:45:53–1:45:57The Taki, I was certain he was a tiger or a wolf.
1:45:57–1:45:59What do you mean?
1:45:59–1:46:03So the Taki, from the moment he arrived our poor little calf has been terrified.
1:46:03–1:46:07Bandayana, when a land guest arrives, a householder following the Vedic rule offers a welcome
1:46:07–1:46:12gift of meat by slaughtering a yearling calf, the bull, or a goat.
1:46:12–1:46:16According to the authors of the Dhamma Sutras that is righteousness.
1:46:16–1:46:20So the Taki, you have caught yourself in a contradiction.
1:46:20–1:46:23Bandayana, how?
1:46:23–1:46:25They turn.
1:46:25–1:46:28Accent both.
1:46:28–1:46:32When the venerable Basishta arrived, a yearling calf was slaughtered.
1:46:32–1:46:36But when the royal sage Janaka came later today, Vamiki offered him only milk and curds, and
1:46:36–1:46:38the heifer was spared.
1:46:38–1:46:42Bandayana, the sage's rule applies to those who have not renounced meat.
1:46:42–1:46:44Janaka has given it up.
1:46:44–1:46:45So the Taki, why?
1:46:45–1:46:50Bandayana, the moment he heard of the reversal of Queen Sita's fortune, he became anaesthetic.
1:46:50–1:46:55For several years he has been practicing austerities in the sacred grove of Shandradvipa.
1:46:55–1:46:56Interlude to act 4.
1:46:56–1:46:58Sodataki, then why has he come here?
1:46:58–1:47:02Bandayana, to see his lifelong friend, the son of Prachettus.
1:47:02–1:47:04Sodataki, has he met his relatives?
1:47:04–1:47:08Bandayana, Vasishta has just sent Arundati to Queen Kosalia, so that she may meet
1:47:08–1:47:10the king of Videha.
1:47:10–1:47:14Sodataki, since the old people have gathered together, let us gather with our classmates
1:47:14–1:47:16and enjoy a holiday of games.
1:47:16–1:47:20Bandayana, there is the ancient royal sage, our teacher Janaka.
1:47:20–1:47:23After bowing to the son of Prachetas and to Vasishta, he is seated beneath a tree outside
1:47:23–1:47:25the hermitage.
1:47:25–1:47:28In his heart grief, Vasishta burns without cease.
1:47:28–1:47:30Like fire eating an old tree from within.
1:47:30–1:47:34End of the interlude.
1:47:34–1:47:37Enter Janka.
1:47:37–1:47:39Looking.
1:47:39–1:47:42He rises.
1:47:42–1:47:45Looking.
1:47:45–1:47:53Arunthathi, Kausalya and the Chamberlain. The wrong committed against my daughter, a
1:47:53–1:48:03vast and dreadful wrong, broke me and pierced my heart, and kindled a torrent of rage that,
1:48:03–1:48:11though old, remains for revenue, cutting the vital core like the edge of a saw and
1:48:11–1:48:21never ceasing. How terrible! This wretched body, stripped by old age and unimaginable
1:48:21–1:48:28grief of every support, drained of substance and vitality by many austerities, month-long
1:48:28–1:48:39fasts, and mortification still refuses to prepare for death. It is unbelievable. Yet
1:48:39–1:48:48The sages say, those who take their own lives go to worlds of darkness where no sun shines.
1:48:48–1:48:57Even after so many years, the blows of my acute grief, openly manifested and filled with unceasing
1:48:57–1:49:02thought, are still fresh and do not diminish.
1:49:02–1:49:03Mother!
1:49:03–1:49:11Cedar, born from the sacrificial altar, is this what life brought you?
1:49:11–1:49:17Such a reversal that one feels shame even to weep to the heart's content.
1:49:17–1:49:21Ah, daughter!
1:49:21–1:49:26I remember your childhood face.
1:49:26–1:49:29Laughing and crying for no reason.
1:49:29–1:49:36Two or three milk teeth shining like jasmine buds.
1:49:36–1:49:39Your first words stumbling and indistinct.
1:49:39–1:49:45Earth, you truly are hard as stone.
1:49:45–1:49:51She whose greatness should have been acknowledged by you yourself.
1:49:51–1:49:58And likewise by fire, the sages, Vasishtha's wife, Gonga.
1:49:58–1:50:07given by the sun god, teacher of Raghu's line. She whom you yourself gave birth to, a
1:50:07–1:50:14speech gives birth to true knowledge. Cruel earth, how could you endure the killing of
1:50:14–1:50:25your only daughter? Voice offstage, this way, holy lady and your majesty. Janaka,
1:50:25–1:50:30Ah, Grishtyn is showing Orundott the way.
1:50:30–1:50:34Whom did he call your majesty?
1:50:34–1:50:43Ah, can this be my dear friend, the lawful wife of King Dasharata, Causalia?
1:50:43–1:50:47Who would believe it?
1:50:47–1:50:53She who in Dasharata's palace was like royal fortune.
1:50:53–1:50:55Why say'd like?
1:50:55–1:51:04She was royal fortune herself, has been utterly transformed by the force of fate.
1:51:04–1:51:09A rare creature made of pure grief.
1:51:09–1:51:12Ah, what a reversal!
1:51:12–1:51:17Here is another terrible reversal in my own condition.
1:51:17–1:51:21Those who once were for me.
1:51:21–1:51:31A festival embodied are now unbearable even to behold, as though salt were being scattered
1:51:31–1:51:35upon a wound.
1:51:35–1:51:39But I am telling you that your family perceptor commanded you to go in person to meet the
1:51:39–1:51:44King of Videha, and for that very reason I was sent to you.
1:51:44–1:51:49Why this paralyzing hesitation at every step?
1:51:49–1:51:55Your Majesty, compose yourself and obey Vasishtha's command, that is all I beg.
1:51:55–1:52:00The mere thought of meeting the King of Medi-La on such an occasion makes all my sorrow surge
1:52:00–1:52:02up again at once.
1:52:02–1:52:04The strings of my heart are breaking.
1:52:04–1:52:06I cannot hold it steady.
1:52:06–1:52:14Indeed, a current of sorrow born from separation from dear kin may already flow with violent
1:52:14–1:52:20force, but the mere sight of a beloved friend makes it unbearable as though multiplied into
1:52:20–1:52:23a thousand streams.
1:52:23–1:52:29How can I face the royal sage after what happened to my beloved daughter-in-law?
1:52:29–1:52:32Approaching.
1:52:32–1:52:38This is your honored relative, the mainstay of Janaka's line, to whom the sage Yajnavalkya
1:52:38–1:52:42once imparted, the whole knowledge of Brahman.
1:52:42–1:52:48Kassalia, there stands the royal sage, the joy of the great king's heart, the father
1:52:48–1:52:50of my beloved daughter-in-law.
1:52:50–1:52:57God above everything returns to me, when we celebrated that great wedding festival.
1:52:57–1:52:59And today, Lord, everything is ended.
1:52:59–1:53:06Janaka, Arun Dadi, Seredh Vajra, King of Videha, bows to you.
1:53:06–1:53:13She through whom alone her husband, though himself an inexhaustible treasury of holiness,
1:53:13–1:53:20regards himself as pure, and who among all the teachers of old, is the supreme teacher,
1:53:20–1:53:27I bow to that holy lady, who is like the dawn, before whom the entire world, bows its head
1:53:27–1:53:32to the ground, and who promotes the welfare of the whole universe.
1:53:32–1:53:34A sign.
1:53:34–1:53:36A loud.
1:53:36–1:53:38Sign.
1:53:38–1:53:40She faints and falls.
1:53:40–1:53:42This is mockery of us,
1:53:42–1:53:44merciless and sharp mockery.
1:53:44–1:53:46Royal sage,
1:53:46–1:53:48the queen is already plunged into the sea
1:53:48–1:53:50and she is in the sea.
1:53:50–1:53:52She is in the sea.
1:53:52–1:53:55She is in the sea.
1:53:55–1:53:57She is in the sea.
1:53:57–1:53:59She is in the sea.
1:53:59–1:54:01She is in the sea.
1:54:01–1:54:06the queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been unable to see
1:54:06–1:54:11dear Rama's moonlight face. Please do not increase her suffering with your anger.
1:54:11–1:54:17A terrible calamity befell Rama too. He was told that a malicious scandal was spreading among
1:54:17–1:54:22the citizens and because people of little understanding did not believe in the purification
1:54:22–1:54:26of the ordeal by fire, he was forced to take the harshest measure. Janka,
1:54:26–1:54:31Rama, Gods above, who is this fire that dares boast of purifying my daughter?
1:54:31–1:54:34Rama has already insulted us enough.
1:54:34–1:54:37How can anyone dare insult us further by saying such a thing?
1:54:37–1:54:40Arundhati, it is entirely true.
1:54:40–1:54:45Before my child, the word fire is merely a meaningless string of sounds, it is enough
1:54:45–1:54:47that she is Sita.
1:54:47–1:54:53My child, whether you were my daughter or my pupil, matters not at all.
1:54:53–1:54:55Your supreme purity itself.
1:54:55–1:55:02such affection in my heart. Whether one is a girl or a woman is irrelevant. You have
1:55:02–1:55:08won the praise of the whole world. It is worthy qualities in a good person that deserve honor.
1:55:08–1:55:13Not sex or age. Kausalya, ah, my wound is splitting open again.
1:55:13–1:55:22God above, what has happened now? Royal sage, what else could happen? That
1:55:22–1:55:29King that happiness that pride in her children those days gone by the instant she saw you her friend
1:55:30–1:55:35all memory surged up again you can see how deeply this terrible event has shaken her
1:55:36–1:55:45even an aged mother's heart can be as tender as a flower he sprinkles water from his water pot
1:55:45–1:55:47over her.
1:55:47–1:55:49Recovering.
1:55:49–1:55:53How base I have become.
1:55:53–1:55:57After seeing her again after so long,
1:55:57–1:56:03I could not even cast a loving glance upon my dear friend's beloved wife.
1:56:03–1:56:09Honoured kinsman, dear friend, my heart.
1:56:09–1:56:15My joy embodied the whole essence of life.
1:56:15–1:56:21My body's life breath and whatever was dearer still.
1:56:21–1:56:25What was the illustrious King Dasharath and not to me?
1:56:25–1:56:30Ah, is this truly causalia?
1:56:30–1:56:37If husband and wife ever quarreled in private, she would leave him and bring her complaint
1:56:37–1:56:49only to me, and whether she should remain angry or forgive him. The decision rested with me.
1:56:49–1:56:59But enough of such memories. They attack my heart and burn it. Orondotti, ah, sigh suppressed
1:56:59–1:57:03within for so long have hardened his heart.
1:57:03–1:57:10Janaka, our, my dear friend's wife.
1:57:10–1:57:12Chamberlain.
1:57:12–1:57:17At first fate was like a favorable friend.
1:57:17–1:57:26Following each of her wishes, then came its sudden and merciless transformation, leaving
1:57:26–1:57:29her only anguish of heart.
1:57:29–1:57:31Corsaya!
1:57:31–1:57:32Johnakie!
1:57:32–1:57:34My daughter!
1:57:34–1:57:36Where are you?
1:57:36–1:57:43How clearly I remember that innocent lotus face adorned only by the radiance of marriage
1:57:43–1:57:47with its pure smile in bloom.
1:57:47–1:57:55Child, brighten my lap again with those limbs lovelier than the first moonlight.
1:57:55–1:58:01The king always used to say, she is certainly the daughter-in-law of the lord of Raghu's
1:58:01–1:58:08line, but my kinship with Janaka makes her my own youngest daughter.
1:58:08–1:58:12What your majesty says is exactly how it was.
1:58:12–1:58:17Though the king had five children, the enemy of Subahu was dearest of all.
1:58:17–1:58:22And though he had four daughters-in-law, Sita, was no less a daughter than Shanta.
1:58:22–1:58:26Janka, ah, my dear friend King Dushat.
1:58:26–1:58:29That is why in every way you were my equal.
1:58:29–1:58:31How can I forget you?
1:58:31–1:58:33They say the father of a bride.
1:58:33–1:58:36Must honour the bridegroom's family.
1:58:36–1:58:39But in my case it was exactly the reverse.
1:58:39–1:58:42You were always the one who pleased me.
1:58:42–1:58:45Fate took from me both a man such as you.
1:58:45–1:58:47And the foundation of our kinship.
1:58:47–1:58:49Shame upon me.
1:58:49–1:58:51I must be a sinner.
1:58:51–1:58:54remain alive in this dreadful, hell-like world.
1:58:54–1:58:58Kausalya, Janki, my child, what shall I do?
1:58:58–1:59:03My unfortunate life seems permanently fastened by some unbreakable mortar, it will not leave
1:59:03–1:59:04this wretched body.
1:59:04–1:59:08Arunthati, compose yourself, you are a king's daughter.
1:59:08–1:59:12For now, do your best to restrain your sobs.
1:59:12–1:59:16And one thing more, do you not remember what your family preceptor said at Rishishanga's
1:59:16–1:59:17hermitage?
1:59:17–1:59:24He declared firmly that what happened was unavoidable, but that in the end all would be well.
1:59:24–1:59:29When all our dreams have been shattered, how can that be possible?
1:59:29–1:59:32A commotion offstage.
1:59:32–1:59:34All listen.
1:59:34–1:59:37Do you then believe he spoke falsely?
1:59:37–1:59:40You are a princess and the mother of Maitik Shatriyas.
1:59:40–1:59:44Do not think otherwise it had to happen.
1:59:44–1:59:49doubt the words of Brahmins, who have directly perceived the light.
1:59:49–1:59:52Aspicious Lakshmi dwells in their speech.
1:59:52–1:59:56No word of theirs is false.
1:59:56–1:59:58Today is a holiday from study.
1:59:58–2:00:03The noise must be children at play.
2:00:03–2:00:06Looking
2:00:06–2:00:08How easy it is to find happiness in childhood.
2:00:08–2:00:15Ah, who is that among them, who is exquisitely lovely, soft, and delicate limbs,
2:00:15–2:00:21Adorned with the beauty of dear Rama, Sooth even the pain in my eyes.
2:00:21–2:00:25Aside with tears of joy.
2:00:25–2:00:31This must be the fruit of that secret, know of that nectar, which Bhagirthi revealed.
2:00:31–2:00:35I only do not know which of the two he is Kusha or Lava.
2:00:35–2:00:38May they both live forever.
2:00:38–2:00:42A dark radiance like the petal of a blue lotus.
2:00:42–2:00:54A head adorned with lovely locks, beauty ornamented by virtue as though, his very presence ennobles
2:00:54–2:00:58the whole company of boys.
2:00:58–2:01:05He looks like Ragoon and Dana, as though my dear child had become a boy again.
2:01:05–2:01:11Who is he, the mere sight of whom?
2:01:11–2:01:14Is Ambrosial barn to my eyes?
2:01:14–2:01:21Chamberlain, I think the boy is a criteria student of sacred learning.
2:01:21–2:01:27Janaka, surely so, for he?
2:01:27–2:01:31Where's two quivers upon his back?
2:01:31–2:01:35The arrows touching his top-knot.
2:01:35–2:01:43On his chest are the marks of his lineage, lines of sacred ash, and a black antelope
2:01:43–2:01:46skin.
2:01:46–2:01:55His lower garment is dyed with madder, and bound by a cord of merver grass.
2:01:55–2:02:03In one hand he carries a bow and rosary, in the other a staff of sacred fig wood.
2:02:03–2:02:09Orondotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from?
2:02:09–2:02:15Orondotti, but I myself am newly arrived here.
2:02:15–2:02:22Janaka, Grishtin, my curiosity knows no bounds.
2:02:22–2:02:26Go at once to Valmiki and ask him.
2:02:26–2:02:31Tell the boy as well that some elders wish to see him.
2:02:31–2:02:44exit. As you command. Why do you think you will come when summoned? Will not his conduct be as courteous as his appearance?
2:02:44–2:02:56Looking. What is this? Having listened respectfully to Grishton, the boy is dismissing the sages, other pupils and coming here.
2:02:56–2:03:00gazing at him for a long time,
2:03:00–2:03:03enter lava.
2:03:03–2:03:06He thinks,
2:03:06–2:03:10approaching respectfully.
2:03:10–2:03:13What is happening to me?
2:03:13–2:03:18Only those who see truth can understand.
2:03:18–2:03:21The measure of his real power,
2:03:21–2:03:32cooled by modesty and softened by innocence. No one else can. This boy has the power to
2:03:32–2:03:44stir my heart. Made immovable by despair. As a tiny piece of magnet moves a massive lump
2:03:44–2:03:46of iron.
2:03:46–2:03:55Lava, without knowing their names and stations, how should I salute these noble elders?
2:03:55–2:04:01There is one manna taught by the elders in which there can be no fault.
2:04:01–2:04:06Lava bows his head in turn at the feet of each of you.
2:04:06–2:04:12Orundotti and Janaka, good child, may you live long.
2:04:12–2:04:16Child, may you live a long life.
2:04:16–2:04:21She takes Lava onto her lap aside.
2:04:21–2:04:24She takes him.
2:04:24–2:04:30She lifts his gen and looks with tears and wonder.
2:04:30–2:04:34Come child, how beautiful my fortune is.
2:04:34–2:04:39Not only is my lap filled, at last my dream has been fulfilled.
2:04:39–2:04:47Kassilya, child come into my lap for a moment too. Ah, not only in the form of his dark
2:04:47–2:04:54radiant body, like a newly opened blue lotus, but in his voice too he resembles dear Rama,
2:04:54–2:05:00like the long low call of a swan whose throat is colored by eating lotus filaments. His body
2:05:00–2:05:06must be the same to the touch, soft as the heart of a fully opened lotus. Child let me
2:05:06–2:05:13see your face. Royal Sage, do you not see? Look carefully. Is it not exactly like the moon face
2:05:13–2:05:20of your daughter, my daughter-in-law? Janaka. Yes, friend, I see it. I certainly see it.
2:05:20–2:05:27Kausalia. Ah, my heart is so confused that amid scattered thoughts I am speaking wildly.
2:05:27–2:05:34Janaka. In this boy appear my daughter-in-rama. A living image of the air of Ragu's line in that
2:05:34–2:05:41fairy form, the same radiance, the same voice, the same natural manner, even the same stainless
2:05:41–2:05:47splendor. Creator, why does my agitated mind run after this mirage?
2:05:47–2:05:53Child, is your mother alive? Do you have any memory of your father?
2:05:53–2:05:55No, I do not.
2:05:55–2:05:58Who cares for you?
2:05:58–2:06:00Lord Valmiki.
2:06:00–2:06:03Come, child, you must tell your story here.
2:06:03–2:06:05That is all I know.
2:06:05–2:06:11Soldiers, Prince Chandraketu commands that no one enter the Hermitage grounds without
2:06:11–2:06:12permission.
2:06:12–2:06:18Orondotti and Jinnaka are, Prince Chandraketu has arrived while guarding the sacrificial
2:06:18–2:06:19horse.
2:06:19–2:06:21We shall soon see him.
2:06:21–2:06:25What an auspicious day this is.
2:06:25–2:06:30Dear Lakshmana's little son is issuing a command the very syllables sound sweet as
2:06:30–2:06:32drops of nectar in my ears.
2:06:32–2:06:35Sir, who is this person named Chandraketu?
2:06:35–2:06:41Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lokshmonal?
2:06:41–2:06:44They are the heroes of the Ramayana.
2:06:44–2:06:46Laughing?
2:06:46–2:06:49Certainly.
2:06:49–2:06:54Lava, then how could I not have heard their names?
2:06:54–2:07:00Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshmona's son.
2:07:00–2:07:08Lava, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the King of Matilla.
2:07:08–2:07:13Orandotti, clearly the boy knows the story well.
2:07:13–2:07:20Janaka, since you know the story so thoroughly, answer some questions.
2:07:20–2:07:28What are the names of the children of Dasharata's other sons, and which wives bore them?
2:07:28–2:07:35Lava, neither I nor anyone else has heard that part of the story.
2:07:35–2:07:39Janaka has the poet not composed it.
2:07:39–2:07:46Lava he has, but it has not yet been made public.
2:07:46–2:07:54portion newly enriched with dramatic flavor has been prepared for performance.
2:07:54–2:08:01The Great Sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Barata, author of
2:08:01–2:08:05the treatise on the threefold art of music.
2:08:05–2:08:08Janaka, for what purpose?
2:08:08–2:08:12It is said that Barata will have it performed by the apps races.
2:08:12–2:08:15Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity.
2:08:15–2:08:16Valmeke is extremely careful about it.
2:08:16–2:08:19To ensure that no mishap befalls the pupils carrying the manuscript to Barada's hermitage,
2:08:19–2:08:21he has sent my brother with him, armed with bow and arrows.
2:08:21–2:08:23Kosalia, you have a brother too?
2:08:23–2:08:26Lava, I have an excellent brother named Kusha.
2:08:26–2:08:28That is, he is older than you.
2:08:28–2:08:32Lava, yes, by order of birth he is my elder.
2:08:32–2:08:35Janaka, are you twins?
2:08:35–2:08:36Lava, certainly.
2:08:36–2:08:41Janaka, tell me, how does the main story end?
2:08:41–2:08:44Distressed by the citizen's malicious scandal, the king banished Queen Sita, born from
2:08:44–2:08:49sacrificial ground to the forest. When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in the desolate wilderness and returned.
2:08:49–2:08:52Kausalya, my innocent moon-faced daughter, what dreadful reversal of fate suddenly fell upon your
2:08:52–2:08:56flower-soft body when you were all alone. Janaka, child. When at once you had to contend with humiliation,
2:08:56–2:09:00the terrible forest and the pains of childbirth, and packs of flesh-eating beasts,
2:09:00–2:09:03surrounded you on every side, then interior thoughts must surely have centered upon me,
2:09:03–2:09:04your final refuge.
2:09:05–2:09:072 Arun Diti
2:09:08–2:09:09Who are these two noble persons?
2:09:09–2:09:16Lava looks at them with reverence, concern and curiosity.
2:09:16–2:09:18Terrified
2:09:18–2:09:28This is Kosloya and this is Janaka. Janaka. Ah, how depraved the citizens were and how thoughtless
2:09:28–2:09:36King Rama, as I consider the terrible blow of this thunderbolt-like calamity, the time has come to
2:09:36–2:09:40Kindle my wrath, with my bower with a curse.
2:09:40–2:09:43Kassalia, Arndadi protect us.
2:09:43–2:09:46Please try to calm the angry king.
2:09:46–2:09:52Lava, for an honorable man whose dignity has been insulted, this alone is the proper form
2:09:52–2:09:54of revenge.
2:09:54–2:10:01Arndadi, but your majesty Rama is your son, and the unfortunate citizens are entitled
2:10:01–2:10:03to protection.
2:10:03–2:10:13a noisy group of schoolboys. They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and
2:10:13–2:10:25pull him, with curiosity, reluctance and curtsy. He goes hurriedly with them.
2:10:25–2:10:35Then let neither side show fear of Raghunandana. After all, he is my priceless son. And many
2:10:35–2:10:45among the citizens are old and weak. Brahmins, children, and women.
2:10:45–2:10:53Schoolboys, young master. We had heard in village after village about the appearance
2:10:53–2:11:00of a marvellous creature called a horse, and now we have seen one with our own eyes.
2:11:00–2:11:08Lava, a horse, is mentioned both in the scriptures concerning sacrificial animals and in the
2:11:08–2:11:11science of war.
2:11:11–2:11:16Tell me, what sort of creature is it?
2:11:16–2:11:20Schoolboys, listen, then.
2:11:20–2:11:30it is a great tale. Which it keeps swishing without stop. Its neck is long and it has
2:11:30–2:11:43for hooves. No more and no fewer. It eats grass and passes droppings. The size of mangos.
2:11:43–2:11:47But enough description.
2:11:47–2:11:48It is running away.
2:11:48–2:11:49Quick!
2:11:49–2:11:50Come!
2:11:50–2:11:58Lava, my elders can see that I am being dragged away.
2:11:58–2:12:01Orendoti and Janaka, go.
2:12:01–2:12:05Child, satisfy your curiosity.
2:12:05–2:12:15Causalia, holy lady, if we do not watch him, may he live forever, I shall feel cheated.
2:12:15–2:12:19Come, let us see him go from another place.
2:12:19–2:12:23Enter the Chamberlain.
2:12:23–2:12:27The group of elders exits.
2:12:27–2:12:31Re-enter the school boys.
2:12:31–2:12:38The little rogue has gone so far so quickly that he can scarcely be seen now. Chamberlain,
2:12:38–2:12:43Valmiki has replied that you will learn the answer to your question yourselves at the
2:12:43–2:12:50proper time. Janaka, it must be a matter of the utmost importance. Arndadi friend
2:12:50–2:12:55Kausalya Grishdan, come let us go in person to see the son of Prachatas.
2:12:55–2:12:56So, Bull.
2:12:56–2:13:04Master, look at this marvelous object. Lava. At first sight I understand. It is the horse
2:13:04–2:13:11of the Ashvameda sacrifice. So, boys, how did you know?
2:13:11–2:13:13Jealously aside.
2:13:13–2:13:17Fools. You have studied that part of the Veda and still do not understand? It must have
2:13:17–2:13:21guards, hundreds of soldiers in each division, bearing armor, maces, or arrows. The army
2:13:21–2:13:24we see here is almost exactly of that kind. If you do not believe me, ask them yourselves.
2:13:24–2:13:27A stature will be a wise soldier's. Why is this horse wandering under guard?
2:13:27–2:13:30Lava, the Ashvamedha is the final test of the supreme sovereignty of a world-conquering Kshatriya.
2:13:30–2:13:32Its purpose is to humiliate every other Kshatriya.
2:13:33–2:13:35Fired with excitement.
2:13:37–2:13:40Enter an angry and arrogant officer.
2:13:42–2:13:43Laughing.
2:13:44–2:13:46He strings his bow.
2:13:48–2:13:51All move off at a pace suited to them.
2:13:51–2:13:57This is less a horse than a banner of victory or a battle challenge.
2:13:57–2:14:04Proclaiming the one true hero of all seven worlds. The enemy of the race of the ten-headed one,
2:14:04–2:14:13Lava, R, that is a challenge to battle. Schoolboys, what can we say? The young master truly is
2:14:13–2:14:20very learned. Lava, soldiers, you boast as though no kshatriya remained anywhere on earth.
2:14:20–2:14:27Earth. Voice offstage. What value has any other kshatriya before the Universal Emperor?
2:14:27–2:14:35Lava, shame on you, villains. If they are kshatriyas, then kshatriyas they certainly are. Whom do
2:14:35–2:14:42you think you can frighten? But the time for words is past. Now I shall attack. And seize
2:14:42–2:14:49that banner. Boys. Surround them, rain-clods of earth upon them, and drag the horse
2:14:49–2:14:54Let the poor creature roam freely with the deer of the hermitage.
2:14:54–2:14:58Officer, shame on you, villain.
2:14:58–2:14:59What did you say?
2:14:59–2:15:02The king's army is ruthless and severe.
2:15:02–2:15:07It will not tolerate insolent words even from a child.
2:15:07–2:15:13Before Prince Chandraketu, destroyer of enemies, arrives in his eagerness to visit this famous
2:15:13–2:15:17forest, flee quickly through that grove of trees.
2:15:17–2:15:24Bullboys, young master, forget the horse. The army is coming, brandishing weapons and threatening
2:15:24–2:15:32you, and the hermitage is far away. Come, let us run from here at once. Lava, what do I
2:15:32–2:15:39care if they brandish their weapons? My terrible bow is ready to yawn. It is not a weapon,
2:15:39–2:15:46but the laughing mouth of death. Greedily swallowing its prey, mad and slow, rumbling like a
2:15:46–2:15:53a cloud, while its tongue, the bowstring, licks its sharp front teeth.
2:15:53–2:15:56End of Act 4.
2:15:56–2:16:04Enter Chandraketu in a chariot driven by Sumantra, bow in hand, filled with wonder, delight and
2:16:04–2:16:06apprehension.
2:16:06–2:16:12Soldiers, at last reinforcements have arrived to help us.
2:16:12–2:16:20A chariot yoked to swift horses, driven at speed by Sumantra, with the Kovidara banner
2:16:20–2:16:22flying above.
2:16:22–2:16:26Having heard the news of battle, Chandraketu is coming.
2:16:26–2:16:30Chandraketu, look, Sumantra, look.
2:16:30–2:16:35At the forefront of the battle stands a boy warrior, showering a blizzard of arrows
2:16:35–2:16:37upon the army.
2:16:37–2:16:40His five locks stream in the wind.
2:16:40–2:16:46His boasting sounds without pause, and anger has flushed his handsome face.
2:16:46–2:16:48This is astonishing.
2:16:48–2:16:56A single boy, raised by ascetics, encircled by so vast an army, like some new, unknown
2:16:56–2:17:02shoot of Raghu's line, loses a thousand fiery arrows.
2:17:02–2:17:08From a bow that thunders terribly, and splits the temples of war elephants.
2:17:08–2:17:11The sight sets my curiosity ablaze.
2:17:11–2:17:15Sumantra, noble prince, may you live long.
2:17:15–2:17:22As I look upon this boy whose power surpasses, both gods and demons, and whose beauty is
2:17:22–2:17:23its equal.
2:17:23–2:17:27I am reminded of Rama, bow in hand.
2:17:27–2:17:32Setting out to destroy the enemies of Vishwamitra's sacrifice.
2:17:32–2:17:37Chandraketu, my heart recoils in disgust to see so many.
2:17:37–2:17:45one solitary person. He is a boy and utterly alone. While a vast army surrounds him on every
2:17:45–2:17:53side, weapons interlaced in hands as huge as palmyra trunks, men thrilled by their battle
2:17:53–2:18:00array, chariots hung with chiming golden bells, and cloud-like war elephants who streaming
2:18:00–2:18:08Ika. Whips the air into a gale. Sumantra, my child, even altogether they cannot withstand
2:18:08–2:18:17him. There is no question of facing him one by one. Chandraketu, faster, sir, faster. He
2:18:17–2:18:22has begun the wholesale slaughter of my attendants.
2:18:22–2:18:294. His boasting's thunder, swelled by the deep roar of wardrums, raises a tumult greater
2:18:29–2:18:36than herds of elephants, trumpeting in mountain caves, and the hero decks the earth with heaps
2:18:36–2:18:43of twitching, headless trunks, like morsels fallen from the dreadful mouth, of death
2:18:43–2:18:47after he has eaten his fill.
2:18:47–2:18:52Aside Reflecting
2:18:52–2:18:57With wonder, shame and alarm
2:18:57–2:19:06climbing the headlong speed of the chariot as though trying to remember.
2:19:06–2:19:12How can I permit a duel between Prince Chandraketu and such a supernatural being?
2:19:12–2:19:19Yet after all, we are elders of the Exhvoko house and in these circumstances what other
2:19:19–2:19:21cause remains.
2:19:21–2:19:29Chondroketu, or Miami, is falling back on every side.
2:19:29–2:19:32Sumontra, my child.
2:19:32–2:19:36May you live long, the warrior is now within hearing of your call.
2:19:36–2:19:40Chondroketu, sir, what name?
2:19:40–2:19:42Did the messengers give?
2:19:42–2:19:45Sumontra, lover.
2:19:45–2:19:49Chondroketu, lover.
2:19:49–2:19:53Good value can such soldiers have against one so mighty as you.
2:19:53–2:19:55I am here.
2:19:55–2:19:58Face me in single combat.
2:19:58–2:20:02Fire should be met by fire alone.
2:20:02–2:20:07End a lava, advancing swiftly and fearlessly.
2:20:07–2:20:11Look, Prince, look.
2:20:11–2:20:15At your challenge the Bawariya stops destroying the army.
2:20:15–2:20:22As a lion cub, hearing the thunder of a cloud, leaves off slaughtering the herd of elephants.
2:20:23–2:20:26A tremendous appror of stage.
2:20:27–2:20:32Well said, Prince, well said. You are indeed a true son of Ishvaka. See, I have turned back to meet you.
2:20:33–2:20:39Wheeling suddenly, he rushes forward in fury.
2:20:40–2:20:43What is this? Have the commanders I defeated rallied and come to attack me from behind?
2:20:43–2:20:47behind? Villains, like the seas flood struck by the wind of dissolution, roaring so terribly
2:20:47–2:20:51that it burst the ear. Their torrent, swelling to its highest tide, shall feed the sacrificial
2:20:51–2:20:54fire of my anger. An anger fierce as the flame in the mouth of the submarine fire,
2:20:54–2:20:58which blazes higher when mountains are hurled into it. Chandraketu, noble prince, your truly
2:20:58–2:21:01wondrous qualities have made you very dear to me. You are now my friend, all that
2:21:01–2:21:05is mine is yours. Why then, destroy your own people, the touchstone of your glorious
2:21:05–2:21:07Chandraketu himself."
2:21:07–2:21:11Turning stirred an apprehensive.
2:21:11–2:21:20The tremendous appror continues offstage, with anger and contempt.
2:21:20–2:21:22He moves towards Chandrakethu.
2:21:22–2:21:25Ah, how consummately speaks.
2:21:25–2:21:29This radiant descendant of the solar race, heroic, gracious, and at once gentle and stern.
2:21:29–2:21:31Why should I trouble with those men now?
2:21:31–2:21:32Let me first honor him.
2:21:32–2:21:33Lava, shame.
2:21:33–2:21:34How these dogs insult me.
2:21:34–2:21:36They have interrupted a conversation between warriors.
2:21:36–2:21:37Chandraketu, look, sir, look!
2:21:37–2:21:38The sight is worth seeing.
2:21:38–2:21:40Brandishing his bow with confidence and eager delight.
2:21:40–2:21:42He takes aim at me while the army behind him.
2:21:42–2:21:43Presses hard upon his heels.
2:21:43–2:21:45Like a cloud bearing the rainbow.
2:21:45–2:21:46Driven backwards by a violent wind.
2:21:46–2:21:50Simantra, even to look upon him, well, only the noble prince is capable.
2:21:50–2:21:51Of that, we are overwhelmed with wonder.
2:21:51–2:21:53Chandraketu, worthy soldiers.
2:21:53–2:21:55You are an army beyond counting, while he stands alone.
2:21:55–2:21:57You have chariots, elephants, and horses.
2:21:57–2:21:58He is on foot.
2:21:58–2:21:59You are protected by armor.
2:21:59–2:22:00He wears an aesthetic steerskin.
2:22:00–2:22:02You are grown men, while on his body.
2:22:02–2:22:03The first radiance of youth has only begun to shine.
2:22:03–2:22:05To raise weapons in such a battle
2:22:05–2:22:06would bring shame upon you and upon me.
2:22:08–2:22:09Astonished.
2:22:10–2:22:11Reflecting.
2:22:13–2:22:15He concentrates.
2:22:16–2:22:18Apprehensively.
2:22:19–2:22:20What?
2:22:20–2:22:21Has compassion melted him?
2:22:21–2:22:22There is no time to waste.
2:22:22–2:22:25I shall arrest the army with the divine Jrimbaka weapon.
2:22:25–2:22:27Sumuntra, why has the upper order of our army suddenly ceased?
2:22:27–2:22:29Lava, at last that insolent fellow is in sight.
2:22:29–2:22:32Sumuntra, my child, I believe the prince has employed the Jrimbaka weapon.
2:22:32–2:22:34Chandraketu, there can be no doubt.
2:22:34–2:22:38like a dreadful union of darkness and lightning. First blinding then dazzling. It strikes even eyes
2:22:38–2:22:42that remain fixed open. My soldiers stand motionless, as though painted in a picture. The invincible
2:22:42–2:22:46Jumbaka weapon has surely been used. This is a marvel, nothing less than a marvel. Black is a
2:22:46–2:22:50darkness stored in the womb of hell. Yet glowing red with a glare of heated, shining brass. The
2:22:50–2:22:53Jumbaka weapon overspreads the sky. Like peaks of the Vindyas torn up by a roaring wind. That
2:22:53–2:22:57proclaims the end of an age. Their caves tonulate from within, by lightning issuing through masses
2:22:57–2:23:02But how did he obtain the Jimbaka weapon?
2:23:02–2:23:05Presumably from the son of Prashadas.
2:23:05–2:23:13My child, weapons such as these, the Jimbaka above all, are not acquired in that way.
2:23:13–2:23:20Four, these weapons are, as it were, the offspring of Krishoshva.
2:23:20–2:23:23From him they came to Kashikha.
2:23:23–2:23:25From Kashikha to Deeroma.
2:23:25–2:23:31their Roma, and ever since they have remained with Roma alone.
2:23:31–2:23:37Yet others too have beheld them, men illumined, by their own purity, who became seers of the
2:23:37–2:23:40mantras by themselves.
2:23:40–2:23:44Each regarding the other.
2:23:44–2:23:49They gaze at one another with affection and love.
2:23:49–2:23:54My child, be on your guard, your adversary has returned.
2:23:54–2:23:58Good princes, how gentle this young man looks!
2:23:58–2:24:01Is this a sudden meeting of minds?
2:24:01–2:24:08The influence of his countless virtues, some old friendship, swiftly formed in a former
2:24:08–2:24:14birth, or is he a kinsman hidden from us by fate?
2:24:14–2:24:22That at the mere sight of him my heart, is bound in single-minded enchantment.
2:24:22–2:24:25regarding the other.
2:24:25–2:24:30Looking at lover, dearfully, aside.
2:24:30–2:24:33Aside.
2:24:33–2:24:38It is the common nature of the soul that one person should feel an instinctive affection
2:24:38–2:24:41for another particular person.
2:24:41–2:24:46People of the world describe it figuratively as the eyes being captivated or love at first
2:24:46–2:24:48sight.
2:24:48–2:24:53The scriptures therefore declare that the thing is real, however groundless and incomprehensible
2:24:53–2:24:55it may appear.
2:24:55–2:25:00There is no remedy against affection born without a curse.
2:25:00–2:25:03There must be some subtle trade of love.
2:25:03–2:25:08That binds living beings together in their deeper selves.
2:25:08–2:25:10Both princes.
2:25:10–2:25:13How can I lose an arrow at this body?
2:25:13–2:25:17I dawned with the delicate insignia of royalty.
2:25:17–2:25:24at a very meeting my limbs tremble, with longing to embrace him. Yet what other course is there
2:25:24–2:25:31but to take up arms, before such overwhelming power? And when he lies far beyond the reach
2:25:31–2:25:39of any weapon's strength? What use are weapons at all? But if, after drawing my sword, I
2:25:39–2:25:47shrink from battle. What will he say of me? The savor of the warrior's path is harsh.
2:25:47–2:25:55It checks the spontaneous current of affection. Sumontra, my heart. Why are you so widely
2:25:55–2:26:03agitated? Fate has taken away the only seed of my hope. Once the creeper has been cut
2:26:03–2:26:09down, how can a new shooter rise? Chandraketu, Sumontra, I wish to descend from
2:26:09–2:26:20the chariot. Sumontra, why? Chondroketu, first, it is the proper way to honor a warrior. Second,
2:26:20–2:26:26as you know, it observes the kshatriya tradition. According to the interpreters of the law,
2:26:26–2:26:35a chariot warrior must never fight a man who is on foot. Sumontra, I am caught in a terrible
2:26:35–2:26:42dilemma. How can a man like me prevent him from doing what is right? Or permit a deed
2:26:42–2:26:46whose very essence is sheer recklessness?
2:26:46–2:26:52My revered father consults you on every question. Of law or statecraft, you, his father's dear
2:26:52–2:26:58friend. Why, then? This hesitation?
2:26:58–2:27:04Sementra, my child, may you live long, your judgment accords with duty.
2:27:04–2:27:08This is right conduct in battle, the eternal way of righteousness.
2:27:08–2:27:13And the warrior's path followed by the lines of Ragu's house.
2:27:13–2:27:17Embracing him with tears of affection.
2:27:17–2:27:20Sadly.
2:27:20–2:27:22Your words are beyond praise.
2:27:22–2:27:26History and legend, the teachings of duty.
2:27:26–2:27:31the ancestral customs of Raghu's line, all these are known to you alone.
2:27:32–2:27:40Sumantra. Dear child, how many days can it be? Since your beloved father, the conqueror of Indrajit,
2:27:40–2:27:47was born? And here his own son already walks the warrior's path. How complete is the good fortune
2:27:47–2:27:53of Dasharata's line. Chandraketu. So long as the eldest of Raghu's house remains unfulfilled.
2:27:53–2:27:59How can our line attain fulfillment? That single thought consumes my father.
2:27:59–2:28:06And my three other fathers with grief. Sumantra, Ah! Chandra Kedu's words pierce.
2:28:06–2:28:13The tender quick of my heart. Lava, to speak truly, the unfolding of feeling here is wholly
2:28:13–2:28:20confused. At moonrise the night-blooming lotus rejoices. And at the sight of him my eyes too
2:28:20–2:28:26You are delighted. Yet my arm, its terrible wounds laid open,
2:28:26–2:28:31Throbbing with love for the heavy bow, And its cruel string that resounds so fiercely,
2:28:31–2:28:33Longs for battle.
2:28:33–2:28:37Miming his descent from the chariot.
2:28:37–2:28:42Sir, Chandraketu of the solar race bows before you.
2:28:42–2:28:50May you possess a sovereignty unconquerable, Pure and majestic as kokut stas.
2:28:50–2:28:55May the eternal God, the Bo, grant you lasting welfare.
2:28:55–2:29:02And Father, May the Son, Father of your race, inspire you in battle.
2:29:02–2:29:09May Metruvaruna, the Preceptor of your Preceptors, and your own Preceptor too, be gracious to
2:29:09–2:29:10you.
2:29:10–2:29:18May you receive the strength of Indra, Vishnu, Agni, the Maruts, and Supanna.
2:29:18–2:29:25May the mighty mantra sound of the bow strings of Roma and Lakshmana bring you victory.
2:29:25–2:29:27Noble Prince, you look magnificent upon your chariot.
2:29:27–2:29:30There is no need for so great a display of courtesy.
2:29:30–2:29:34Then let the fortunate Prince adorn a chariot as well.
2:29:34–2:29:37Sir, have the Prince mount his chariot again.
2:29:37–2:29:40A little embarrassed.
2:29:40–2:29:43Smiling.
2:29:43–2:29:47Then you two must accept Prince Chandraketu's request.
2:29:47–2:29:54lover, who would hesitate to use an implement of his own. But we forest dwellers are not
2:29:54–2:30:01accustomed to riding in chariots. Sumontra, my child, you remember the claims of both self-respect
2:30:01–2:30:09and generosity. If Roma, king of the Ishvakos, could see this conduct of yours, his heart
2:30:09–2:30:15would overflow with affection. Lover, I understand that the royal sage himself
2:30:15–2:30:21is exceedingly generous, or so, at least, I have heard.
2:30:21–2:30:26We do not ordinarily oppose such a right, and who in the world would not honour the king's
2:30:26–2:30:28countless virtues.
2:30:28–2:30:33Yet the challenge proclaimed by the guardians of the horse, a provocation flung at every
2:30:33–2:30:36criteria, has brought about this change in me.
2:30:36–2:30:43Chondroketu, are you offended even by the splendour of my father's immeasurable power?
2:30:43–2:30:47Lover, whether I am or not is beside the point.
2:30:47–2:30:53I ask only this, I have heard that Rogva is a self-controlled man, it is said that neither
2:30:53–2:30:57he know his subjects are arrogant.
2:30:57–2:31:02Why then do his people speak words fit for demons?
2:31:02–2:31:06The sages say that demonic speech is speech.
2:31:06–2:31:10Fit only for the intoxicated or the proud.
2:31:10–2:31:14It is the root of every feud, the very curse of the world.
2:31:14–2:31:17So have men condemned it.
2:31:17–2:31:20Speech of the opposite kind.
2:31:20–2:31:22They praise in these words.
2:31:22–2:31:28The wise declare that gracious speech is the wishful feeling cow itself.
2:31:28–2:31:32It yields all that one desires, drives one away.
2:31:32–2:31:37Gives birth to fame, and wipes out every evil deed.
2:31:37–2:31:41It is the very mother of supreme prosperity.
2:31:41–2:31:45How gallus is this young disciple of Valmiki?
2:31:45–2:31:49Every word he speaks is tipped in the nature of a sage.
2:31:49–2:31:52Chanda Ketu, regarding what you just said, are you offended?
2:31:52–2:31:54Even by the splendor of my father's power?
2:31:54–2:31:55I ask only this.
2:31:55–2:31:58Is the exercise of a kshatriya's duty subject to limitation?
2:31:58–2:32:02You do not know the lord of the Ikshvakos in the list.
2:32:02–2:32:05Please abandon this obstinacy now.
2:32:05–2:32:10By destroying the soldiers you have certainly displayed your strength.
2:32:10–2:32:16But it is unwise to vie with the conqueror of Jamadagnya.
2:32:16–2:32:17Laughing
2:32:17–2:32:20Sir, why proclaim with such fanfare, that the king defeated Jamadagnya?
2:32:20–2:32:23It is an established truth that Brahmin strength flies in speech.
2:32:23–2:32:25Whereas Ekshatriya's strength flies in his arm.
2:32:25–2:32:27Jamadagnya was a Brahmin who took up the sword.
2:32:27–2:32:30What glory does the king gain by defeating such a man?
2:32:30–2:32:32Somewhat agitated.
2:32:32–2:32:40Sir, enough of this dispute. This person must be some new incarnation of the primal being.
2:32:40–2:32:45If even the son of Bhrigu is no adversary in his eyes, and if he refuses to admit that
2:32:45–2:32:52father Rama's righteous deeds could have secured the safety of all seven worlds.
2:32:52–2:32:53Ex-In-Tall
2:32:53–2:33:03A Vidyadhar and his wife appear in a chariot moving through the sky.
2:33:03–2:33:04Reflecting.
2:33:04–2:33:08He does so.
2:33:08–2:33:09Looking.
2:33:09–2:33:10Excent both.
2:33:10–2:33:14Who does not acknowledge Rama's deeds and greatness?
2:33:14–2:33:16Yet there remains room for criticism.
2:33:16–2:33:17Well enough now.
2:33:17–2:33:18He is an elder.
2:33:18–2:33:19There is no need to reconsider his actions.
2:33:19–2:33:20Let it pass.
2:33:20–2:33:21Why speak of it again?
2:33:21–2:33:23Even the killing of Sunder's wife did not stain his fame.
2:33:23–2:33:26In the eyes of the world he remains great, and the three steps he retreated in battle
2:33:26–2:33:29with Kara, or the skill he displayed in killing Indra's son.
2:33:29–2:33:31The world knows all these matters perfectly well.
2:33:31–2:33:32Chandraketu, no!
2:33:32–2:33:34By reviling father Rama you have now crossed all bounds.
2:33:34–2:33:35Your insolence has grown intolerable.
2:33:35–2:33:36Lava, what?
2:33:36–2:33:38Are you making faces at me?
2:33:38–2:33:39Simantra, I see their anger flare.
2:33:39–2:33:41The moment each understands the other's intent.
2:33:41–2:33:43They tremble so violently that their crests come loose.
2:33:43–2:33:46Their eyes naturally pink as lotus petals, of themselves turn blood red.
2:33:46–2:33:49And the sudden, frenzied dance of their arched brows makes each face resemble the
2:33:49–2:33:51dark mark upon the full moon.
2:33:51–2:33:53For a black be hovering over a blossoming white lotus.
2:33:53–2:33:54Both princes, come!
2:33:54–2:33:55Let us find a place better suited to battle.
2:33:55–2:33:56End of Act 5.
2:33:56–2:33:57Interlude to Act 6.
2:33:57–2:34:00Vidyātara, ah, behold the prowess of these two princes of the solar race.
2:34:00–2:34:03Locked in a furious struggle in a battle that began without warning, the beauty of kshatriya
2:34:03–2:34:05power has gained a new brilliance.
2:34:05–2:34:06And gods and demons themselves are speechless with wonder.
2:34:06–2:34:07Look, my dear!
2:34:07–2:34:09They bend bows hung with chiming golden bells.
2:34:09–2:34:12And with a mighty twang of their heady strings, raise a terrifying tumult, their
2:34:12–2:34:13crests stream without pause.
2:34:13–2:34:17Arrows rain down, and the battle, mounting with dramatic violence, strikes terror
2:34:17–2:34:18into the whole world.
2:34:18–2:34:21the welfare of both the drums of heaven resound with the deep thunder of clouds then let flowers fall
2:34:21–2:34:25unceasingly upon these two perfected heroes dense showers laden with open golden lotuses
2:34:25–2:34:29dripping nectar from the tender jewel like buds of the immortal trees of the gods vidyadari
2:34:29–2:34:33but why has the sky suddenly turned so tony and why has the dreadful flash of lightning began its
2:34:33–2:34:37wild dance interlude to act six vidyadhara what can be happening now has the third eye of the
2:34:37–2:34:42dark and red god open fully blazing like sunlight spun upon to vastars lake i understand prince
2:34:42–2:34:45chandrakha too has released the weapon of fire and its flames are spreading everywhere now
2:34:45–2:34:47All the other celestial chariots have fled.
2:34:47–2:34:49The yaktail banners are singed into rainbow colors.
2:34:49–2:34:51And the flames upon our own standard make it look.
2:34:51–2:34:53For a moment, as though it had been dyed saffron.
2:34:53–2:34:54A marvel.
2:34:54–2:34:56The god of fire has appeared, sparks bursting from him.
2:34:56–2:34:57Crack like thunderbolts.
2:34:57–2:34:59How terribly the flames leap and lick.
2:34:59–2:35:00The heat spreading on every side is unbearable.
2:35:00–2:35:02I had better shield my beloved with my body.
2:35:02–2:35:03And move to a safer distance.
2:35:03–2:35:04Vidyadhari.
2:35:04–2:35:06Ah, the touch of my husband's body has shut out the heat.
2:35:06–2:35:08Cool and smooth as the purest pearl, so tender and complete.
2:35:08–2:35:10Then in delight my eyes roll back and close.
2:35:10–2:35:11Vidyadhara.
2:35:11–2:35:12Why? What have I done?
2:35:12–2:35:14And yet, one need do nothing at all.
2:35:14–2:35:17The mere joy of companionship removes sorrow. What a great blessing it is to possess someone who loves
2:35:17–2:35:21you. Interlude to Act 6. Vidyadharahri, why has the sky suddenly darkened with clouds?
2:35:21–2:35:24Fluid billowing masses adorned with flashing lightning. Black is the throat of a peacock
2:35:24–2:35:28maddened with delight? Vidyadharahra, it must be the effect of the Varna weapon released by Prince
2:35:28–2:35:32Lava. What is this? Thousands upon thousands of swelling clouds. Have quenched the weapon of fire.
2:35:32–2:35:36Vidyadharahri, ah, how delightful it is to me. Vidyadharahra, but alas, every excess gives
2:35:36–2:35:40birth to danger. Now, the world is shivering with cold, enveloped in dense and terrible darkness.
2:35:40–2:35:43Thickened by clouds roaring like the wind of dissolution, as though the entire universe
2:35:43–2:35:47were struggling inside the cavernous mouth of time, yawning horribly to swallow it in a single gulp,
2:35:47–2:35:50or as though it had entered. The belly of Narayana, all the doors of his tenses closed.
2:35:50–2:35:53In the yogic sleep at the end of an age. Well done, Prince Chinaketu.
2:35:53–2:35:56Well done! This is precisely the moment to release the Wind weapon.
2:35:56–2:35:59And he surely has released it for. The wind has torn the swelling clouds apart.
2:35:59–2:36:03As knowledge dissolves delusion into Brahman. Vidyadari, my lord, who is this,
2:36:03–2:36:05descending in terror between the two princes. In his celestial chariot,
2:36:05–2:36:08waiting the end of his robe with uplifted hand. And from far away striding with
2:36:08–2:36:12gentle words to stop the battle? Interlude to Act 6. Vidyadara, it is the lord of Raghu's
2:36:12–2:36:15line returning from the slaying of Shambhaka. At the great man's words both honor him and
2:36:15–2:36:19cease their battle. Lava falls silent while Chandrakya to Bose profoundly. May the king's
2:36:19–2:36:24meeting with his own son's bear an auspicious fruit. Come let us go now. End of the interlude.
2:36:24–2:36:34At the opening of the Sinha Rama, Lava and Chandraketu who is bowing before Rama, descending
2:36:34–2:36:45from the Pushpaka chariot. He raises and embraces him with tears of affection.
2:36:45–2:36:54Looking at Lava, Rama, Chandraketu, moon of the solar rays,
2:36:54–2:37:03Come to me at once and embrace me tightly. Your limbs are cool as blocks of ice,
2:37:03–2:37:12to soothe even the burning of a heart such as mine. Are you well? And are the divine
2:37:12–2:37:20weapons dwelling within your body also well? Chandraketu, all is well because I have had
2:37:20–2:37:31the good fortune to meet Lava. This beautiful prince of marvelous deeds. I beg that father,
2:37:31–2:37:40upon this supreme and noble hero with the same affection. He bears me, or with even greater
2:37:40–2:37:51affection. Rama, how fortunate that my child has found a new friend. His nature is at once
2:37:51–2:38:01unfathomable and beneficent. It is as though the science of weapons had taken bodily form.
2:38:01–2:38:10to protect the worlds, as though Kshatriya duty had become incarnate, to guard the treasure
2:38:10–2:38:20of sacred knowledge, as though all power had come into full flower. All virtues had gathered
2:38:20–2:38:29in one place, and all the merit of the world had accumulated, to stand here visibly
2:38:29–2:38:30revealed.
2:38:30–2:38:31Aside.
2:38:31–2:38:37Ah, what a great man, purity of radiance and body, the one mighty refuge of trust, affection
2:38:37–2:38:40and devotion, the gentleness of supreme righteousness made flesh.
2:38:40–2:38:43This is a wonder, hostility has vanished and a joyous tenderness wells up.
2:38:43–2:38:45Where has my insolence dissolved?
2:38:45–2:38:46That humility now overwhelms me?
2:38:46–2:38:49At the very sight of him I have fallen under his power, why?
2:38:49–2:38:52Yet great man, like sacred places, possess some influence of a measurable worth.
2:38:52–2:38:54Rama, how does he suddenly bring rest to my sorrow?
2:38:54–2:38:56And for what reason does affection awaken in my inmost being?
2:38:56–2:38:59But to say that affection requires a cause is self-contradictory.
2:38:59–2:39:01There is something with source of mutual attraction.
2:39:01–2:39:03Love does not depend in the least upon an outward cause.
2:39:03–2:39:04Why does the white lotus open at sunrise?
2:39:04–2:39:07Or the moonstone release its dew at moonrise?
2:39:07–2:39:25Joyfully, gazing with humility and curiosity, embracing him affectionately, aside, allowed.
2:39:25–2:39:26Chandraketu, who is this?
2:39:26–2:39:29Chandraketu, dear friend, this is my revered father.
2:39:29–2:39:31Lava, then by right he is my father too, since you have called me.
2:39:31–2:39:32Your dear friend.
2:39:32–2:39:34But in the Ramayana you address four men.
2:39:34–2:39:35By that title.
2:39:35–2:39:36Tell me, which of them is he?
2:39:36–2:39:38Chandraketu, he is my eldest father.
2:39:38–2:39:40Lava, then this is the lord of Raghu's line.
2:39:40–2:39:42How fortunate that this day has dawned to grant me sight of him.
2:39:42–2:39:44Father Lava, the disciple of the son of Prachatas.
2:39:44–2:39:45Bows before you.
2:39:45–2:39:48Rama, my child, may you live long, come to me.
2:39:48–2:39:50Enough, enough, put aside this formality.
2:39:50–2:39:51Embrace me tightly again and again.
2:39:51–2:39:53Your touch is like the inner petal of a firm, full-grown lotus.
2:39:53–2:39:55Tender and smooth yet strong.
2:39:55–2:39:57And cool is the heartwood of sandal or a moonbeam.
2:39:57–2:39:58Reviving the very breath of life.
2:39:58–2:40:00Lava, he feels such spontaneous affection for me.
2:40:00–2:40:03And in my ignorance I have committed so great an offense against him.
2:40:03–2:40:05Even raised weapons and attacked his men.
2:40:05–2:40:08May my revered father forgive Lava's childish offense today.
2:40:08–2:40:11What offense has my child committed?
2:40:11–2:40:18Chandraketu, hearing the guardians of the horse-proclaimed father's might.
2:40:18–2:40:22He became eager to display his own valor.
2:40:22–2:40:27Rama, but that is the ornament of Akshatriya.
2:40:27–2:40:34A man of immense strength cannot endure another's display of power.
2:40:34–2:40:39It is his natural disposition, not an afficcation.
2:40:39–2:40:48If the sun, maker of day, continually scorches a sunstone with his rays, will it not, as
2:40:48–2:40:52though insulted, spit forth fire?
2:40:52–2:40:54Looking
2:40:55–2:40:57Lava concentrates
2:40:59–2:41:01Exit
2:41:01–2:41:03His rough too is astonishing
2:41:03–2:41:06Father look my dear friend
2:41:07–2:41:12This hero released the drum barker weapon and held the soldiers utterly motionless
2:41:12–2:41:16Rama child lava withdraw the weapon and
2:41:17–2:41:18Chandraketu
2:41:18–2:41:21You too go and reassure the humbled helpless soldiers
2:41:22–2:41:25Chandraketu, as you command.
2:41:25–2:41:29Lava, the weapon has been pacified.
2:41:29–2:41:35My child, the deployment and withdrawal of these weapons,
2:41:35–2:41:41together with their secret mantras, are handed down through a lineage.
2:41:41–2:41:46Brahma and the other gods performed austerities
2:41:46–2:41:52for a thousand years and more for the welfare of the Vedic way of life.
2:41:52–2:41:59Then these weapons, which those ancient masters became worthy to behold,
2:41:59–2:42:04worthy embodied forms of their own ascetic power.
2:42:04–2:42:10Thereafter Krishashva imparted the complete secret lore of their mantras
2:42:10–2:42:16to Vishwamitra of Kusha's line, a disciple who had remained with him
2:42:16–2:42:20for a thousand years and more.
2:42:20–2:42:28That holy sage bestowed them upon me. Such was the former succession.
2:42:28–2:42:36May I ask, how did that succession reach the noble prince?
2:42:36–2:42:38The weapons appear to their own accord before both of us.
2:42:38–2:42:41Reflecting.
2:42:41–2:42:44Why should that be impossible?
2:42:44–2:42:52Through the right wing of extraordinary merit from a former birth such power may arise
2:42:53–2:42:56But why did you use the dual number?
2:42:58–2:43:00We are two brothers twins
2:43:00–2:43:02Then where is the other?
2:43:04–2:43:07Bandayana bandayana dear friend
2:43:07–2:43:14Do you say that the King's soldiers made so merciless an assault upon lava may he live long
2:43:14–2:43:23Then the Sun-like title of King shall set from the world, and the fire of the Kshatriya weapon shall soon be extinguished.
2:43:24–2:43:41Who is this now, dark as a sapphire? Whose voice makes the hair rise upon my body? As buds burst upon the Kadamba, the moment a young black cloud begins its low thunder.
2:43:41–2:43:48Eagaly.
2:43:48–2:43:53He goes.
2:43:53–2:43:59Enter Kusha.
2:43:59–2:44:10With anger, curiosity, eagerness and resolution, sounding his bow string.
2:44:10–2:44:16He advances with long strides.
2:44:16–2:44:17Coming near.
2:44:17–2:44:22Since the age of Manu, son of Aivasvan, these kings of the Solar Race have granted fearlessness
2:44:22–2:44:25even to Indra and have kept blazing the fierce fire of their Kshatriya power to burn the
2:44:25–2:44:26arrogant.
2:44:26–2:44:28If today I gain the chance to fight the king of the Solar Race, how blessed my bow will
2:44:28–2:44:32be, it's string consecrated in the terrible flame of my radiant divine weapons.
2:44:32–2:44:35Rama, what extraordinary manliness dwells in this Kshatriya boy.
2:44:35–2:44:37His glance declares that he does not care a blade of grass.
2:44:37–2:44:40any creature in the universe. He moves with tremendous force, as though making the earth
2:44:40–2:44:44herself bow. Young as he is, he bears within him the grave weight of a mountain. Is the
2:44:44–2:44:47heroic mood approaching in person, or pride itself embodied? Lava, victory to my elder
2:44:47–2:44:52brother. Kusha, my child, may you live long. What is this news of battle? Lava, nothing.
2:44:52–2:44:56Brother, swallow your pride before this man, and conduct yourself humbly. Kusha, why?
2:44:56–2:44:58The man standing there is the lord of Ragu himself. He bears affection for both of
2:44:58–2:45:03us, and is eager to see you before him. Thoughtfully.
2:45:03–2:45:07Is he not the hero of the Ramayana, and the protector of the treasure of sacred knowledge?
2:45:07–2:45:08He is indeed.
2:45:08–2:45:10He is a great man.
2:45:10–2:45:11The sight of him is sacred and devoutly to be desired.
2:45:11–2:45:14Yet I do not understand how I should approach him.
2:45:14–2:45:16As one approaches a mother or father.
2:45:16–2:45:17Why should that be so in the world?
2:45:17–2:45:20Chandra Ketu, son of Amala, is exceedingly generous.
2:45:20–2:45:22He accepts me as his friend and calls me, dear companion.
2:45:22–2:45:25Through that relationship, the royal sage present here, has become by right a father
2:45:25–2:45:27to us both.
2:45:27–2:45:29They both advance.
2:45:29–2:45:34Then, though he is a royal personage, no fault will attach to us if we bow before
2:45:34–2:45:35him.
2:45:35–2:45:40Brother, behold the great man, the majesty of all his supernatural deeds, may be read in his grave and radiant bearing."
2:45:40–2:45:54Looking, approaching, he embraces him aside. They move and sit in the proper order.
2:45:54–2:45:57Ah, his body breeds peace, and his radiance purifies.
2:45:57–2:46:00How fittingly the poet of the Ramayana transformed the goddess's speech into visible form.
2:46:00–2:46:03Father, Kusha, disciple of the son of Prechitas, pose before you.
2:46:03–2:46:04Rama, come to me.
2:46:04–2:46:05Yes, come.
2:46:05–2:46:06May you live long.
2:46:06–2:46:08Your body is tender as a cloud filled with the water of immortality.
2:46:08–2:46:11And this man, moved by a father's love, longs to embrace you.
2:46:11–2:46:14But this child, as though the very essence of my body, liquefied by affection, had streamed
2:46:14–2:46:17from every limb, and now stood outside me, as though my consciousness, my elemental
2:46:17–2:46:19self, had taken embodied form beyond me.
2:46:19–2:46:22Why is he drenched in the current of my heart, which trembles with this profound
2:46:22–2:46:23joy?
2:46:23–2:46:25Why does he in turn drench me in a true flood of nectar?
2:46:25–2:46:27Lava, father, the sun is scorching my head.
2:46:27–2:46:29My father sit for a moment. Beneath the shade of the sal tree.
2:46:29–2:46:31Rama, whatever my child desires.
2:46:31–2:46:33Aside,
2:46:34–2:46:36Studying them closely,
2:46:38–2:46:39Reflecting,
2:46:40–2:46:42Tearfully,
2:46:43–2:46:44Weeping,
2:46:46–2:46:48Ah, though they are modest,
2:46:48–2:46:50Their manner of walking,
2:46:50–2:46:59Standing, and sitting suggests that Kusha and Lava are future emperors.
2:46:59–2:47:08The royal dignity inherent in their bodies enhances the lovely beauty of every limb,
2:47:08–2:47:17as rays enhance the stainless moon, or drops of nectar a fully opened lotus.
2:47:17–2:47:23I see further signs that these two are princes of Raghu's line.
2:47:23–2:47:27Bodies dark as the neck of a full-grown pigeon.
2:47:27–2:47:31Sloping shoulders like a bull's.
2:47:31–2:47:35Steady gazes like a lion at rest.
2:47:35–2:47:40And voices deep and rich as festival drums.
2:47:40–2:47:45Not only do they bear the form of my own house.
2:47:45–2:47:49Every limb of both princes clearly resembles.
2:47:49–2:47:55Janaka's daughter as well, on close observation.
2:47:55–2:47:58The inference is easy.
2:47:58–2:48:03It is as though the face of my beloved has appeared again.
2:48:03–2:48:07Beautiful as the freshest lotus.
2:48:07–2:48:13The same face, lovely with the gleam of flawless white teeth.
2:48:13–2:48:16The same graceful ears.
2:48:16–2:48:20And though their eyes are red and dark,
2:48:20–2:48:24The same impress of her beautiful nature.
2:48:24–2:48:30This is the very forest where the son of Prachatas dwells.
2:48:30–2:48:35And where, I have heard, the queen was abandoned.
2:48:35–2:48:37Then there are.
2:48:37–2:48:42Their appearance, age, and radiance.
2:48:42–2:48:50It also astonishes me that the divine weapons appeared of themselves, as the command I gave
2:48:50–2:48:54the weapons in the picture gallery.
2:48:54–2:48:56Now born fruit.
2:48:56–2:49:03For I have heard that even the great men of old could not obtain them without initiation
2:49:03–2:49:07through an unbroken succession.
2:49:07–2:49:10Then this boundless joy.
2:49:10–2:49:17and sorrow, rising together in my heart, give conviction to my wavering soul.
2:49:17–2:49:23And above all, I knew that the queen carried twins in her womb.
2:49:23–2:49:32Long ago, when intimacy had blossomed and my affection, grew and became secure.
2:49:32–2:49:37And she was more at ease with me in private.
2:49:37–2:49:44Though natural modesty still restrained her gaze, I was the first to discover, by the
2:49:44–2:49:50touch of my palm, that there were two swellings in the womb.
2:49:50–2:49:55She herself learned it only some days later.
2:49:55–2:49:57Is there some way I might ask them?
2:49:57–2:50:00Father, what has happened?
2:50:00–2:50:03This rain of tears has made your face, the source of the world's welfare, like a
2:50:03–2:50:06night load of stringed, in the dew of dawn.
2:50:06–2:50:07Aside.
2:50:08–2:50:09Allowed.
2:50:36–2:50:40by the agency of the holy valmiki a hymn to the solar race i greatly desire to hear some part of it
2:50:40–2:50:43kusha we have rehearsed the entire composition just now two verses from the final chapter of the
2:50:43–2:50:47book of childhood come to mind rama recite them child kusha cedar was dear to the great rama
2:50:47–2:50:51by her very nature but by all her virtues she increased that love still more in the same way
2:50:51–2:50:54rama was dearer to cedar than life itself each heart knew perfectly well the full measure of
2:50:54–2:51:05their mutual love with a shy smile affection and grief he stands as those stunned in anguish
2:51:06–2:51:10How terrible!
2:51:10–2:51:14Another merciless blow upon the tender quick of my heart.
2:51:14–2:51:18Queen, it was truly so.
2:51:18–2:51:24Alas for the conduct of life, discordant.
2:51:24–2:51:29Confused events ending in a fruitless, broken love.
2:51:29–2:51:32Leaving only scorched pain.
2:51:32–2:51:42shall such happiness be found again. And that perfect trust which made it grow. That solicitude
2:51:42–2:51:52each bore for the other. That deep-flowing savor of wonder. That oneness of two hearts.
2:51:52–2:52:01In sorrow and in joy alike. Yet this sinful breath of mine. Still clings and will not
2:52:01–2:52:11to part. Ah, how terrible! They have reminded me of that one uniquely painful time. When
2:52:11–2:52:21countless qualities of my beloved were revealed all at once, when the girl's bud-like breasts
2:52:21–2:52:30had newly begun to swell, and in only a few days had grown a little fuller. When desire
2:52:30–2:52:42deepened by the combined force. Of youth, love, and curiosity was bold within her heart,
2:52:42–2:52:52yet shy upon her body. Lava, then hear this verse, spoken by the Lord of Raghu Tassita.
2:52:52–2:52:58While they rested in the Mundakini Grove near Mount Chitrakoota. As though the stone
2:52:58–2:53:06seat before you have been kept for you alone. And the kisara trees around it were showering
2:53:06–2:53:16flowers. Rama, how wonderfully innocent. A child can be, especially one raised in the
2:53:16–2:53:26forest. Queen, do you remember our intimate conversation on that occasion? How terrible
2:53:26–2:53:37this is. With the minds I I see your face. Your brow bright as the moon. Your hair stirred
2:53:37–2:53:46by the gentle wind from the mandakini. Cool with beads of perspiration. Your cheeks open
2:53:46–2:53:55and lovely without a saffron mark. And your exquisitely graceful ears. More beautiful
2:53:55–2:54:01for having no earrings. Oh Fate!
2:54:01–2:54:07Even in separation, the beloved surely gives some consolation.
2:54:07–2:54:15For through continual, profound meditation, I create her before my eyes.
2:54:15–2:54:23But when even that resource is taken away, the world becomes a desolate forest.
2:54:23–2:54:28And the heart feels as though it were slowly roasting.
2:54:28–2:54:33Over a smoldering fire of chaff.
2:54:33–2:54:41Vasishtha, Valmiki, Dasherata's queens, Janaka, and Orondotti, terrified by the news of the
2:54:41–2:54:45boy's battle, are at last approaching.
2:54:45–2:54:48Old age fetters their feet.
2:54:48–2:54:50And the hermitage lies far away.
2:54:50–2:54:54Yet though weariness slows their bodies.
2:54:54–2:54:57The minds run on ahead.
2:54:57–2:55:03Looking in anguish, he rises.
2:55:03–2:55:08All move away, overcome with grief.
2:55:08–2:55:10What?
2:55:10–2:55:16Arundhati, Vasishta, my mothers, and Janaka are here.
2:55:16–2:55:20The very thought of seeing them is unbearable.
2:55:20–2:55:30Last, Father Janaka himself is coming this way, like a thunderbolt, about to fall upon
2:55:30–2:55:33my wretched head.
2:55:33–2:55:40Once at the celebration of their children's marriage, our two fathers met in the presence
2:55:40–2:55:49of Vasishtha and the others and rejoiced to see how worthy the alliance was.
2:55:49–2:55:55After all this ruin, how can I look upon such a friend of my father?
2:55:55–2:55:59And not shatter into a thousand pieces.
2:55:59–2:56:04And yet, what deed is too difficult for Rama?
2:56:04–2:56:08Voice offstage, alas!
2:56:08–2:56:14The moment they beheld the Lord of Raghu, whose beauty is now preserved.
2:56:14–2:56:22Only in his radiance, his mothers, already distraught, with trying to revive the fainting
2:56:22–2:56:28Janaka, have themselves fallen unconscious.
2:56:28–2:56:39Rama, father, mothers, do not waste compassion upon a sinner such as I, I showed none.
2:56:39–2:56:47To the woman who was the entire good fortune of Janaka and Raghu's line, I must go and
2:56:47–2:56:49bow before them.
2:56:49–2:56:54Kusha and Lava, this way, father.
2:56:54–2:57:12of Act 6. Enter Lakshman. Enter Rama. Lakshman ah has Valmiki by his ascetic power gathered
2:57:12–2:57:20together the entire living world, all mortals and immortals, gods and demons, men, women,
2:57:20–2:57:27animals and every moving and unmoving being of the middle-air, and summoned with us all
2:57:27–2:57:33Brahmins, Kshatriyas, townspeople, and country folk.
2:57:33–2:57:42My elder brother has also commanded me, dear Lakshman, Valmiki has invited us to witness
2:57:42–2:57:47his dramatic composition performed by celestial nymphs.
2:57:47–2:57:54Go therefore to the theatre on the bank of the Ganges and see that the spectators are seated
2:57:54–2:57:57in their proper places.
2:57:57–2:58:04I have arranged suitable seats for mortals and immortals alike.
2:58:04–2:58:11And look, out of reverence for Valmiki my elder brother is coming this way.
2:58:11–2:58:18Though still a king, he has adopted the stern observance of an ascetic.
2:58:18–2:58:26Rama, dear brother Lakshman, are all who understand the art of drama in their places.
2:58:26–2:58:30Lakshman adear.
2:58:30–2:58:40Rama, let these two boys, Kusha and Lava, be given seats of honour equal to Prince Chandrakethus.
2:58:40–2:58:42They sit.
2:58:42–2:58:47Knowing my lord's affection for them, I have already done so.
2:58:47–2:58:50The royal pavilion is prepared here.
2:58:50–2:58:54Let the performance begin.
2:58:54–2:59:02The son of Preciatis, who relates the truth exactly as it is, makes this appeal to every moving and unmoving creature assembled here.
2:59:02–2:59:07Through the profound insight made possible by a sage's vision, I have composed a brief
2:59:07–2:59:14work that is at once purifying and rich in dramatic feeling, filled with pathos and wonder.
2:59:14–2:59:20In view of the gravity of its subject, please give it your undivided attention.
2:59:20–2:59:25He means that sage is behold righteousness directly.
2:59:25–2:59:31The inside of holy seers is, truth-bearing, untouched by the dust of falsehood and
2:59:31–2:59:36never broken, therefore it must never be regarded with doubt."
2:59:36–2:59:44My husband. Prince Loxmono. I am alone and without protection in the forest. My labour
2:59:44–2:59:51pains have begun, and terrible wild beasts are eager to devour me. Wretched as I am,
2:59:51–2:59:56I have no course left but to throw myself into the mandikini.
2:59:56–3:00:08aside how dreadful this is far worse than I had imagined exit stunned the daughter
3:00:08–3:00:13of all supporting earth the queen abandoned by the king in the great
3:00:13–3:00:20forest when the pains of childbirth begin leaps into the divine Ganges
3:00:20–3:00:24Rama Queen Queen
3:00:24–3:00:27Look, Lakshmana is here.
3:00:27–3:00:31Lakshmana, but brother, this is only a play.
3:00:31–3:00:36Rama Queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka forest.
3:00:36–3:00:39This calamity befell you because of Rama.
3:00:39–3:00:43Lakshmana, brother, keep watching the story.
3:00:43–3:00:52Enter Sita, almost unconscious, supported by Earth and Ganga, each Goddess carrying one
3:00:52–3:00:57of Sita's sons in her arms.
3:00:57–3:01:00I have hardened my heart.
3:01:00–3:01:02I am ready.
3:01:02–3:01:08Rama, dear brother, I am entering a realm of darkness where neither cause nor remedy
3:01:08–3:01:11can be seen.
3:01:11–3:01:22me. Both goddesses. Beautiful Vadahi, master yourself. By good fortune your travail has
3:01:22–3:01:33succeeded. In the river you have borne two sons. Who will sustain the line of Raghu?
3:01:33–3:01:46herself. She feigns. By good fortune, I have borne sons. My husband. Falling at Rama's
3:01:46–3:01:56feet. Looking. He fans him. Brother, dear brother, what happiness that our purpose has been
3:01:56–3:02:01fulfilled. A magnificent new branch has sprung from the tree of Raghu's line. Ah, my
3:02:01–3:02:05My brother is motionless, overwhelmed by a surging flood of tears.
3:02:05–3:02:10Child, recover yourself, we beg you.
3:02:10–3:02:14Regaining consciousness.
3:02:14–3:02:18Divine lady, who are you? And who are you?
3:02:18–3:02:24Earth, this is Badjarathi, the tutelary goddess of your husband's house.
3:02:24–3:02:27Divine lady, I bow before you.
3:02:27–3:02:32May you enjoy complete good fortune in accordance with your fidelity as a wife.
3:02:33–3:02:35Great Grace has been shown to us.
3:02:36–3:02:39And this is your mother, the Goddess Earth.
3:02:40–3:02:43She embraces Sita and Fiends.
3:02:44–3:02:47Mother, you see me in this condition.
3:02:48–3:02:51Earth, come, child, come, my little daughter.
3:02:52–3:02:54Excitedly.
3:02:54–3:02:59Ah, both earth and Ganga have come to aid my sister in law.
3:02:59–3:03:01Looking.
3:03:01–3:03:05Recovering Consciousness.
3:03:05–3:03:12This is surely a cause for joy, and yet a source of profound pathos.
3:03:12–3:03:20Bhajyurthi, even all supporting earth can tremble, so powerful is love for a child.
3:03:20–3:03:29Yet it is the same in all, the knot of attachment, the source of unrest within every conscious
3:03:29–3:03:34creature, the very thread of worldly life.
3:03:34–3:03:39Child Vadahi, Goddess Earth, please compose yourselves.
3:03:39–3:03:46Earth, Goddess, how can I compose myself when I gave birth to Sita?
3:03:46–3:03:51Her long residence among the demons was one thing.
3:03:51–3:03:57Her abandonment, that terrible humiliation, was another.
3:03:57–3:03:59Bhagyartha.
3:03:59–3:04:07When destiny is about to bear its fruit, what creature has the power to close its gate?
3:04:07–3:04:11Earth, true.
3:04:11–3:04:14But was this right for dear Rama?
3:04:14–3:04:22The hand he held in childhood, when he himself was a boy, no regard for that.
3:04:22–3:04:27None for me, none for Janaka, none for fire.
3:04:27–3:04:31None for her humility, none for his own children.
3:04:31–3:04:35Sita, my husband.
3:04:35–3:04:39All this has made me remember you again.
3:04:39–3:04:42Earth, what?
3:04:42–3:04:46You still have a husband.
3:04:46–3:04:49With tears of shame.
3:04:49–3:04:52What mother says is true.
3:04:52–3:04:57Mother Earth, I am the very man you describe.
3:04:57–3:05:03Bagi'uhti, Earth, you are the body of all mortal life.
3:05:03–3:05:09How then can you be angry with your son-in-law as though you knew nothing at all?
3:05:09–3:05:13The dreadful scandal had spread far and wide.
3:05:13–3:05:21While the purifying ordeal by fire took place in Lanka, how could the people here believe
3:05:21–3:05:22in it?
3:05:22–3:05:29The hereditary wealth of the Ichvaka house is to keep the whole world content.
3:05:29–3:05:34In such a crisis, a truly terrible crisis.
3:05:34–3:05:37What could our child have done?
3:05:37–3:05:44Lakshmana, the goddess's inner light shines unobstructed in all beings.
3:05:44–3:05:51Bhagyurthy, even so, I bow before you with folded hands.
3:05:51–3:05:57Rama, mother, you have also shown grace to the line of Badjaratha.
3:05:57–3:06:02Earth, I have always been gracious to you all.
3:06:02–3:06:09At first there was only the unbearable pain born of love, it is not that I failed to understand
3:06:09–3:06:13dear Rama's love for Sita.
3:06:13–3:06:18With a burning heart, fate compelled him to abandon her.
3:06:18–3:06:24And today he remains alive only through some superhuman courage.
3:06:24–3:06:29And the accumulated merit of his subjects.
3:06:29–3:06:36How profound is the compassion of elders for those they regard as their children?
3:06:36–3:06:39Weeping with folded hands.
3:06:39–3:06:45Mother, take me to yourself and absorb me into your body.
3:06:45–3:06:48What more could she ask than that?
3:06:48–3:06:50Heaven forbid!
3:06:50–3:06:55May you live a thousand years before such a dissolution occurs.
3:06:55–3:07:00Earth, child, you must care for your two little sons.
3:07:00–3:07:03I have no protector. What can I do for them?
3:07:04–3:07:07How can you speak so well in truth? You are not without protection.
3:07:09–3:07:12What kind of protector does this unfortunate woman possess?
3:07:14–3:07:16O heart, you are cold steel.
3:07:18–3:07:21Though you are the source of the world's good fortune,
3:07:22–3:07:24how can you hold yourself in contempt?
3:07:25–3:07:27Through our relationship with you,
3:07:27–3:07:29our own holiness is increased.
3:07:29–3:07:32Brother, did you hear?
3:07:32–3:07:35And a pro-Rof stage.
3:07:35–3:07:38Let the whole world hear.
3:07:38–3:07:45Another still more wondrous event is about to occur.
3:07:45–3:07:49How has the whole sky become encircled by flame?
3:07:49–3:07:51We understand.
3:07:51–3:07:55The divine weapons and the dream Bhaka weapons.
3:07:55–3:08:04Whose succession of masters was Kri Shash, Kaushika and Rama are now appearing of their own accord.
3:08:04–3:08:09Voices offstage. Queen Sita, we bow before you.
3:08:09–3:08:13As the joy of Raghu's line declared in the picture gallery,
3:08:13–3:08:17Our destiny from this day lies with your sons.
3:08:17–3:08:21What good fortune, the deities of the weapons.
3:08:21–3:08:25My husband, your act of grace is manifest even today.
3:08:26–3:08:31My brother told them, from this day forward, these weapons will unfailingly serve your children.
3:08:32–3:08:35Supreme Weapons, we bow before you.
3:08:35–3:08:38You have shown us grace, we are blessed.
3:08:38–3:08:44Whenever these boys remember you in their hearts, please appear and serve them.
3:08:45–3:08:49Rama, a wave of compassion has risen.
3:08:49–3:08:57breaking upon a lake of wonder and joy and has brought me to a state that cannot be described.
3:08:57–3:09:05Both goddesses rejoice child. Your two little sons have now become the equals of dear Rama.
3:09:05–3:09:11Sita, divine lady, who will perform the kshatriya sacraments for them.
3:09:11–3:09:12Rama.
3:09:12–3:09:17Alas, Sita herself, the power of Raghu's line.
3:09:17–3:09:24Ever guarded by Vasishtha and the family priests, can find no one to perform the sacraments
3:09:24–3:09:26of her sons.
3:09:26–3:09:30Bhagirthi, daughter, do not be anxious about that.
3:09:30–3:09:35After the two boys are weaned, we shall place them under Valmiki's protection
3:09:35–3:09:38and he will perform their Kshatriya sacraments.
3:09:38–3:09:45For the houses of Raghu and Janka alike, the son of Prachetas is no lesser preceptor
3:09:45–3:09:49than the sages Vasishtha and Angiras.
3:09:49–3:09:54Excent Ganga, Earth and Sita.
3:09:54–3:09:57He feigns.
3:09:57–3:10:02Bhagyathi has considered every matter with the greatest care.
3:10:02–3:10:09Lakshmana, brother, I speak the truth, for many reasons I am fully convinced that those
3:10:09–3:10:13two boys are Kusha and Lava.
3:10:13–3:10:17They too command the weapons from birth.
3:10:17–3:10:24Both princes receive their sacraments from the great sage, son of Prachetas.
3:10:24–3:10:27And both are twelve years old.
3:10:27–3:10:35Rama, dear brother, the mere thought throws my heart into turmoil and drives me out of my senses.
3:10:36–3:10:41Earth, child, come with me now and sanctify the netherworld.
3:10:42–3:10:48Sita, mother, take me to yourself and absorb me into your body.
3:10:49–3:10:54I can no longer endure the changes and reversals of this world.
3:10:54–3:10:58Rama, what answer will she give?
3:10:58–3:11:06Earth, child, obey my command and wait until your two sons are weaned.
3:11:06–3:11:10After that, do as you wish.
3:11:10–3:11:13Bhagyartha, so be it.
3:11:13–3:11:17Rama, has Vada he vanished.
3:11:17–3:11:23Queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka Forest, goddess of virtue, have you resolved
3:11:23–3:11:25to depart for the other world.
3:11:25–3:11:29Looking
3:11:29–3:11:31Looking
3:11:31–3:11:35Enter Arunthiti and Sita.
3:11:35–3:11:39Valmiki, protect us.
3:11:39–3:11:41Is this all the conclusion your poem offers?
3:11:41–3:11:44Voice offstage, stop the orchestra.
3:11:44–3:11:47All mortals, every moving and unmoving creature.
3:11:47–3:11:50Behold the sacred marvel bestowed by Valmiki.
3:11:50–3:11:52Lakshmana.
3:11:52–3:11:54The waters of the Ganges seem to be churning.
3:11:54–3:12:01and the sky is filled with divine sages. A miracle. Sita and the goddesses, Ganga and Earth,
3:12:01–3:12:08are rising from the depths. Voice offstage. World honored Arun Dadi. Look graciously upon us,
3:12:08–3:12:15Ganga and Earth. We entrust Sita to your protection. The ideal wife who has kept her sacred vows.
3:12:15–3:12:22Lakshmana, what happiness, what a miracle. Brother, look, look. Alas, my brother
3:12:22–3:12:24has still not regained consciousness.
3:12:24–3:12:25Arundhati.
3:12:25–3:12:29Child, this modest hesitation is unnecessary.
3:12:29–3:12:30Put it aside.
3:12:30–3:12:34Come quickly, and with the touch of your beloved hand.
3:12:34–3:12:37Restore my child Rama to consciousness.
3:12:37–3:12:41Touching him fearfully.
3:12:41–3:12:46Regaining consciousness joyfully.
3:12:46–3:12:50Looking with joy and wonder.
3:12:50–3:12:51Ashamed!
3:12:51–3:12:54He bows!
3:12:54–3:12:57My husband, please master yourself.
3:12:57–3:13:00Rama, ah, what is this?
3:13:00–3:13:01Queen!
3:13:01–3:13:07And mother Orandhati, all my elders, and Rishishringa, and Shanta rejoicing with them.
3:13:07–3:13:13Orandhati, my child, over there is the goddess of Bajuratha's line, the gracious Gonga.
3:13:13–3:13:14Voice offstage!
3:13:14–3:13:16Lord of the world!
3:13:16–3:13:20Dear Rama, remember the request I made during the viewing of the pictures.
3:13:20–3:13:23Be gracious to your daughter-in-law Sita, as Orandhoti is.
3:13:24–3:13:26Now I am discharged from that obligation.
3:13:27–3:13:29Orandhoti, and there is your mother-in-law, Earth.
3:13:30–3:13:31Voice offstage.
3:13:31–3:13:35Years ago, when you abandoned Sita, you made this request.
3:13:35–3:13:36May you live long, Earth.
3:13:36–3:13:38Protect your honoured daughter, Jonaki.
3:13:39–3:13:43Great King, today I have fulfilled that request concerning my child.
3:13:44–3:13:45Rama, how is this possible?
3:13:46–3:13:52Though Rama is guilty of a terrible offence, both goddesses have shown him compassion.
3:13:52–3:13:55Orandotti, people of town and countryside.
3:13:55–3:14:00This woman has been entrusted to Orandotti's protection, and Jonovie and Earth have showered
3:14:00–3:14:02praise upon her.
3:14:02–3:14:06Formerly the god of fire, Vaishvanara, testified to her virtue.
3:14:06–3:14:11Gods and Brahmins have extolled her as a woman of savour trees lineage.
3:14:11–3:14:15Except once more Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground.
3:14:15–3:14:19Tell me, good people, what is your judgment?
3:14:19–3:14:22How sternly Arun Dadi has rebuked the people.
3:14:22–3:14:26The whole living world bows before my sister-in-law, while the guardians of the quarters and the
3:14:26–3:14:30seven sages honor her with a shower of flowers.
3:14:30–3:14:36Lord of the world, dear Rama, in accordance with sacred law, entrust the duties of the
3:14:36–3:14:45sacrifice to your beloved partner in righteousness, the living holy original of the golden image.
3:14:45–3:14:56aside. Does my husband know how to soothe Cetus' sorrow? As the Divine Lady commands. Our purpose
3:14:56–3:15:04is fulfilled. I have received a new life. Sister-in-law, this shameless Lakshmana prostrates
3:15:04–3:15:14himself fully before you. My child, remain as you are and live long. Exit. Valmiki,
3:15:14–3:15:22Please bring forward Kusha and Lava. Rama's two sons born from Sita's womb. Rama and Lakshmana.
3:15:22–3:15:25What happiness! Everything is true!
3:15:25–3:15:29Overcome with Dears.
3:15:29–3:15:33Enter Valmiki with Kusha and Lava.
3:15:33–3:15:37Where are my two little sons?
3:15:37–3:15:43Dear children Kusha and Lava, this lord of Raghu's line is your father.
3:15:43–3:15:52Laxmada is your uncle, Queen Sita is your mother, and this royal sage Janaka is your
3:15:52–3:15:57maternal grandfather.
3:15:57–3:16:02Looking with joy, dendonus, and wonder.
3:16:02–3:16:04Is my father here too?
3:16:04–3:16:10Kusha and lava, father, mother, grandfather.
3:16:10–3:16:14Embracing them joyfully.
3:16:14–3:16:22Surely it is only through accumulated merit that I have regained you, my two children.
3:16:22–3:16:25Doing so.
3:16:25–3:16:29Come, Kusha, my child, and you too, Lava.
3:16:29–3:16:33Give your mother a long embrace, as though she had been born again.
3:16:33–3:16:37Kusha and Lava, how fortunate we are.
3:16:37–3:16:41Holy Sage, I bow before you.
3:16:41–3:16:44And a pro r off stage.
3:16:44–3:16:54child, remain as you are and live long. Rising and looking about.
3:16:54–3:17:03The Lord of Mathura, having destroyed Lovanna, is approaching.
3:17:03–3:17:07When auspicious events come, they come like a flood.
3:17:07–3:17:10Exintol.
3:17:10–3:17:16All this is truly happening to me, and yet I can scarcely believe it.
3:17:16–3:17:19But such is the nature of good fortune.
3:17:19–3:17:26Valmiki, dear Rama, can I perform any further auspicious service for you?
3:17:26–3:17:31Rama, what could be better than all this?
3:17:31–3:17:34Yet perhaps this blessing.
3:17:34–3:17:43May this story, which purifies from sin, and generously bestows every good.
3:17:43–3:17:52Be at once auspicious and delightful, like the mother of the world and the Ganges.
3:17:52–3:17:57May learn people's savor it embodied upon the stage.
3:17:57–3:18:01The literary art of an accomplished poet.
3:18:01–3:18:05Who knows the sacred mystery of speech?
3:18:05–3:18:08End of Act 7
3:18:08–3:18:11of Bhavbhudis play Rama's last act.

Plain text

PRO-LOG I dedicate this work as a tribute to the poets of ancient times. Come, let us also pay homage to speech. Immortal, a portion of the soul itself. After the invocation, look surround. Enter an actor. Now, without further delay, I must make an announcement before this discerning assembly gathered for the festival of Lord Kalapriya. You have surely heard of a certain Bababhuti, a learned Brahmin of the Kasyapa lineage who bears the title Shrikanta. The Goddess of Speech obeys this Brahmin's command. As readily. As she obeys the command of Brahma. He has composed this play, Rama's Last Act, which we shall perform before you today. In obedience to the poet, I shall now assume the identity of a citizen of Ayodhya in that age. Is anyone there? How strange. Why have the musicians fallen silent in the courtyards? At the coronation of our great and honoured King Rama, the wildfire that consumed the race of Pulasthia, joyous music continued day and night without a moment's pause. Prologue. Actor, my friend, the king has sent home the mighty allies who fought beside him in Lanka, the monkeys and the rakshaasas. The Brahmins and gods who came to honour him have also departed, sanctifying every region through which they passed. Festivities continued for so many days while these guests were entertained. now. Rama's royal mothers had gone under Vasishtha's protection, following Orandhati to their son-in-law's hermitage for a sacred rite. Tell me, I am not a native of this country, so I ask, who is this son-in-law? Actor. King Dasharatha had a daughter named Shanta, whom he gave in adoption to King Lomapada. She married Rishi Sringa, the son of Vibandaka. And he has now begun a sacrifice. That will continue for twelve years. The elders have gone to visit him in his honor, but they have left their daughter in Lord Johnaki. Here, though her pregnancy is already far advanced. Stage manager, no matter. Come, in keeping with our station, we must present ourselves at the palace gate. Prologue. Actor, then, my friend, you must compose a royal panagiric whose style is beyond reproach. My dear friend, whatever the circumstances, it is my duty to perform. There is no escape from slander. A statement, or a woman, however pure, will still be faulted by the wicked. should say by those worse than wicked. Four people are maligning queen, Vaidehi herself. Why? Because she lived in a Rakshasa's house and because they doubt the ordeal by fire. If this rumour reaches the king's ears, the consequences will be terrible. Duns. Listens. Accent both. Whatever happens, the sages and the gods will protect her. Is anyone there? Where is the king now? I hear people saying, Prologue, Janaka came out of deep affection to pay his respects, spent several days at the celebration, and has now returned to Videha. The queen is distressed by his departure, therefore, to console her, the king, has left the throne of justice and gone. To his private apartments. End of the Prologue. At rise Rama is seated with Sita beside him. Enter the chamberlain. He stops, then speaks with formal concern. Rama, Queen Vaidehi, please do not grieve. It was not easy for the elders to leave us. But the unbroken burden of daily sacred rites sets limits on human freedom. For those devoted to religion, domestic life is full of obligations. Sita, I understand. My Lord, I understand. And yet separation from those we love brings such sorrow. Rama True These stages of life tear the tenderest fibres of the heart and awaken in a sensitive person such detachment that he longs to renounce every pleasure and seek peace in the forest. Chamberlain Dear Rama Your Majesty Rama Good Sir Not So From one who served in my father's household, dear Rama is entirely proper. Speak to me as you did before. Chamberlain, Ashtavakra has arrived from Rishishringas Hermitage. Sita, then wide-eley, good sir. Exit Chamberlain. Sita Ashutva Kura Sitting Bring Him in at once. Ashutva Akra, blessings upon you both. Rama, my reverence, holy sir. Please be seated. Sita, my reverence. Are my elders and my sister-in-law Shanta? Well, Rama, are my soma drinking brother-in-law Rishya Sringa and my sister Shantha both well. Sita, did they remember us? Ashta-Vakra, certainly. Your majesty, Vasishtha sends you this message. Virtuous earth, who bears all things. Herself gave you birth. King Janaka, the equal of the Creator, is your Father, and my daughter, you are the daughter in law of a royal house that has two spiritual guides, ourselves, and the Son God Himself. What more can we wish for you than the birth of a heroic son? Rama, I am deeply honored. In ordinary life, a good man's words conform to fact. But in the case of a primeval seer, fact itself conforms to his word. Morondotti, the Queen Mother's, and Shanta have issued this emphatic command, whatever seated desires during her pregnancy must be granted without delay. Whatever she asks, I shall fulfill. Rishishringa, the Queen's brother-in-law. this, my daughter, because your pregnancy is so advanced. You have not been summoned here. Dear Rama, has been charged only with keeping you happy. I hope soon to see you safe and well. With your son in your arms. smiling with joy and modest embarrassment. So be it. Did Vasishtha send no message for me? Listen, we are detained. At your brother-in-law's sacrifice, you are still young and your reign has only just begun. devote yourself to the happiness of your people. For a stainless reputation is a treasure, more precious than life. The son of Maitra and Varna shall be obeyed. Affection, compassion, happiness, not only these, even Janaki herself. I would surrender without a moment's hesitation for the happiness of my people. That is why my lord is the mainstay of the house of Ragu. Is anyone there? See that Ash-Tavakra is given a place to rest. Rises and turns. Exit. Enter Lakshman. Ah, Prince Lakshmana has arrived. Lakshmana, victory to my brother. The painter has completed the story of your life in the picture gallery exactly as we described it. My sister-in-law is invited to see it. Dear brother, you have a gift for finding ways to lift the queen's sorrow. How far does the story go? As far as my sister-in-law's purification by fire. They rise and move forward. Looking. Silence. She who was perfectly pure from birth. What need had she of purification? Pure water and fire cannot themselves be purified. By any other means. Dear Queen, born from the sacrificial ground, forgive me. I shall remain humbled before you all my life. Those for whom family honor is true wealth must satisfy even their critics. The unrighteous demand I made under pressure of public opinion was one I never wished to make of you. Everyone knows that a rare and fragrant flower belongs as the crowning ornament upon the head, not crushed beneath the feet. Sita, let it be, my lord, let it be. Come, let us see the story of your life. Lakshmana, the mural is this way. Sita, who are those beings gathered above in this scene. They seem to be singing my Lord's praises. Lakshmana, they are the divine weapons called Trimbaka, together with their secret spells. Krishashva gave them to Kaushika Vishwamitra, friend of the world, and, after my brother slew to Taka, Vishwamitra bestowed them upon him. Rama, my queen, bow to the divine weapons. For the welfare of the Vedic faith, Brahma, and the other gods. Practiced austerities for more than a thousand years. These weapons are the embodied power of that penance. Which the ancient masters were able to behold. I bow to them. Rama, they will surely serve your children one day. Sita, I am blessed. This is the episode in Medi-la. Sita, ah, there is my lord. He has broken Shiva's bow with effortless ease, while my father gazes upon his gentle radiance, speechless with wonder at the beauty of his form, dark as a blue lotus in full bloom, soft and smooth, yet firm and strong, his head adorned only by the simple grace of a single topknot. Lakshmana, look here. Your father bows to his new kinsmen, Vasishtha and the others. And Shatna and Agadama, the family priest. Of all the kings of Janaka's line, bows as well. This scene is truly worth seeing. Who would not welcome the union? of the houses of Raghu and Janaka, in which the son of Kushika was both, the giver and the receiver. Sita, here are all four brothers after giving the customary gift of cattle. Here you have undertaken the marriage vows. I feel as though I were there again, as though that very moment were present now. Rama. My beloved, I too feel that the moment is here again. When Gautama, delighted, placed in my hand, your hand, shining with its wedding bracelet, as though it were the sacred rite of marriage, itself embodied. Lakshmana, this is you. This other lady is my sister-in-law Mandavi, and this is my wife Shukriti. Sita, and, dear boy, who is the other young woman? Smiling awkwardly, aside. Allowed. Ah, she must be asking about Irmila. Very well, I shall draw her attention elsewhere. Ah, look at this, this is well worth seeing. It is Bhargava. Sita, the very sight of him frightens me. A little annoyed. Looking at him with affection and admiration. His eyes fill with tears. Without answering, he moves on. Laughing aside. My reverence, holy sage. Lakshmana, look, brother, here you are now. Rama, come, there is much else worth seeing. Show me another scene. Sita, my lord, how becoming that noble modesty is in you. Lakshmana, this is the return to Ayodhya. Rama, I remember, ah, I remember it all so clearly. Those days when father was alive, when our married life was new, and our mothers watched over me, those days are gone forever. And here is Janaki as she was then, a little girl whose face shone with innocence. Her few new teeth like tiny flowers. New shoots appearing in front. After her milk teeth had fallen. Her delicate little limbs so lovely. Like pure moonlight, as though nature herself. Had taught her the art of enchantment. That awakened such wonder in every part of me. Lakshmana, this is Manthara. Rama, Queen Vadehi. This is the Ingoody Tree at Sringavarapura, where. Long ago. We met our dear friend, the Nishata King. Lakshmana, ah, my brother wants to pass over the episode of our middle mother. Sita, this is the occasion when you had to bind your hair in a hermit's matted locks. Lakshmana. The vow that the ancient Ikshvaku kings assumed. After handing the kingdom to their sons. My brother assumed that vow while still young. The sacred vow of forest exile. Sita, this is the Bhagyartha, with her clear and holy waters. Rama, Goddess, Guardian deity of Raghu's house, I bow to you. While searching for the horse of Sagra's sacrifice, my ancestors dug into the earth with single-minded purpose. Until the wrathful and mighty Kapila reduced them to ashes. Those forefathers of Badjaratha were finally redeemed by Badjaratha's fierce austerities, heedless of his own body, And, holy river, by the touch of your waters they were set free. Mother, I pray you, love your daughter-in-law Sita as Arundhati loves her. This is Shema, the dark banyan, on the bank of the colony, along the road to Chitrakootah, where Barad Vajah directed us. Sita, does my lord remember this place? Rama, how could I forget? The hardship of the journey had left your delicate limbs weary and sore. Then, limp as a crushed lotus. You laid them in my lap. I massage them with firm hands. Until you fell into a deep sleep. Lakshmana, this is Virata, barring our way at the entrance to the Vindhya Forest. Sita, no, no more of that. Here I see us entering the southern forest, as though it were happening before my eyes, my lord holding a parasol of palm leaves above my head. Rama. These are the groves beside the mountain streams, where ascetics practiced penance beneath the trees and householders seeking peace built their homes. Generous to guests though they lived on a single handful of grain each day. This is Mount Prasravana in the heart of Janasthana. Its caves, embraced by dense forest on every side, echoed with the sound of the Godavari. The green-black woodland, thick with trees and undergrowth, was so deep that the mountain's natural darkness was made darker still by clouds forever gathering above it. My beloved, do you remember the days we spent on that mountain? When Lakshmana supplied our every need. And the place felt like home? Do you remember the clear-flowing Godavari nearby? And all our wanderings along its banks? And this too? Lying cheek against cheek in the depth of love. Murmuring whatever came to mind in voices scarcely heard. Holding each other in a close embrace. Hours passed without our knowing. When dawn came, it seemed that only the night had ended. Lakshmana, this is Sherpanaka at Panchavadi. Sita, my lord, this is the last time I saw you. Her eyes fill, aside. Watching Rama with concern. Come, why be so afraid of separation? It is only a picture. Sita, a picture, yes. But wicked people can still bring calamity. Rama, ah, it feels as though the events at Janasthana were truly happening again. Lakshmana, hear those evil rauchises, through the deception of the golden deer. Committed a crime that still wounds the heart today. Even though vengeance was complete. My brother's half-mad conduct when Janisthana lay empty Could still make stone weep and split a heart of iron Sita, ah, my lord, joy of Raghu's house, how much you suffered because of me Lakshmana, brother, what is this now? A flood of tears is rising The drops that fall to the ground scatter like a fine string of pearls torn apart. You try to master your grief, yet your trembling lips and nostrils, and your chest heaving beneath its weight make your anguish plain to all. Looking at the picture, aloud, Dear brother, then the fire of grief kindled by separation from my beloved, was fierce indeed, but the thirst for vengeance made it bearable. Now, after smoldering within me without cease, It has become the pain of a wound driven into the heart's most tender core. Sita, my lord, in boundless terror I see myself alone, without you. Lakshmana, I must turn their thoughts elsewhere. This depicts the age-old vulture king, Father Jatayu, and his valor. Sita, ah, father, you fulfill the father's duty of love toward his daughter. Rama, ah, father, king of birds, son of Kshapa. Where shall we ever find another benefactor so great? Lakshmana, this part of the Dandaka forest west of Janasthana is called Chitrakundjavat. lived the headless demon Kabanda. This is the hermitage of the great sage Mithinga on Mount Rishiamuka, and here is the wondrous Shabara ascetic, the holy woman Sharmani. Over there is the lotus lake called Pampa. I have heard that it was here my lord could no longer contain his grief and lamented aloud. My queen, it was a lake of extraordinary beauty. There were masses of white lotuses, their thick stem swayed. As the wings of joyfully calling swan stirred them. But between one falling tear and the next one rising, they all appeared to me as blue lotuses. This is the noble Hanuman. Yes. This is the great son of the Wind God, whose incomparable service delivered a world that had suffered so long. All glory to the mighty son of Anjana, whose power secured the welfare of us all and of the entire world. Dear boy, what is the name of this mountain, where peacocks on blossoming Kadamba trees were roused to a wild dance? Here my lord is shown beneath a tree, you hold him as tears stream from his eyes. He is on the verge of fainting, his natural radiance dimmed. Only a remnant of his former enchanting splendor left. This is Mount Malayavan, filled with the fragrance of kakuba blossoms. It's summit forever dark and wet beneath newly gathered clouds. Rama. Dear brother, stop, please stop. I can bear no more. It is as though separation from Jonaki were coming upon me once again. Lakshmana, beyond this, brother, are painted the countless marvelous feats of the monkeys and roctuses, each more astonishing than the last. But my sister-in-law must be tired, she should rest now. Sita, my lord, while looking at these pictures a pregnancy longing has arisen in me. I wish to ask one favor of you. Rama, you need only command me. I wish to go into a pure, deep forest and bathe in the holy, quiet, cooling waters of the Bajorathi. Rama, dear Lakshmana. Lakshmana, command me. Rama, the elders have just ordered that every desire of hers be fulfilled at once. Bring a comfortable chariot with the gentlest motion. My lord, will you not come with me too? it. She does so. In rapture. Cruel-hearted woman, did that even need to be asked? Sita, I am very happy to hear it. Lakshmana, as my brother commands. Rama, come, let us sit for a moment in this corner by the window. Sita, yes. After walking so much, I truly am tired. Rama, then come, put your whole weight upon me, I shall carry you. Place your arm around my neck, it gives me new life. Your arm, beaded with perspiration from effort and unease, is like a necklace of moon stones dripping water at the touch of moonbeams. Beloved, what is this? Every touch of yours produces a transformation that cannot be called. Pleasure or pain. Fainting or sleep. Intoxication or poison spreading through every limb. It bewilders my senses. and numbing consciousness at once. Laughing She looks for somewhere to lie down. Pretending to fall asleep. She falls asleep. He gazes at her tenderly. Enter a doorkeeper. Your love for me has always been unwavering. What else could it be? Rama! It makes the withered flower of my life. Bloom again! Renuse my strength! And entrances every sense! These sweet words of my lotus-eyed wife! Nectar to the ear, the elixir of life to the heart. Sita, sweet-tongued lord, come, let us rest! Rama! There is no need to look! From the moment of our marriage! at home or in the forest. In childhood or in youth. This has been your one place of rest. Where no other woman has ever laid her head. This arm of Rama shall be your pillow. Sita, it is true, my lord, true. Rama, what is this? Has my sweet-speaking beloved fallen into a deep sleep upon my breast. She is Lakshmi herself dwelling in my house. An ambrosial balm for my eyes. The touch of a rich sandalwood paste upon my body. Her arm about my neck. Is a cool, smooth necklace of pearls. What is not dear to me and her? Accept the agony of separation. Doorkeeper, my lord, he is here. Here. Who is here? Your Majesty's personal attendant, Demika. aside, allowed, exit doorkeeper, enter Durmukha, aside. Durmukha, an attendant of the Inner Palace. I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and countryside are saying. I admit him. Durmukha, how can I tell the king this unspeakable rumor about Queen Sita? Yet this burden has fallen upon unfortunate me. Crying out in her sleep. Tender hearted lord, where are you? He gently caresses her. The dreadful fear of separation awakened by the pictures is troubling the queen's dreams. Constancy in joy and sorrow. Harmony in every circumstance. A place where the heart can rest. A sweetness that even old age cannot destroy. When time strips away every covering. and pure love ripens what alone remains. This incomparable blessing comes only to the good and even then only through fortune. Approaching! Victory to the King! Tell me what you have learned. The people of the city and countryside praise your majesty, saying Lord Roma has made us forget even King Doshrata. That is mere flattery. If you have learned of any fault, tell me, so that it may be corrected. His eyes fill with tears. He whispers everything in Ramasya. Listen, my lord. He feigns. God above. Your words have become a thunderbolt and pierced me to the heart. My Lord, take hold of yourself. Recovering consciousness. He thinks, then speaks in anguish. He whispers the command. No, ah, no. The stain of having lived in another man's house. Vada he had erased by a miraculous means. But through a crooked turn of fate it has appeared again, spreading far and wide like the poison of a rabid dog. What can wretched Rama do? What else can I do? The vow of a righteous king is to keep his people content by every means. My father upheld that vow at the cost of me. And, in the end, of his own life. And thus Ishta has only now given me the same command. Then, if the stainless honor of this house, Brightened by the conduct of the mighty ancient kings of the solar line, Is sullied by reproach arising from my marriage, Then I am surely ruined and condemned. O Queen, born from the sacrificial ground, By your birth you honored and sanctified earth herself. You brought joy to Janaka and the line of Nimi. Fire, Vasishta and Arundhati have praised your character. Rama is your whole life, in the deep forest. You were my beloved companion, gentle and measured in speech. The darling of my father. How can such calamity fall upon such a woman? you every creature in the world is blessed. Yet this accursed rumor has fallen upon you. In you the people found a true protector. Yet you yourself stand unprotected before destruction. Durmukha, tell Lakshmana that the inexperienced King Rama has an order for him. The Queen, purified before the fire and made holiaste by carrying the continuance of of Rugu's line in her womb, how could your majesty reach such a decision merely on hearing a wicked rumor about her? Silence. How dare you call the people of the city and countryside wicked. The Ikshvaku house has earned the people's trust. This seed of slander is the fruit of fate. And the miraculous event at the time of her purification. Place in a distant land, who here will believe it. Go! Exit! Aw, my queen! He carefully lifts Sita's head and withdraws his arm. Rising! He lays his head at Sita's feet. He weeps. Ah, what a loathsome deed I am about to commit. How cruel I have become. From childhood my tender beloved was nourished on the finest food. And in the depth of our love was never separated from me. Today, by deceit, I am delivering her into the hands of death. a man who cuts the throat of a little bird he has raised and cherished. How, then, can I, an outcast, untouchable, dare pollute the queen with my touch? Sinless woman, release me. I am a chandala capable of anything. You thought you rested upon a sandalwood tree. Not that you had lain upon a poisonous one. God above. The world has overturned. There is no longer any purpose in Rama's living. Suddenly the earth is an empty and desolate forest, life is lifeless, the body mere inert matter. There is no refuge, what shall I do, where shall I go? It seems Rama was given consciousness only so that he might feel pain. Life itself is tearing through my heart as though my body had been fastened with iron spikes. Mother Arundhati, Lord Vasishtha and Vishwamitra, Lord Fire, Goddess Earth who bears all living beings. Janaka, my mother's, dear friend King Sugriva, gentle Hanuman, Vibhishana Lord of Lanka, greatest of benefactors, dear friend Trajata, this vile Rama has deceived and dishonored you all. But who am I now to take your names upon my lips? For an ungrateful wretch like me even to speak their names, would be to stain those great souls with my sin. I. I remove from my breast the jewel of my house, my beloved wife. Who sleeps there unsuspecting, heavy with pregnancy, how anxiously the child moved, and cast her mercilessly before dogs like an offering of flesh. My queen, my queen, this is the The last time Rama will lay his head upon your lotus feet. Voice offstage, disaster. A terrible disaster. Rama, someone find out what has happened. A community of great ascetic sages who live along the Yamunoh have come to seek your protection, terrified by Lavana. He takes a few steps, then turns back. Exit Rama. In her dream, she wakes suddenly, looks around, Enter Durmukha. What? Is Arakshasa still causing havoc? The Trugna must be sent to destroy Kamanasi's Sun Root and Branch. Ah, my Queen, what will become of you in this terrible crisis? Holy Earth, protect your helpless daughter, Jonaki. The entire good fortune of the houses of Raghu and Janaka. The sacred child you brought forth during the Gods holy sacrifice. Sita, beloved husband. My God! I had a dreadful dream. I was separated from my Lord, calling for Him and weeping. But where has He gone, leaving me asleep and alone? When I see Him, I shall show a little anger, if I can command my heart once He stands before me. Is anyone there? Damuka, your majesty, Prince Lachmana submits that the chariot is fully prepared and awaits you. She rises. Accent bought. I am ready. The child in my womb keeps moving. I must walk slowly. Damuka, this way, your majesty. Sita, I bow to the gods of Raghu's house. End of Act 1. Interlude to Act 2. Enter an ascetic woman dressed as a traveller. Enter the forest goddess presenting the offering. They sit. Welcome to the Holy Lady. ascetic are. The forest goddess herself has come to attend me, bearing an offering of fruit, flowers and leaves. Forest Goddess, take your full enjoyment of this forest. Today is an auspicious day for me. Meeting a good person is rare, and comes only as the fruit of merit. The shade of trees, water, and food suited to an ascetic. Fruit, roots, and and all else are at your service. Asetic. What can I say? Affectionate conduct, restrained speech, made sweet by courtesy, a heart naturally disposed to goodwill, and service without hesitation, whether offered first or last, its flavour never spoils. All glory to this secret of the Virtuous. Tree from deceit and stain. Forest Goddess. May I know who my honoured guest is. Interlude to Act 2. Asetic. I am a trey. Forest Goddess, a trey, where have you come from, and for what purpose are you wandering through the Dandaka Forest? A trey. Many masters of the essence of the Vedas, Agastya and others live in this region. I have travelled far from Valmiki to learn the knowledge of Vedanta from them. Forest Goddess, but other sages worship that ancient teacher, the son of Prashtas, in order to attain spiritual perfection. Why, then, does the noble lady remain away from him? A trey, a very great obstacle has recently arisen in studying near him, and for that reason I have accepted this long separation. Forest Goddess. What sort of obstacle? A god, what a marvellous event it was, once brought two twin boys, newly weaned to Lord Valmiki. Naturally, the children won his heart, not his alone, but the hearts of every living and unmoving thing. Forest Goddess is anything known of their names. A tree, it is said that the god himself revealed their names, Kusha and Lava, and their powers. Interlude to act too. Forest Goddess, what powers? Atre'i, it is said that from the moment of birth the divine weapons, together with their secret spells, were under their command. Forest Goddess, truly astonishing. Atre'i, Valmiki undertook the work of a nurse and reared and cared for both boys. After their first tauncher, he formally instructed them in the three branches of learning apart from the three Vedas, finally, in their eleventh year, he performed their initiation according to the Kshatriya Rite and taught them the three sacred sciences. It is hardly fitting for ordinary students like us to study beside boys of such brilliant intelligence and insight. 4. A teacher gives the same knowledge to the dull and the keen, but cannot create or destroy their capacity to receive it. Therefore the results differ greatly. A polished jewel holds a reflection. A lump of clay does not. Forest goddess, is that the obstacle to your studies? A tray, there is another as well. Interlude to act too. Forest goddess, what is it? Once the Brahmarshi went to the river Tamesa for his midday bath. There he saw a hunter kill one bird of a pair of crownches while they were mating. the goddess of speech appeared to his mind's eye. Every sound was clear, measured in a metre of eight syllables. She found voice in this form. Hunter, through endless time, you shall win no honour. Because you killed one bird. Of this crown she pair joined in love. Forest goddess, how wondrous, a new incarnation of metre, independent of the Vedas. Her eyes filled with tears. Alarmed, aside. Allowed. She whispers in Vasanthi's ear. She feints. At that moment, when the light of speech's sacred mystery appeared within the sage, the lotus-born god, the giver of life to every creature, came to him and said, knowledge of the mystery called speech. Now tell the story of Rama. You shall receive the eye of inspiration, a seer's vision whose light never grows dim. You are the first poet. Having said this, he vanished. Then the son of Prachatas composed the Ramayana, the first revelation in human society of the mystery of speech in the form of history. to act too. Forest Goddess, all life itself has been enriched. Atreyi, that is why I spoke of a great impediment to study. Forest Goddess, naturally. Atreyi, good lady, I have rested. Now tell me the road to Agustya's Hermitage. Forest Goddess, enter Panchavadi from here and continue along the bank of the Godavari. Atre'i, is this the celebrated sacred grove of Panchavadi? Is this river the Godavari, that mountain Prazirvana? And are you Vasanti, goddess of Janasthana? Vasanti, every word you say is true. Atre'i, daughter Janaki. All these things were dear to you. The subject of countless conversations from moment to moment. And today, as I look upon them, it is as though I see you in person. So now nothing remains but your name. Vasanti, nothing remains but her name, what does that mean? Noble lady, has some calamity befallen Queen Sita. Atreyi, not calamity alone, disgrace as well. Interlude to act too. Vasanti, ah. What a cruel blow of fate. Atreyi, dear lady, take hold of yourself. Vasanti, ah my beloved friend, most honored of women, is this what life has brought you. Dear Rama, dear Rama, know enough of your name. Atreyi, is there any news of what happened to Sita after Lakshmana left her in the forest and returned? Atreyi, alas, none at all. How terrible! With Ragu's house under the protection of Orondottie and Vesishtha, and the aged Queen Mother is still alive, how could this happen? A tray! At that time the elders were at Rishishringer's Hermitage. The twelve-year sacrifice has now ended. Rishishringer was preparing to send them away with due honour when Orondottie said, I will not return to Ayurthaya without my daughter-in-law. Rammer's mothers agreed. In accordance with Orondottie's wish, Vesishtha too wisely advised that they should all go and live in Valmiki's sacred grove. Vasanti, what is the king doing? A tray. The king has begun a horse sacrifice. Vasanti, God above, has he then taken another wife? Harise Phil, with affection and wonder. They turn and exit together. May the Lord never do such a thing, never. Interlude to act too. Vasanti, then who is his consecrated wife at the sacrifice? Atreyi, a golden image of Sita. Vasanti, ah. Who can understand the heart of such an extraordinary man? At once harder than steel. And far softer than a flower. Atreyi, after Vamadeva's formal blessing, the sacrificial horse was released and its guardians appointed according to scripture. Chandraketu, Lakshmana's son, who has inherited the lineage of divine weapons, commands them. He has been sent ahead with the fourfold army. Vasanti, Prince Lakshmana has a son too. Mother, that news gives me strength. Atreey, amid all these events, a Brahmin laid his dead son at the palace gate, beat his breast and cried, disaster. Dear Rama, compassion embodied, reflected that no untimely death could occur among his subjects unless there were some fault in the king. Then a voice from the sky declared, Somewhere on earth a low-born man named Shambhukha is practicing austerities. Rama, cut off his head. Only by killing him will the Brahmin's son live again. Interlude to Act 2. On hearing this, the Lord of the world took sword in hand, mounted the Pushpaka aerial chariot, and set out to search in every direction for the Shudra ascetic. Vasanti, here in Janasthana itself, a Shudra named Shambhuka, is performing penance by inhaling smoke. If only dear Rama might adorn this forest once again. Atre'i, dear lady, I must leave now. Vassanti, very well, atre'i, though the day has become unbearably hot. The trees dwelling on the riverbank worship the godavari with offerings of flowers. When elephants come to rub their itching cheeks against them. Masses of blossoms fall from stems softened by the heat. In the shade, birds tear at the bark and pick insects out with their beaks. While doves and jungle fell grown in the oppressive heat. End of the interlude. At rise, Rama is aboard the Pushpaka aerial chariot filled with compassion, his sword raised. With great effort, he strikes. Enter a celestial man. My right hand strike this Shudra aesthetic with the sword and restore the Brahmin's dead son to life. You are a limb of that same Rama who dared banish his own weary Sita heavy with pregnancy. Why does compassion awaken in you now? There you have done a deed worthy of Rama. Let the Brahmin son live. Celestial man, victory to the king. By imposing just punishment, you grant safety even from Yama himself. Because of you the child has returned to life, and I too have attained a higher state. I, Shambhuka, bow my head at your feet. Whatever comes through contact with the good, even death, brings liberation. Looks around. Both results please me. Now enjoy the fruit of your severe austerities. May the vast, radiant world of heaven, filled with joy and happiness accumulated through merit. Be yours forever. Shambhuka, I attained this exalted state by bowing at your feet, austerity had no part in it. Yet perhaps my penance did me one great service. Lord of all creatures and my refuge, I should have had to search the whole earth for you. But you yourself crossed hundreds upon hundreds of leagues. seek out a low-born man like me. Surely this was the boom granted by my penance. Otherwise why would you leave Ayodhya and return to Dandaka? Rama, what, is this the Dandaka forest? Yes. Here are soft, deep green pastures, their harsh and terrifying ground. On every side, to the horizon, the roar of swift rivers echoes. Between them lie forts, hermitages, mountains, streams, caves, and woods. Yes, I know this land, the Dandika region of the Vinnyas. This is certainly the Dandika Forest. They say that when your majesty lived here, you slough 14,000 fearsome roxas as in battle, and 3 more to Dashana, Ikara, and Trishiras. Thus Dandistana became holy ground, where even timid people like me could move in What, not only Dandika, but Janus Thanatou? Yes, certainly. The vast forest stretching south from Janus Thanatou with its lots of mountain caves full of parks of savage wild dogs makes anyone's hair stand on end. In some places the land is silent as death. Elsewhere wild beasts howl. The heath of Enomas, the dreadful snake's line quietly asleep seems to kindle fire. Water is scarce, a found only in deep fishes. Thirsty lizards drink the sweat from sapon's bucks. Looks around. His eyes fill with tears. As I gaze upon Janus Thana, the dwelling place of Cara. event seemed to unfold again before my eyes. How deep that he's love for Rama was. God above, this very forest, what could be more terrifying. Yet she said, I will live with you in the honey-scented forest. And she was truly happy here. So profound was her love. A person need do nothing. The joy of mere companionship erases suffering. To have someone who loves you, what a great blessing. Live memories that bring only pain. Let your majesty look toward the forest in the middle distance, quiet and grave, enclosed by mountains the color of the soft necks of peacocks in rut, adorned with clusters of trees casting dense deep shade where every kind of animal rests without fear. Here mountain streams run with clear cooling water. Filled with the fragrance of flowering vines and reeds shaken by excited birds. The fierce current plunges roaring through groves of German trees. Duck with ripe fruit. father. There are caves in the mountains where bear calves live. Their gulls are multiplied many times by echoes. They cool to sharp the stringent scent of juicy sholaki leaves. Broken from their stems and scattered by elephants. Also tickens within the caves. His voice breaking with psalms. Good sir, may your journey be blessed. Travel by the celestial path and attain the worlds of the virtuous. Exit Shambhuka. After going to the ancient Brahmashya Gästya, I shall enter the Itanonabod. He looks. In anguish. Re-enter Shambhuga. Today I see again the same forest. Where many years ago I lived for so long, both as an ascetic firm in his duty and as a householder, and where I also tasted the sweetness of worldly happiness. The same mountains were peacocks called. The same forest tracks were deer roamed in rut. The same river banks, filled with lovely reeds, vines. And rushes growing in dense blue-black clusters. That mass rising in the distance like a bank of clouds. Is Mount Pasaravana, where the Godavari flows? On that mountain's high summit the king of birds once lived. And below, on the Godavari's bank, we lived happily in a leaf-thatched hut. A forest alive with calling birds and adorned with dark trees. Here is Panchavadi, whose many places witness the countless intimate conversations of our long residence. lives Vasundi, my beloved friend. But what is happening to Rama? Now, like poison that spreads slowly and suddenly reveals its violent power, or the point of an arrow lodged within and jarred by an outward blow, or an old wound in the heart's tender core that splits open after seeming healed. So my ancient grief has suddenly awakened and begun to tear me apart again. Yet I wish to see those regions that were once my friends. Ah, how greatly the face of the land has changed. Where a stream once flowed, there is now a dry riverbed. Where the trees were dense, they have thinned. And where they were sparse, they have grown thick. Seen after so many years, the forest seems entirely changed. Only the position of the mountains assures me that this is the same place. Ah, despite my reluctance, affection for Panchavadi is drawing me toward it by force. all those days with her were spent. And after we returned home this place remained the subject of constant memory and endless conversation. Now sinful Rama, having killed the one dearest to him and left himself alone. How can he look upon Panchavadi, or pass it without bowing? Shambhuka, victory to the king. Agastya, having learned from me of your arrival, sends this message, Lopamudra has made every preparation for your welcome and waits affectionately with the great sages. Please come and honor us with your presence. Afterwards, you may return swiftly to your own country in the Pushpaka and prepare for the horse sacrifice. I obey the Holy Sage's command. Then let your Majesty turn the Pushpaka this way. Panchavadi, forgive the momentary neglect Rama must show you in order to obey his elder's command. Accent both. Enter to River Goduses. Look of my Lord, look! That is Mount Crunch of Water, where the harsh roar of wind through the bamboo forest, doubled by the cries of owls in lifetossed groves, silences flocks of crows, sapons hanging from branches of ancient sandalwood trees, right in fear at the cause of peacocks strutting proudly below. And further, there are the mountains of the south, in their caves the waters of the Godavari gargle, and their summits are dark beneath clouds sucking the peaks, and there are the sacred places at the river confluences, where deep water rose under the irregular blows of waves, From currents colliding head on. End of act 2. Interlude to act 3. First river friend Muralla to you seem troubled. Muralla Tumessa, Lopamudra, wife of Agestia has sent me with this message for our noble river Godavari. You know well that from the moment he abandoned his daughter in law, Rama has been filled with a tragic mood. His grave bearing conceals it, while acute pain smolders within him, like an earthen vessel baking among embers. The current of grief born from the calamity that befell his beloved wife, growing ever stronger without cease, has now utterly broken the aroma. The strings of my heart snap when I see him. Today he is returning to Pantivati to look for the last time upon the places that witnessed the intimate moments of his forest life with his wife. He is self-controlled by nature, yet I fear that in such a place unbearable blows of grief will assail him at every step. God over it, take heed of this. Send toward the aroma, with utmost gentleness. Abrace cool by droplets from your waves, and carrying the fragrance of lotus pollen. And when he is about to faint, he sooth his life-breath. Interlude to Act 3. Tomasa, such foresight is entirely worthy of Lopomudra's affection. Yet a more fundamental means of reviving the aroma is available even now. How? Listen. It is said that many years ago, immediately after Lokshmana abandoned her and returned from Valmiki's sacred grove, Queen Sita's labour pains began. The agony was so intense that she threw herself into the Ganges. There she gave birth to twin sons. Earth and Gonga came to her aid and took her down to the netherworld. When the boys were weaned, Goddess Gonga herself entrusted them to the care of the The great sage descended from Prashtas. In astonishment! Even the calamities of such a woman become occasions for pure wonder. For divine powers such as these come to her aid. They turn and exit together. Now Bagarata learned from Sarayu that Dear Rama might have come to Janasthana because of the affair of Shambuka. She too was seized by the same tender concern as Lopamudra. So, on the pretext of performing a right to ward off evil, she came with Sita to visit the Godavari. Interlude to Act 3. Murala, Gonga's foresight was wise. As long as King Rama remained in the capital, occupied with the many urgent affairs of his subjects, his attention was necessarily divided. But now, with no diversion and no companion but grief, returning to Panchavati is dangerous. Can Queen Sita somehow console Dear Rama? Tamasa, Goddess Bagarate has already considered this. She said to Sita, Daughter Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, today the tally of the birth years of Kusha and Lava, may they live forever, has reached twelve. Therefore, gather flowers with your own hands and worship the stainless sun, first ancestor of humankind, founder of your son's royal line, and your primordial father-in-law. By my power, not merely human beings, but even gods upon earth will be unable to perceive your presence. Then she commanded me, Tamasa, daughter Jonaki, my daughter-in-law, holds you in special affection, therefore you must attend her. I am now carrying out that command. Murala, I shall tell Lopamudra of this plan. It seems dear Rama himself has arrived. Tamasa, and there, emerging from a pool of the Godavari. Interlude to Act 3. Her face veiled by dishevelled hair. Made lovelier by pale and hollow cheeks. The image of compassion, the embodied pain of separation from love. Johnnacky is entering the forest. Murala, yes, it must be she. Like a tender shoot cut from its stem. The heat of long, harsh grief has dried the flower of her heart. As autumn heat dries the leaf of a ketokibad. Her pale, wasted body has withered. End of the interlude. End to Sita, absorbed in gathering flowers. During the cry, she is gradually filled with compassion and anxiety. Danger, danger. Is that the voice of my dear friend Vasanti? Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy, feeding him with her own hand the tender tips of shellaki leaves she had gathered. gathered, the little elephant who would stand impatiently before her. What has happened to him? He was playing in the river with his mate, when a wild elephant in rut shamelessly attacked him. Distraught moving forward a few steps. She acts as though memory returns, disolate. She feints. Enter Tamasa. My lord, save my little son, save him. God above, the sight of Pantavati, has brought those long familiar words back to my unfortunate lips. Ah, my lord! Tamasa, daughter, please take hold of yourself. Noble chariot, halt here. consciousness suddenly agitated. Smiling and weeping at once. Why does this human voice, deep and sweet, as the low rumble of a rain-filled cloud, flood my ears and suddenly throw unfortunate me into such turmoil? Tamasa, daughter. Like a peahen hearing distant thunder. How can a woman such as you become so agitated and eager? a sound so indistinct and uncertain. Sita, holy lady, why call it indistinct? It can only be the voice of my lord. I know his voice. Tomasa. I have heard that the king of the Ikshvaku line has come to Janasthana to punish a Shudra who is practicing austerities. Sita, it is fortunate that the king has not abandoned the duties of kingship. Voice offstage. Wear trees and animals too where I are kin. Here I lived so long with my beloved. These are the mountain slopes of the Godavari. Filled with caves and cleft by rushing streams. Looking, she feigns into Thamasas arms. Supporting her. Aside. Recovering. She falls at Thamasas feet. Above, what is this the body pale, wasted, and weak like the disk of the moon at dawn, yet only his distinctive gentle and grave-bearing allows me to recognize him? Yes, it must be my lord. Hold me. Tamasa, daughter, please take hold of yourself. Voice offstage, the sight of Panchavati. Rekindles the fire of grief that has slept so long within my heart. But first unconsciousness closes around me like a shroud of dense smoke. Ah, beloved Johnikey. Tamasa, this is exactly what my teacher feared. Sita, how can this be possible? Voice offstage, ah, my queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka Forest. Ah, princess of Videha. Sita, god above, as he takes my unfortunate name upon his lips, his blue lotus eyes roll back, he has fainted and fallen to the ground. How can I leave him stretched out on the lonely earth, friendless and helpless? Tamasa, save him, save him, give my lord his life back. Lovely daughter, only you have the power to restore the lord of the world to life. The touch of your hand is dear to him. The entire burden rests upon that alone. She exits in agitation. The scene opens to reveal Rama lying unconscious on the ground. Sita, weeping, carresses him. He begins to recover with an expression of supreme bliss. Let whatever must happen, happen. I obey the holy lady's command. With suppressed joy. It is as though the life of the whole world has returned. With fear and compassion, withdrawing her hand, sitting up. But what is happening? Is this the essence pressed from heavenly sandal leaves? Or a drop fallen from a moonbeam stop crushed in a press? Has someone poured upon my heart the juice? Of the Divine life restoring herb and cool the life already burned? This touch is familiar from long ago. It restores consciousness and also brings deep intoxication. The instant it removes a faint born of pain. It produces the stillness of perfect bliss. Sita, this much is enough for now. Rama, is it possible that the Queen has come, out of affection, to help me? Sita, ah, why does my Lord speak of me now? Rama, let me look around. Sita, Tamasa, come. The king will be angry if he sees me here without permission. Tamasa, but daughter, through Bhagyathi's grace you are invisible even to the gods. Sita, ah, yes. You speak the truth. Her voice breaking with anger. Her eyes fill. Beloved Janaki. Surely it was beloved Johnachy. Sita, my Lord, after all that has happened, such an address is deeply improper. And yet, when he speaks to unfortunate me with affection, and when I had not imagined even for a moment, that I would see him again even in another birth, why should I be so hard and merciless toward him? I know his heart, just as he knows mine. Looking around, desolate. No. There is no one here. Tamesa, he abandoned me without cause, yet seeing him in this condition makes my heart experience feelings, I cannot myself understand. I understand, daughter, I understand. chilled by despair, bitter from his cruelty, almost numb from meeting him after long separation, forgiving through your own goodness, filled with profound sympathy for every misery of your husband, melted by love. Your heart is all these things in a single instant. My Queen, your touch is forgiveness itself, cool and moist with love, present, despite everything, to give me joy. But Queen of my heart, where are you? With rising compassion and anxiety. My Lord's sorrowful words about Sita are filled with deep affection and overflowing with the bliss of love. When I believe them, it seems my birth has been fulfilled, though the arrow of unjust abandonment remains terribly sharp. Rama, but what would beloved Jonaki be doing here? This is only Rama's pure delusion, the fruit of wishful imagining strengthened by long habit. Voice offstage, danger. Danger. Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy, feeding him with her own hand the tender tips of shellaki leaves she had gathered, the little elephant, who would stand impatiently before her. Rama, what has happened to him. Voice offstage again. He was playing in the river with his mate. When a wild elephant in rut shamelessly attacked him. Sita, who will protect him now. He rises. Enter Vasanti in alarm. Where is the villain who dared attack my beloved's little son and his mate? Vasanti, is this This King Ragon and Dana. Ah, this is my dear friend Vasanti. Victory to the King. Looking. Why, this is Vasanti, the Queen's dear friend. Quickly, my lord, quickly. From here, go beyond Jatayu Peak and descend toward the Godavari by Cesar's Ford. There you will see the Queen's little son. Ah, Father Jatayu! Without you Janasthana is empty. Ah, these reminders tear open the tender core of the heart. This way, my lord, this way. Holy lady, truly even the forest divinities cannot see me. Dear daughter, Mandikini's power is far greater than that of all other divinities. Do not be anxious. They all move. Then we shall follow behind them. Holy Godavari, I bow to you. Looking. Rejoice, my lord. The Queen's little son has defeated the wild elephant and stands victorious beside his mate. Rammer, victory to him. May he live long. Cedar, our, how large he has grown. Rammer, my queen, how fortunate you are! Beloved wife, the son of yours, Who once tore the larvaly leaf from behind your ear, With the tips of new sprouting teeth, smooth as lotus petals, Has today defeated an elephant in rut. Clearly the good fortune of his childhood still attends him. Cedar, may he live long, and from this day never be separated from his tender-hearted mate. Rammur, look, friend for Santi, look, the boy has nearly learned the art of honoring his beloved. While chewing a mouthful of lotus dork a pruted in play. He pours ease to spray into her mouth with his water-bedded trunk. Water fragrant with a newly fallen lotus. But he has not yet learned, when they rest, to show proper care. By shading her with a straight-stemmed lotus leaf. Tamasa, seeing him so grown makes me think of Kusha and Lava. After all this time, what must they look like? They are just like this. How unfortunate I am, to have been torn so cruelly not only from my husband, but from my sons as well. So it was written by fate. What is the use of bearing sons if my lord can never kiss their faces, faces like two fresh lotuses, bright with a few tender white teeth just emerging, innocent childhood laughter, lisping speech, and hair gathered in top knots. May the gods be gracious. Tamesa, the mere memory of my sons fills my breasts with milk, and with their father before me, for a moment I feel as though I have returned to the world of the living. What can one say? A child is the furthest limit of love and the root of the deepest bond between parents. Because a child is the shared object of both spouse's love, it is a knot of joy that binds their hearts together. My Lord, look there as well. That same peacock sits like a joiled crown on the high branch of a cadambe tree, calling to his mate. Having just completed his uncomfortable festive tandaver dance, he has spread the soft feathers of his tail. eyes fill in wonder. It is the same one. Dear son, may every blessing be yours. Yes, so be it. I remember you with a father's affection. My simple-hearted wife made you dance as though you were her child. Clapping her hands and rolling her eyes to make you turn in circles. Her pupils revolved like wheels. And in the skillful quiver of her brows appeared every movement of the Tandava. Ah, even animals recognized those they knew long ago. This Kadamba tree, now in bloom, was planted from seed by my beloved Queen. Looking, her eyes fill. How keen my Lord's memory is. And surely the peacock remembers her. So he regards the tree as his own brother. Let your Majesty sit here for a moment. This is the stone seat in the banana grove. you and your beloved wife used to rest. Cetir fed the foreons so much grass, that they would not let her leave. He said saleswear and weeps. I cannot bear to look at this. Friend Vasanti, what are you doing to my lord, Antony, by showing all this? God above, here is my lord, the same husband, the same forest of Puntavati, The same friend Vasanti, the same woodland along the Godavari that witnessed our countless intimate moments, the same trees, birds, and animals that were like our children. All are before my eyes, yet for unfortunate me they have ceased to exist. How completely my world has overturned. Friend Cedar, do you not see Rama's condition? When his body was fresh as a blue lotus petal. He was a festival for the eyes. Even after one had gazed to the heart's content, He seemed new every moment. Now nearly senseless, at once pale and dark. So weakened by grief that he is difficult to recognize. He still gives joy to the eyes. I see, friend. I see. Daughter, continue to gaze upon your beloved for a long time. She continues to gaze. My lord, who would believe that he could live without me and I without him? Between falling tears, let me look at my beloved Lord a little longer. Seeing Him is like receiving a new birth. Weeping with affection, she embraces Sita. A swelling flood of tears born of joy and sorrow is released from your eyes, widened with longing. Your bright, sweet, innocent gaze, flowing with love bathes the Lord of your heart like a stream of milk. Sitting, her eyes fill, Pretending not to hear. Aside, Allowed, He begins to weep. Let the trees offer a welcome of honey-dripping flowers and fruit. Let the forest wind carry the full fragrance of newly opened lotuses. And let the birds begin a sweet, unbroken song at full voice. For King Rama himself has returned to visit this forest. Rama, come, friend Vasanti, shall we sit here? Vasanti, your Majesty, I hope Prince Lakshmana is well? Rama, may Thelij use to give water, seed, and grass with her lotus hands to these trees, birds, and deer. Seeing them again, I am transformed as though my heart were melting and ready to burst into a flood. For Santee, but your Majesty, I asked where the Prince Lakshmana is well. Rama, R, a your Majesty, e, how cold the address. She asks only after Sermitri's welfare, yet her voice is choked with sobs. She must know what happened to Cetir. Yes, the Prince is well. She faints. R, my Lord, why did you become so cruel in the end? Cedar, friend for Santi, how can you speak to him like that? My lord deserves compassion from everyone, most of all from my dear friend. For Santi, you are my life, my second heart. Moonlight to my eyes, nectar to my limbs. With countless hunted words like these, you enchanted that innocent girl. But enough. What is the use of saying more? To Marcer, naturally she is struck speechless, even driven merely mad. Rammer, friend, please take hold of yourself. Recovering But why did your Majesty perform that unspeakable deed? Seater, stop! Friend Vasanti, stop! Rammer, because of the people's reproach. Vasanti, what cause the reproach? Rammer, only the people know. It is far too late for reproach now. Vasanti. Cruel man. They say you value reputation. But what greater infamy could there be than this? Do you understand what became of that doe-eyed woman in the forest? Tell me, my lord. Friend Vasanti, you are cruel and pitiless. You are feeding the fire of a man already burning in flames. To Marsa, it is love and grief speaking. Rama, friend, what can be imagined in such a case? Her eyes, heavy with weariness from the child moving in her womb. Must have rolled like the eyes of a frightened yelling deer. Her body, tender as a lotus petal, or a mass of moonbeams. Must have been torn apart by wild beasts. My lord, I am alive, here, alive. Rama, ah, beloved Jonaki, where are you? Sita, god above, my lord too is calling out with all his voice. Daughter, this is beneficial. A grief-stricken person must try to let grief flow outward. Four. When flood water presses against a dam, it is resisted by releasing the water. and weeping helps a heart oppressed by sorrow, become able to endure. Especially for Dhirama, whose world has now become dreadful in so many ways. He must protect the whole earth according to rule, with the sharpest intelligence. While grief for his beloved dries his soul like a flower beneath summer heat. The fault of abandonment is his own, so lament brings no peace. Yet life stubbornly remains. Therefore weeping is surely a blessing. Rama, how terrible! In extreme agony the heart breaks, yet does not split. The ruined body reels, yet does not lose consciousness. The inner fire burns the limbs, yet does not reduce them to ash. Fate strikes the vital core, yet does not end life. Yes! That is the truth! Rama, people of the city and countryside. She would not allow the queen to remain in my house. Therefore I left her in the lonely forest, valuing her no more than a blade of grass, and without grieving. But these long familiar sights are utterly destroying me. So forgive this helpless weeping that continues even now. Tamasa, how deep is the roar of his ocean of grief? The santi, my lord, hold fast to courage before what has passed. Friend, what do you mean by courage? It is the twelfth year of this empty world without the Queen. A world in which even her name has nearly vanished. And still Rama lives. Sita, my Lord's words are torturing me. Tamasa, yes, daughter. These are the words of your beloved, now tender with love, now harsh with grief. A stream of honey mixed with poison dripping into your ears. Aside. Allowed. Vasanti, have I not endured at last? The burning goat of sorrow in my heart. piercing the vital core like the point of a heated arrow lodged unseen within, or like a poisonous sting. Sita, I am so unfortunate that even now I continue to cause my lord pain. Rama, though my heart had broken and grown numb, today, seeing the things dear and familiar to her, I was stunned again. remedy attempted with enormous effort. To restrain compassion awakened to a furious force failed within. The unspeakable transformation of consciousness burst outward in full flood. Like floodwater breaking a sandbank and flowing without restraint. Sita, the blow of my Lord's cruel, ceaselessly surging grief seems to have swept away the grief in my own heart, but left it beating wildly beyond control. Thus Auntie, his condition is dreadful. I must try to distract him. Would your Majesty now like to see the old familiar regions of Janisthana? They rise and move. In anguish. He feints. She feints. Sita rushes forward and touches his heart and head. He closes his eyes in delight. Yes, very well. Sita, what my friend thinks will entertain him will only inflame his grief. Vasanti, my lord, my lord. In this bower of vines you stood looking down the road toward home. She was delayed, enchanted by the swans on the Godavari. When she returned and saw you angry, she grew anxious, and bowed with innocent folded hands like an unopened lotus. Sita, Vasanti, you are very cruel. By making my unfortunate memory return again and again, you drive the knife still deeper into the tender core of my Lord's heart. Rama, heart-hearted Jonaki, you appear everywhere, yet show me no mercy. My Queen, my heart is splitting. The bonds of my body are coming loose. The world is empty, and within I burn without cease. My soul, submerged in darkness, is drowning helplessly. Complete unconsciousness closes around me. What shall wretched Rama do? Sita, God above, my Lord has fainted again. Vasanti, my lord, please regain consciousness. Sita, my lord, you are the source of well-being for the whole mortal world, yet for you, afflicted by unceasing self-destructive calamity, the blessing of birth has been reversed, all because of unfortunate me. Ah, I am destroyed. Tamasa, daughter, regain consciousness. The touch of your hand alone will restore dear Rama to life. Vasanti, ah, he is still unconscious. Sita, dear friend, where are you? Console the lord of your life. Vasanti, what good fortune, dear Rama has regained consciousness. Rama, a touch, as though rubbing nearly ambrosia-alloyment, over every limb of my body, within and without, has suddenly restored me to life, and spread through me in new, and blissful, faintness. And Vasanti, how fortunate you are! Relishing the touch. He takes her hand. Sita quickly frees her hand and steps back. How so? Rama, friend. It means Jonaki has returned. What else could it mean? Vasanti, but my lord, dear Rama, where is she? Rama, look, she is here before me. But, Santee, why do you burn me with this cruel and meaningless ravings, cutting again into the vital core already scorched by grief for my dear friend? Cedar, I must withdraw, yet my lords touch, so soft and cool with long, true affection, so soothing to long and cruel pain, seems to have farcened my hand there. It is at once damp with sweat, weary, agitated, trembling, and helpless. Rammer, friend, why call it a raving? The hand I held at our wedding, wearing its bracelet. Long familiar, mine to touch whenever I wished, cool as nectar. Cedar, my lord, this is that very hand. Now I understand. Rammer. This very hand, her hand. Soft as a larvaly stem. So beautiful that every other hand is measured against it. Cedar, god above, in the joy of my lord's touch I have made a terrible mistake. Ramar, friend Vasanti, my sense is a numb with joy and my mind so shaken that I cannot trust myself. Please touch her yourself and see. Vasanti, our, this is complete madness. Looking at her tenderly. Aside. God above, what a mistake. I was so stunned that I suddenly released that pedal soft hand. My own hand trembled and sweated like hers. Sita, God above, I still have no control over myself. At once restless, numb, and confused, the pain is unbearable. Tamasa. At your beloved's touch, poor child, sweat and goose flesh cover your limbs. You tremble like the trunk of a cadamba tree swaying in the wind, Wet with new rain and suddenly breaking into buds. Sita, ah, I am ashamed before Tamesa of this unruly body. She must be thinking, after such abandonment, such infatuation still. Looking around. What? Nowhere. Merciless Vadahi, have pity. Sita, surely I am merciless, to remain alive while seeing you in this condition. Rama, my queen, where are you? Do not leave me like this. Sita, ah, my lord, are you not saying the reverse of the truth? truth. My lord, by your extraordinary strength, please put an end to this complete delusion. How could my dear friend be here? Rama, clearly she is not. Otherwise why would Vasanti herself not see her? Yes, it must be a dream. But no, I was not asleep. Where is sleep for Rama now? Surely that holy mental illusion, repeatedly produced by imagination, has closed around me again. Seater, no. No! Cruel me! I have confused my lord. For Santi, my lord, look! The black-iron chariot of the son of Pulastia, destroyed by Jataryu. Before it, mule-like beasts with monkey faces, now only skeletons. From here the enemy cut off Jataryu's wings with his sword, and rose into the sky with radiant cedar, like a cloud encircled by lightning. Entero My lord, father has been killed, and I am being carried away. Save me. Springing up. Villain, thief of both father and Sita at once. Where are you fleeing? My lord, you were the fire of annihilation to the Rakshasa race. Could any object of your wrath still remain alive? Ah, for a moment I went completely mad. Ah, but my calamity today is altogether different. Then a remedy was available. Heroic battle constantly diverted the mind and filled the world with wonder. I knew separation from my wife would end with the enemy's death. But how bitter it is to endure endless separation in silence. Endless. Ah, I am truly destroyed. Ah, where friendship with the Monkey King is useless and the strength of the Monkey's fame, where Jambavan's wisdom shows no path, the wisdom of the Wind God Sun, where even Nawa, son of Vishvakarma, can build no bridge. Beloved, where are you, beyond even the reach of Somethri's arrows? Sita, how dear the first separation seems now? Started, distraught, clinging to Thamasa. In Vasanthi, the sight of Rama now brings his friends only sorrow. How long shall I make you weep? Give me leave to depart. Sita, Tamasa, my lord is going. Tamasa, daughter, take hold of yourself. Whatever happens, we must now go to Bhagyarthi to perform the rites for the birth anniversary of Kusya and Lavla, may they live forever. Sita, holy lady, please let me look upon him one last moment, him whom I shall never see again. Rama, to assist at the horse sacrifice, I now have another consecrated wife. trembling, breathing in relief, embracing her with affection, smiles and tears, bowing her head in embarrassment aside. My Lord Who. Rama, a golden image of Sita. Sita, my Lord, yes, now you are truly my husband. At last you have drawn from me the sharp point of the arrow of shame caused by abandonment. Rama, at least there, eyes forever drowned in tears find a little rest. Sita, blessed is the woman whom my lord honours so greatly for his consolation, for that reason she is a source of hope to the world. Tamasa, daughter, you are praising yourself. Sita, the holy lady is teasing me. Vasanti, what caused you such great anguish has become grace toward us all. If you must go, go according to your duty. Sita, Vasanti has become my sworn enemy. Tamasa, daughter, come. Let us go. Desolate. Yes, I must go. Tamasa, but how can you go when? However hard you try, your eyes, widened with longing. fixed upon your beloved and cannot be turned away. She feigns. I bow to my lord's lotus feet. Surely it is the fruit of incomparable merit that I saw him today. Daughter, please take hold of yourself. Recovering. How long is the full moon visible amid black clouds? How intricate this story is. The dominant emotion is one, sorrow. But as circumstances change, it assumes many forms. As water becomes whirlpool, bubble or wave. Though in the end all are one thing, water alone. All rise. Respectively to Sita and Rama. Excent all. to young acetics. Noble chariot, come here at once. Tamasa and Vasanti. May earth, the divine river, and the other goddesses like us. May the teacher who first employed poetic meter. May the sage Vasishta and his companion Arundhati. May all of them bless you and grant you lasting good fortune. End of Act 3 Interlude to Act 4 First ascetic, Sautataki, how beautiful Valmiki's hermitage looks, with all its decorations and the crowds of arriving guests. Look! A hermitage deer is drinking its fill of the cream left from sweet, warm milk. milk rice. Prepared for his mate, who has just given birth. The smell of greens cooking with jujube fruit spreads through the air. With the faintest fragrance of rice and clarified butter. Laughing! A heartfelt welcome to the guests, especially these old people whose arrival gives us a holiday from our studies. ascetic, so the Taki, your reverence for the elderly is entirely unprecedented. Bandayana, what is the name of the guest walking at the head of that company of old women? No more joking. Usually know that this is Vasishta, who has come from Rishesh Ringo's hermitage protecting King Dashrath's wives, with Orundati leading them. Why ask such a foolish question? Interlude to act 4. So the Taki, what Vasishta? Bandayana, yes, of course. So the The Taki, I was certain he was a tiger or a wolf. What do you mean? So the Taki, from the moment he arrived our poor little calf has been terrified. Bandayana, when a land guest arrives, a householder following the Vedic rule offers a welcome gift of meat by slaughtering a yearling calf, the bull, or a goat. According to the authors of the Dhamma Sutras that is righteousness. So the Taki, you have caught yourself in a contradiction. Bandayana, how? They turn. Accent both. When the venerable Basishta arrived, a yearling calf was slaughtered. But when the royal sage Janaka came later today, Vamiki offered him only milk and curds, and the heifer was spared. Bandayana, the sage's rule applies to those who have not renounced meat. Janaka has given it up. So the Taki, why? Bandayana, the moment he heard of the reversal of Queen Sita's fortune, he became anaesthetic. For several years he has been practicing austerities in the sacred grove of Shandradvipa. Interlude to act 4. Sodataki, then why has he come here? Bandayana, to see his lifelong friend, the son of Prachettus. Sodataki, has he met his relatives? Bandayana, Vasishta has just sent Arundati to Queen Kosalia, so that she may meet the king of Videha. Sodataki, since the old people have gathered together, let us gather with our classmates and enjoy a holiday of games. Bandayana, there is the ancient royal sage, our teacher Janaka. After bowing to the son of Prachetas and to Vasishta, he is seated beneath a tree outside the hermitage. In his heart grief, Vasishta burns without cease. Like fire eating an old tree from within. End of the interlude. Enter Janka. Looking. He rises. Looking. 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 for revenue, 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! Cedar, 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, Vasishtha's wife, Gonga. given 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, Grishtyn is showing Orundott 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 say'd like? She was royal fortune herself, has 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 though salt 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 Medi-La on such an occasion makes all 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, Arun Dadi, Seredh Vajra, 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, bows its head to the ground, and who promotes the welfare of the whole universe. A sign. A loud. Sign. She faints and falls. This is mockery of us, merciless and sharp mockery. Royal sage, the queen is already plunged into the sea and she is in the sea. She is in the sea. She is in the sea. She is in the sea. She is in the sea. She is in the sea. the queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been unable to see dear Rama's moonlight 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, Rama, 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? Arundhati, 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. 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 honor. Not sex or age. Kausalya, 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 Dasharath and 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. Orondotti, ah, sigh suppressed within for so long have hardened his heart. Janaka, our, 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! Johnakie! 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 Dushat. 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. 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 tears 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 Ragoon and Dana, as though my dear child had become a boy again. Who is he, the mere sight of whom? Is 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. Orondotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from? Orondotti, 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 iron. 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. Orundotti 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. Kassilya, 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 moon face of your daughter, my daughter-in-law? Janaka. Yes, friend, I see it. I certainly see it. Kausalia. Ah, my heart is so confused that amid 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 syllables sound sweet as drops of nectar in my ears. Sir, who is this person named Chandraketu? Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lokshmonal? They are the heroes of the Ramayana. Laughing? Certainly. Lava, then how could I not have heard their names? Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshmona's son. Lava, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the King of Matilla. Orandotti, 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. portion newly enriched with dramatic flavor has been prepared for performance. The Great Sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Barata, author of the treatise on the threefold art of music. Janaka, for what purpose? It is said that Barata will have it performed by the apps races. Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity. Valmeke 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 sacrificial ground to the forest. When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in the desolate wilderness and returned. Kausalya, 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. Kassalia, 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. a noisy group of schoolboys. They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and pull him, with curiosity, reluctance and curtsy. 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 mangos. But 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 Kausalya Grishdan, come let us go in person to see the son of Prachatas. So, Bull. Master, look at this marvelous object. Lava. At first sight I understand. It is the horse of the Ashvameda 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. A stature will be a wise soldier's. Why is this horse wandering under guard? Lava, the Ashvamedha is the final test of 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, R, 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. 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 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. Enter Chandraketu in a chariot driven by Sumantra, bow in hand, filled with wonder, delight and apprehension. Soldiers, at last reinforcements have arrived to help us. A chariot yoked to swift horses, driven at speed by Sumantra, with the Kovidara banner flying above. Having heard the news of battle, Chandraketu is coming. Chandraketu, look, Sumantra, look. At the forefront of the battle stands a boy warrior, showering a blizzard of arrows upon the army. His five locks stream in the wind. His boasting sounds without pause, and anger has flushed his handsome face. This is astonishing. A single boy, raised by ascetics, encircled by so vast an army, like some new, unknown shoot of Raghu's line, loses a thousand fiery arrows. From a bow that thunders terribly, and splits the temples of war elephants. The sight sets my curiosity ablaze. Sumantra, noble prince, may you live long. As I look upon this boy whose power surpasses, both gods and demons, and whose beauty is its equal. I am reminded of Rama, bow in hand. Setting out to destroy the enemies of Vishwamitra's sacrifice. Chandraketu, my heart recoils in disgust to see so many. one solitary person. He is a boy and utterly alone. While a vast army surrounds him on every side, weapons interlaced in hands as huge as palmyra trunks, men thrilled by their battle array, chariots hung with chiming golden bells, and cloud-like war elephants who streaming Ika. Whips the air into a gale. Sumantra, my child, even altogether they cannot withstand him. There is no question of facing him one by one. Chandraketu, faster, sir, faster. He has begun the wholesale slaughter of my attendants. 4. His boasting's thunder, swelled by the deep roar of wardrums, raises a tumult greater than herds of elephants, trumpeting in mountain caves, and the hero decks the earth with heaps of twitching, headless trunks, like morsels fallen from the dreadful mouth, of death after he has eaten his fill. Aside Reflecting With wonder, shame and alarm climbing the headlong speed of the chariot as though trying to remember. How can I permit a duel between Prince Chandraketu and such a supernatural being? Yet after all, we are elders of the Exhvoko house and in these circumstances what other cause remains. Chondroketu, or Miami, is falling back on every side. Sumontra, my child. May you live long, the warrior is now within hearing of your call. Chondroketu, sir, what name? Did the messengers give? Sumontra, lover. Chondroketu, lover. Good value can such soldiers have against one so mighty as you. I am here. Face me in single combat. Fire should be met by fire alone. End a lava, advancing swiftly and fearlessly. Look, Prince, look. At your challenge the Bawariya stops destroying the army. As a lion cub, hearing the thunder of a cloud, leaves off slaughtering the herd of elephants. A tremendous appror of stage. Well said, Prince, well said. You are indeed a true son of Ishvaka. See, I have turned back to meet you. Wheeling suddenly, he rushes forward in fury. What is this? Have the commanders I defeated rallied and come to attack me from behind? behind? Villains, like the seas flood struck by the wind of dissolution, roaring so terribly that it burst the ear. Their torrent, swelling to its highest tide, shall feed the sacrificial fire of my anger. An anger fierce as the flame in the mouth of the submarine fire, which blazes higher when mountains are hurled into it. Chandraketu, noble prince, your truly wondrous qualities have made you very dear to me. You are now my friend, all that is mine is yours. Why then, destroy your own people, the touchstone of your glorious Chandraketu himself." Turning stirred an apprehensive. The tremendous appror continues offstage, with anger and contempt. He moves towards Chandrakethu. Ah, how consummately speaks. This radiant descendant of the solar race, heroic, gracious, and at once gentle and stern. Why should I trouble with those men now? Let me first honor him. Lava, shame. How these dogs insult me. They have interrupted a conversation between warriors. Chandraketu, look, sir, look! The sight is worth seeing. Brandishing his bow with confidence and eager delight. He takes aim at me while the army behind him. Presses hard upon his heels. Like a cloud bearing the rainbow. Driven backwards by a violent wind. Simantra, even to look upon him, well, only the noble prince is capable. Of that, we are overwhelmed with wonder. Chandraketu, worthy soldiers. You are an army beyond counting, while he stands alone. You have chariots, elephants, and horses. He is on foot. You are protected by armor. He wears an aesthetic steerskin. You are grown men, while on his body. The first radiance of youth has only begun to shine. To raise weapons in such a battle would bring shame upon you and upon me. Astonished. Reflecting. He concentrates. Apprehensively. What? Has compassion melted him? There is no time to waste. I shall arrest the army with the divine Jrimbaka weapon. Sumuntra, why has the upper order of our army suddenly ceased? Lava, at last that insolent fellow is in sight. Sumuntra, my child, I believe the prince has employed the Jrimbaka weapon. Chandraketu, there can be no doubt. like a dreadful union of darkness and lightning. First blinding then dazzling. It strikes even eyes that remain fixed open. My soldiers stand motionless, as though painted in a picture. The invincible Jumbaka weapon has surely been used. This is a marvel, nothing less than a marvel. Black is a darkness stored in the womb of hell. Yet glowing red with a glare of heated, shining brass. The Jumbaka weapon overspreads the sky. Like peaks of the Vindyas torn up by a roaring wind. That proclaims the end of an age. Their caves tonulate from within, by lightning issuing through masses But how did he obtain the Jimbaka weapon? Presumably from the son of Prashadas. My child, weapons such as these, the Jimbaka above all, are not acquired in that way. Four, these weapons are, as it were, the offspring of Krishoshva. From him they came to Kashikha. From Kashikha to Deeroma. their Roma, and ever since they have remained with Roma alone. Yet others too have beheld them, men illumined, by their own purity, who became seers of the mantras by themselves. Each regarding the other. They gaze at one another with affection and love. My child, be on your guard, your adversary has returned. Good princes, how gentle this young man looks! Is this a sudden meeting of minds? The influence of his countless virtues, some old friendship, swiftly formed in a former birth, or is he a kinsman hidden from us by fate? That at the mere sight of him my heart, is bound in single-minded enchantment. regarding the other. Looking at lover, dearfully, aside. Aside. It is the common nature of the soul that one person should feel an instinctive affection for another particular person. People of the world describe it figuratively as the eyes being captivated or love at first sight. The scriptures therefore declare that the thing is real, however groundless and incomprehensible it may appear. There is no remedy against affection born without a curse. There must be some subtle trade of love. That binds living beings together in their deeper selves. Both princes. How can I lose an arrow at this body? I dawned with the delicate insignia of royalty. at a very meeting my limbs tremble, with longing to embrace him. Yet what other course is there but to take up arms, before such overwhelming power? And when he lies far beyond the reach of any weapon's strength? What use are weapons at all? But if, after drawing my sword, I shrink from battle. What will he say of me? The savor of the warrior's path is harsh. It checks the spontaneous current of affection. Sumontra, my heart. Why are you so widely agitated? Fate has taken away the only seed of my hope. Once the creeper has been cut down, how can a new shooter rise? Chandraketu, Sumontra, I wish to descend from the chariot. Sumontra, why? Chondroketu, first, it is the proper way to honor a warrior. Second, as you know, it observes the kshatriya tradition. According to the interpreters of the law, a chariot warrior must never fight a man who is on foot. Sumontra, I am caught in a terrible dilemma. How can a man like me prevent him from doing what is right? Or permit a deed whose very essence is sheer recklessness? My revered father consults you on every question. Of law or statecraft, you, his father's dear friend. Why, then? This hesitation? Sementra, my child, may you live long, your judgment accords with duty. This is right conduct in battle, the eternal way of righteousness. And the warrior's path followed by the lines of Ragu's house. Embracing him with tears of affection. Sadly. Your words are beyond praise. History and legend, the teachings of duty. the ancestral customs of Raghu's line, all these are known to you alone. Sumantra. Dear child, how many days can it be? Since your beloved father, the conqueror of Indrajit, was born? And here his own son already walks the warrior's path. How complete is the good fortune of Dasharata's line. Chandraketu. So long as the eldest of Raghu's house remains unfulfilled. How can our line attain fulfillment? That single thought consumes my father. And my three other fathers with grief. Sumantra, Ah! Chandra Kedu's words pierce. The tender quick of my heart. Lava, to speak truly, the unfolding of feeling here is wholly confused. At moonrise the night-blooming lotus rejoices. And at the sight of him my eyes too You are delighted. Yet my arm, its terrible wounds laid open, Throbbing with love for the heavy bow, And its cruel string that resounds so fiercely, Longs for battle. Miming his descent from the chariot. Sir, Chandraketu of the solar race bows before you. May you possess a sovereignty unconquerable, Pure and majestic as kokut stas. May the eternal God, the Bo, grant you lasting welfare. And Father, May the Son, Father of your race, inspire you in battle. May Metruvaruna, the Preceptor of your Preceptors, and your own Preceptor too, be gracious to you. May you receive the strength of Indra, Vishnu, Agni, the Maruts, and Supanna. May the mighty mantra sound of the bow strings of Roma and Lakshmana bring you victory. Noble Prince, you look magnificent upon your chariot. There is no need for so great a display of courtesy. Then let the fortunate Prince adorn a chariot as well. Sir, have the Prince mount his chariot again. A little embarrassed. Smiling. Then you two must accept Prince Chandraketu's request. lover, who would hesitate to use an implement of his own. But we forest dwellers are not accustomed to riding in chariots. Sumontra, my child, you remember the claims of both self-respect and generosity. If Roma, king of the Ishvakos, could see this conduct of yours, his heart would overflow with affection. Lover, I understand that the royal sage himself is exceedingly generous, or so, at least, I have heard. We do not ordinarily oppose such a right, and who in the world would not honour the king's countless virtues. Yet the challenge proclaimed by the guardians of the horse, a provocation flung at every criteria, has brought about this change in me. Chondroketu, are you offended even by the splendour of my father's immeasurable power? Lover, whether I am or not is beside the point. I ask only this, I have heard that Rogva is a self-controlled man, it is said that neither he know his subjects are arrogant. Why then do his people speak words fit for demons? The sages say that demonic speech is speech. Fit only for the intoxicated or the proud. It is the root of every feud, the very curse of the world. So have men condemned it. Speech of the opposite kind. They praise in these words. The wise declare that gracious speech is the wishful feeling cow itself. It yields all that one desires, drives one away. Gives birth to fame, and wipes out every evil deed. It is the very mother of supreme prosperity. How gallus is this young disciple of Valmiki? Every word he speaks is tipped in the nature of a sage. Chanda Ketu, regarding what you just said, are you offended? Even by the splendor of my father's power? I ask only this. Is the exercise of a kshatriya's duty subject to limitation? You do not know the lord of the Ikshvakos in the list. Please abandon this obstinacy now. By destroying the soldiers you have certainly displayed your strength. But it is unwise to vie with the conqueror of Jamadagnya. Laughing Sir, why proclaim with such fanfare, that the king defeated Jamadagnya? It is an established truth that Brahmin strength flies in speech. Whereas Ekshatriya's strength flies in his arm. Jamadagnya was a Brahmin who took up the sword. What glory does the king gain by defeating such a man? Somewhat agitated. Sir, enough of this dispute. This person must be some new incarnation of the primal being. If even the son of Bhrigu is no adversary in his eyes, and if he refuses to admit that father Rama's righteous deeds could have secured the safety of all seven worlds. Ex-In-Tall A Vidyadhar and his wife appear in a chariot moving through the sky. Reflecting. He does so. Looking. Excent both. Who does not acknowledge Rama's deeds and greatness? Yet there remains room for criticism. Well enough now. He is an elder. There is no need to reconsider his actions. Let it pass. Why speak of it again? Even the killing of Sunder's wife did not stain his fame. In the eyes of the world he remains great, and the three steps he retreated in battle with Kara, or the skill he displayed in killing Indra's son. The world knows all these matters perfectly well. Chandraketu, no! By reviling father Rama you have now crossed all bounds. Your insolence has grown intolerable. Lava, what? Are you making faces at me? Simantra, I see their anger flare. The moment each understands the other's intent. They tremble so violently that their crests come loose. Their eyes naturally pink as lotus petals, of themselves turn blood red. And the sudden, frenzied dance of their arched brows makes each face resemble the dark mark upon the full moon. For a black be hovering over a blossoming white lotus. Both princes, come! Let us find a place better suited to battle. End of Act 5. Interlude to Act 6. Vidyātara, ah, behold the prowess of these two princes of the solar race. Locked in a furious struggle in a battle that began without warning, the beauty of kshatriya power has gained a new brilliance. And gods and demons themselves are speechless with wonder. Look, my dear! They bend bows hung with chiming golden bells. And with a mighty twang of their heady strings, raise a terrifying tumult, their crests stream without pause. Arrows rain down, and the battle, mounting with dramatic violence, strikes terror into the whole world. the welfare of both the drums of heaven resound with the deep thunder of clouds then let flowers fall unceasingly upon these two perfected heroes dense showers laden with open golden lotuses dripping nectar from the tender jewel like buds of the immortal trees of the gods vidyadari but why has the sky suddenly turned so tony and why has the dreadful flash of lightning began its wild dance interlude to act six vidyadhara what can be happening now has the third eye of the dark and red god open fully blazing like sunlight spun upon to vastars lake i understand prince chandrakha too has released the weapon of fire and its flames are spreading everywhere now All the other celestial chariots have fled. The yaktail banners are singed into rainbow colors. And the flames upon our own standard make it look. For a moment, as though it had been dyed saffron. A marvel. The god of fire has appeared, sparks bursting from him. Crack like thunderbolts. How terribly the flames leap and lick. The heat spreading on every side is unbearable. I had better shield my beloved with my body. And move to a safer distance. Vidyadhari. Ah, the touch of my husband's body has shut out the heat. Cool and smooth as the purest pearl, so tender and complete. Then in delight my eyes roll back and close. Vidyadhara. Why? What have I done? And yet, one need do nothing at all. The mere joy of companionship removes sorrow. What a great blessing it is to possess someone who loves you. Interlude to Act 6. Vidyadharahri, why has the sky suddenly darkened with clouds? Fluid billowing masses adorned with flashing lightning. Black is the throat of a peacock maddened with delight? Vidyadharahra, it must be the effect of the Varna weapon released by Prince Lava. What is this? Thousands upon thousands of swelling clouds. Have quenched the weapon of fire. Vidyadharahri, ah, how delightful it is to me. Vidyadharahra, but alas, every excess gives birth to danger. Now, the world is shivering with cold, enveloped in dense and terrible darkness. Thickened by clouds roaring like the wind of dissolution, as though the entire universe were struggling inside the cavernous mouth of time, yawning horribly to swallow it in a single gulp, or as though it had entered. The belly of Narayana, all the doors of his tenses closed. In the yogic sleep at the end of an age. Well done, Prince Chinaketu. Well done! This is precisely the moment to release the Wind weapon. And he surely has released it for. The wind has torn the swelling clouds apart. As knowledge dissolves delusion into Brahman. Vidyadari, my lord, who is this, descending in terror between the two princes. In his celestial chariot, waiting the end of his robe with uplifted hand. And from far away striding with gentle words to stop the battle? Interlude to Act 6. Vidyadara, it is the lord of Raghu's line returning from the slaying of Shambhaka. At the great man's words both honor him and cease their battle. Lava falls silent while Chandrakya to Bose profoundly. May the king's meeting with his own son's bear an auspicious fruit. Come let us go now. End of the interlude. At the opening of the Sinha Rama, Lava and Chandraketu who is bowing before Rama, descending from the Pushpaka chariot. He raises and embraces him with tears of affection. Looking at Lava, Rama, Chandraketu, moon of the solar rays, Come to me at once and embrace me tightly. Your limbs are cool as blocks of ice, to soothe even the burning of a heart such as mine. Are you well? And are the divine weapons dwelling within your body also well? Chandraketu, all is well because I have had the good fortune to meet Lava. This beautiful prince of marvelous deeds. I beg that father, upon this supreme and noble hero with the same affection. He bears me, or with even greater affection. Rama, how fortunate that my child has found a new friend. His nature is at once unfathomable and beneficent. It is as though the science of weapons had taken bodily form. to protect the worlds, as though Kshatriya duty had become incarnate, to guard the treasure of sacred knowledge, as though all power had come into full flower. All virtues had gathered in one place, and all the merit of the world had accumulated, to stand here visibly revealed. Aside. Ah, what a great man, purity of radiance and body, the one mighty refuge of trust, affection and devotion, the gentleness of supreme righteousness made flesh. This is a wonder, hostility has vanished and a joyous tenderness wells up. Where has my insolence dissolved? That humility now overwhelms me? At the very sight of him I have fallen under his power, why? Yet great man, like sacred places, possess some influence of a measurable worth. Rama, how does he suddenly bring rest to my sorrow? And for what reason does affection awaken in my inmost being? But to say that affection requires a cause is self-contradictory. There is something with source of mutual attraction. Love does not depend in the least upon an outward cause. Why does the white lotus open at sunrise? Or the moonstone release its dew at moonrise? Joyfully, gazing with humility and curiosity, embracing him affectionately, aside, allowed. Chandraketu, who is this? Chandraketu, dear friend, this is my revered father. Lava, then by right he is my father too, since you have called me. Your dear friend. But in the Ramayana you address four men. By that title. Tell me, which of them is he? Chandraketu, he is my eldest father. Lava, then this is the lord of Raghu's line. How fortunate that this day has dawned to grant me sight of him. Father Lava, the disciple of the son of Prachatas. Bows before you. Rama, my child, may you live long, come to me. Enough, enough, put aside this formality. Embrace me tightly again and again. Your touch is like the inner petal of a firm, full-grown lotus. Tender and smooth yet strong. And cool is the heartwood of sandal or a moonbeam. Reviving the very breath of life. Lava, he feels such spontaneous affection for me. And in my ignorance I have committed so great an offense against him. Even raised weapons and attacked his men. May my revered father forgive Lava's childish offense today. What offense has my child committed? Chandraketu, hearing the guardians of the horse-proclaimed father's might. He became eager to display his own valor. Rama, but that is the ornament of Akshatriya. A man of immense strength cannot endure another's display of power. It is his natural disposition, not an afficcation. If the sun, maker of day, continually scorches a sunstone with his rays, will it not, as though insulted, spit forth fire? Looking Lava concentrates Exit His rough too is astonishing Father look my dear friend This hero released the drum barker weapon and held the soldiers utterly motionless Rama child lava withdraw the weapon and Chandraketu You too go and reassure the humbled helpless soldiers Chandraketu, as you command. Lava, the weapon has been pacified. My child, the deployment and withdrawal of these weapons, together with their secret mantras, are handed down through a lineage. Brahma and the other gods performed austerities for a thousand years and more for the welfare of the Vedic way of life. Then these weapons, which those ancient masters became worthy to behold, worthy embodied forms of their own ascetic power. Thereafter Krishashva imparted the complete secret lore of their mantras to Vishwamitra of Kusha's line, a disciple who had remained with him for a thousand years and more. That holy sage bestowed them upon me. Such was the former succession. May I ask, how did that succession reach the noble prince? The weapons appear to their own accord before both of us. Reflecting. Why should that be impossible? Through the right wing of extraordinary merit from a former birth such power may arise But why did you use the dual number? We are two brothers twins Then where is the other? Bandayana bandayana dear friend Do you say that the King's soldiers made so merciless an assault upon lava may he live long Then the Sun-like title of King shall set from the world, and the fire of the Kshatriya weapon shall soon be extinguished. Who is this now, dark as a sapphire? Whose voice makes the hair rise upon my body? As buds burst upon the Kadamba, the moment a young black cloud begins its low thunder. Eagaly. He goes. Enter Kusha. With anger, curiosity, eagerness and resolution, sounding his bow string. He advances with long strides. Coming near. Since the age of Manu, son of Aivasvan, these kings of the Solar Race have granted fearlessness even to Indra and have kept blazing the fierce fire of their Kshatriya power to burn the arrogant. If today I gain the chance to fight the king of the Solar Race, how blessed my bow will be, it's string consecrated in the terrible flame of my radiant divine weapons. Rama, what extraordinary manliness dwells in this Kshatriya boy. His glance declares that he does not care a blade of grass. any creature in the universe. He moves with tremendous force, as though making the earth herself bow. Young as he is, he bears within him the grave weight of a mountain. Is the heroic mood approaching in person, or pride itself embodied? Lava, victory to my elder brother. Kusha, my child, may you live long. What is this news of battle? Lava, nothing. Brother, swallow your pride before this man, and conduct yourself humbly. Kusha, why? The man standing there is the lord of Ragu himself. He bears affection for both of us, and is eager to see you before him. Thoughtfully. Is he not the hero of the Ramayana, and the protector of the treasure of sacred knowledge? He is indeed. He is a great man. The sight of him is sacred and devoutly to be desired. Yet I do not understand how I should approach him. As one approaches a mother or father. Why should that be so in the world? Chandra Ketu, son of Amala, is exceedingly generous. He accepts me as his friend and calls me, dear companion. Through that relationship, the royal sage present here, has become by right a father to us both. They both advance. Then, though he is a royal personage, no fault will attach to us if we bow before him. Brother, behold the great man, the majesty of all his supernatural deeds, may be read in his grave and radiant bearing." Looking, approaching, he embraces him aside. They move and sit in the proper order. Ah, his body breeds peace, and his radiance purifies. How fittingly the poet of the Ramayana transformed the goddess's speech into visible form. Father, Kusha, disciple of the son of Prechitas, pose before you. Rama, come to me. Yes, come. May you live long. Your body is tender as a cloud filled with the water of immortality. And this man, moved by a father's love, longs to embrace you. But this child, as though the very essence of my body, liquefied by affection, had streamed from every limb, and now stood outside me, as though my consciousness, my elemental self, had taken embodied form beyond me. Why is he drenched in the current of my heart, which trembles with this profound joy? Why does he in turn drench me in a true flood of nectar? Lava, father, the sun is scorching my head. My father sit for a moment. Beneath the shade of the sal tree. Rama, whatever my child desires. Aside, Studying them closely, Reflecting, Tearfully, Weeping, Ah, though they are modest, Their manner of walking, Standing, and sitting suggests that Kusha and Lava are future emperors. The royal dignity inherent in their bodies enhances the lovely beauty of every limb, as rays enhance the stainless moon, or drops of nectar a fully opened lotus. I see further signs that these two are princes of Raghu's line. Bodies dark as the neck of a full-grown pigeon. Sloping shoulders like a bull's. Steady gazes like a lion at rest. And voices deep and rich as festival drums. Not only do they bear the form of my own house. Every limb of both princes clearly resembles. Janaka's daughter as well, on close observation. The inference is easy. It is as though the face of my beloved has appeared again. Beautiful as the freshest lotus. The same face, lovely with the gleam of flawless white teeth. The same graceful ears. And though their eyes are red and dark, The same impress of her beautiful nature. This is the very forest where the son of Prachatas dwells. And where, I have heard, the queen was abandoned. Then there are. Their appearance, age, and radiance. It also astonishes me that the divine weapons appeared of themselves, as the command I gave the weapons in the picture gallery. Now born fruit. For I have heard that even the great men of old could not obtain them without initiation through an unbroken succession. Then this boundless joy. and sorrow, rising together in my heart, give conviction to my wavering soul. And above all, I knew that the queen carried twins in her womb. Long ago, when intimacy had blossomed and my affection, grew and became secure. And she was more at ease with me in private. Though natural modesty still restrained her gaze, I was the first to discover, by the touch of my palm, that there were two swellings in the womb. She herself learned it only some days later. Is there some way I might ask them? Father, what has happened? This rain of tears has made your face, the source of the world's welfare, like a night load of stringed, in the dew of dawn. Aside. Allowed. by the agency of the holy valmiki a hymn to the solar race i greatly desire to hear some part of it kusha we have rehearsed the entire composition just now two verses from the final chapter of the book of childhood come to mind rama recite them child kusha cedar was dear to the great rama by her very nature but by all her virtues she increased that love still more in the same way rama was dearer to cedar than life itself each heart knew perfectly well the full measure of their mutual love with a shy smile affection and grief he stands as those stunned in anguish How terrible! Another merciless blow upon the tender quick of my heart. Queen, it was truly so. Alas for the conduct of life, discordant. Confused events ending in a fruitless, broken love. Leaving only scorched pain. shall such happiness be found again. And that perfect trust which made it grow. That solicitude each bore for the other. That deep-flowing savor of wonder. That oneness of two hearts. In sorrow and in joy alike. Yet this sinful breath of mine. Still clings and will not to part. Ah, how terrible! They have reminded me of that one uniquely painful time. When countless qualities of my beloved were revealed all at once, when the girl's bud-like breasts had newly begun to swell, and in only a few days had grown a little fuller. When desire deepened by the combined force. Of youth, love, and curiosity was bold within her heart, yet shy upon her body. Lava, then hear this verse, spoken by the Lord of Raghu Tassita. While they rested in the Mundakini Grove near Mount Chitrakoota. As though the stone seat before you have been kept for you alone. And the kisara trees around it were showering flowers. Rama, how wonderfully innocent. A child can be, especially one raised in the forest. Queen, do you remember our intimate conversation on that occasion? How terrible this is. With the minds I I see your face. Your brow bright as the moon. Your hair stirred by the gentle wind from the mandakini. Cool with beads of perspiration. Your cheeks open and lovely without a saffron mark. And your exquisitely graceful ears. More beautiful for having no earrings. Oh Fate! Even in separation, the beloved surely gives some consolation. For through continual, profound meditation, I create her before my eyes. But when even that resource is taken away, the world becomes a desolate forest. And the heart feels as though it were slowly roasting. Over a smoldering fire of chaff. Vasishtha, Valmiki, Dasherata's queens, Janaka, and Orondotti, terrified by the news of the boy's battle, are at last approaching. Old age fetters their feet. And the hermitage lies far away. Yet though weariness slows their bodies. The minds run on ahead. Looking in anguish, he rises. All move away, overcome with grief. What? Arundhati, Vasishta, my mothers, and Janaka are here. The very thought of seeing them is unbearable. Last, Father Janaka himself is coming this way, like a thunderbolt, about to fall upon my wretched head. Once at the celebration of their children's marriage, our two fathers met in the presence of Vasishtha and the others and rejoiced to see how worthy the alliance was. After all this ruin, how can I look upon such a friend of my father? And not shatter into a thousand pieces. And yet, what deed is too difficult for Rama? Voice offstage, alas! The moment they beheld the Lord of Raghu, whose beauty is now preserved. Only in his radiance, his mothers, already distraught, with trying to revive the fainting Janaka, have themselves fallen unconscious. Rama, father, mothers, do not waste compassion upon a sinner such as I, I showed none. To the woman who was the entire good fortune of Janaka and Raghu's line, I must go and bow before them. Kusha and Lava, this way, father. of Act 6. Enter Lakshman. Enter Rama. Lakshman ah has Valmiki by his ascetic power gathered together the entire living world, all mortals and immortals, gods and demons, men, women, animals and every moving and unmoving being of the middle-air, and summoned with us all Brahmins, Kshatriyas, townspeople, and country folk. My elder brother has also commanded me, dear Lakshman, Valmiki has invited us to witness his dramatic composition performed by celestial nymphs. Go therefore to the theatre on the bank of the Ganges and see that the spectators are seated in their proper places. I have arranged suitable seats for mortals and immortals alike. And look, out of reverence for Valmiki my elder brother is coming this way. Though still a king, he has adopted the stern observance of an ascetic. Rama, dear brother Lakshman, are all who understand the art of drama in their places. Lakshman adear. Rama, let these two boys, Kusha and Lava, be given seats of honour equal to Prince Chandrakethus. They sit. Knowing my lord's affection for them, I have already done so. The royal pavilion is prepared here. Let the performance begin. The son of Preciatis, who relates the truth exactly as it is, makes this appeal to every moving and unmoving creature assembled here. Through the profound insight made possible by a sage's vision, I have composed a brief work that is at once purifying and rich in dramatic feeling, filled with pathos and wonder. In view of the gravity of its subject, please give it your undivided attention. He means that sage is behold righteousness directly. The inside of holy seers is, truth-bearing, untouched by the dust of falsehood and never broken, therefore it must never be regarded with doubt." My husband. Prince Loxmono. I am alone and without protection in the forest. My labour pains have begun, and terrible wild beasts are eager to devour me. Wretched as I am, I have no course left but to throw myself into the mandikini. aside how dreadful this is far worse than I had imagined exit stunned the daughter of all supporting earth the queen abandoned by the king in the great forest when the pains of childbirth begin leaps into the divine Ganges Rama Queen Queen Look, Lakshmana is here. Lakshmana, but brother, this is only a play. Rama Queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka forest. This calamity befell you because of Rama. Lakshmana, brother, keep watching the story. Enter Sita, almost unconscious, supported by Earth and Ganga, each Goddess carrying one of Sita's sons in her arms. I have hardened my heart. I am ready. Rama, dear brother, I am entering a realm of darkness where neither cause nor remedy can be seen. me. Both goddesses. Beautiful Vadahi, master yourself. By good fortune your travail has succeeded. In the river you have borne two sons. Who will sustain the line of Raghu? herself. She feigns. By good fortune, I have borne sons. My husband. Falling at Rama's feet. Looking. He fans him. Brother, dear brother, what happiness that our purpose has been fulfilled. A magnificent new branch has sprung from the tree of Raghu's line. Ah, my My brother is motionless, overwhelmed by a surging flood of tears. Child, recover yourself, we beg you. Regaining consciousness. Divine lady, who are you? And who are you? Earth, this is Badjarathi, the tutelary goddess of your husband's house. Divine lady, I bow before you. May you enjoy complete good fortune in accordance with your fidelity as a wife. Great Grace has been shown to us. And this is your mother, the Goddess Earth. She embraces Sita and Fiends. Mother, you see me in this condition. Earth, come, child, come, my little daughter. Excitedly. Ah, both earth and Ganga have come to aid my sister in law. Looking. Recovering Consciousness. This is surely a cause for joy, and yet a source of profound pathos. Bhajyurthi, even all supporting earth can tremble, so powerful is love for a child. Yet it is the same in all, the knot of attachment, the source of unrest within every conscious creature, the very thread of worldly life. Child Vadahi, Goddess Earth, please compose yourselves. Earth, Goddess, how can I compose myself when I gave birth to Sita? Her long residence among the demons was one thing. Her abandonment, that terrible humiliation, was another. Bhagyartha. When destiny is about to bear its fruit, what creature has the power to close its gate? Earth, true. But was this right for dear Rama? The hand he held in childhood, when he himself was a boy, no regard for that. None for me, none for Janaka, none for fire. None for her humility, none for his own children. Sita, my husband. All this has made me remember you again. Earth, what? You still have a husband. With tears of shame. What mother says is true. Mother Earth, I am the very man you describe. Bagi'uhti, Earth, you are the body of all mortal life. How then can you be angry with your son-in-law as though you knew nothing at all? The dreadful scandal had spread far and wide. While the purifying ordeal by fire took place in Lanka, how could the people here believe in it? The hereditary wealth of the Ichvaka house is to keep the whole world content. In such a crisis, a truly terrible crisis. What could our child have done? Lakshmana, the goddess's inner light shines unobstructed in all beings. Bhagyurthy, even so, I bow before you with folded hands. Rama, mother, you have also shown grace to the line of Badjaratha. Earth, I have always been gracious to you all. At first there was only the unbearable pain born of love, it is not that I failed to understand dear Rama's love for Sita. With a burning heart, fate compelled him to abandon her. And today he remains alive only through some superhuman courage. And the accumulated merit of his subjects. How profound is the compassion of elders for those they regard as their children? Weeping with folded hands. Mother, take me to yourself and absorb me into your body. What more could she ask than that? Heaven forbid! May you live a thousand years before such a dissolution occurs. Earth, child, you must care for your two little sons. I have no protector. What can I do for them? How can you speak so well in truth? You are not without protection. What kind of protector does this unfortunate woman possess? O heart, you are cold steel. Though you are the source of the world's good fortune, how can you hold yourself in contempt? Through our relationship with you, our own holiness is increased. Brother, did you hear? And a pro-Rof stage. Let the whole world hear. Another still more wondrous event is about to occur. How has the whole sky become encircled by flame? We understand. The divine weapons and the dream Bhaka weapons. Whose succession of masters was Kri Shash, Kaushika and Rama are now appearing of their own accord. Voices offstage. Queen Sita, we bow before you. As the joy of Raghu's line declared in the picture gallery, Our destiny from this day lies with your sons. What good fortune, the deities of the weapons. My husband, your act of grace is manifest even today. My brother told them, from this day forward, these weapons will unfailingly serve your children. Supreme Weapons, we bow before you. You have shown us grace, we are blessed. Whenever these boys remember you in their hearts, please appear and serve them. Rama, a wave of compassion has risen. breaking upon a lake of wonder and joy and has brought me to a state that cannot be described. Both goddesses rejoice child. Your two little sons have now become the equals of dear Rama. Sita, divine lady, who will perform the kshatriya sacraments for them. Rama. Alas, Sita herself, the power of Raghu's line. Ever guarded by Vasishtha and the family priests, can find no one to perform the sacraments of her sons. Bhagirthi, daughter, do not be anxious about that. After the two boys are weaned, we shall place them under Valmiki's protection and he will perform their Kshatriya sacraments. For the houses of Raghu and Janka alike, the son of Prachetas is no lesser preceptor than the sages Vasishtha and Angiras. Excent Ganga, Earth and Sita. He feigns. Bhagyathi has considered every matter with the greatest care. Lakshmana, brother, I speak the truth, for many reasons I am fully convinced that those two boys are Kusha and Lava. They too command the weapons from birth. Both princes receive their sacraments from the great sage, son of Prachetas. And both are twelve years old. Rama, dear brother, the mere thought throws my heart into turmoil and drives me out of my senses. Earth, child, come with me now and sanctify the netherworld. Sita, mother, take me to yourself and absorb me into your body. I can no longer endure the changes and reversals of this world. Rama, what answer will she give? Earth, child, obey my command and wait until your two sons are weaned. After that, do as you wish. Bhagyartha, so be it. Rama, has Vada he vanished. Queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka Forest, goddess of virtue, have you resolved to depart for the other world. Looking Looking Enter Arunthiti and Sita. Valmiki, protect us. Is this all the conclusion your poem offers? Voice offstage, stop the orchestra. All mortals, every moving and unmoving creature. Behold the sacred marvel bestowed by Valmiki. Lakshmana. The waters of the Ganges seem to be churning. and the sky is filled with divine sages. A miracle. Sita and the goddesses, Ganga and Earth, are rising from the depths. Voice offstage. World honored Arun Dadi. Look graciously upon us, Ganga and Earth. We entrust Sita to your protection. The ideal wife who has kept her sacred vows. Lakshmana, what happiness, what a miracle. Brother, look, look. Alas, my brother has still not regained consciousness. Arundhati. Child, this modest hesitation is unnecessary. Put it aside. Come quickly, and with the touch of your beloved hand. Restore my child Rama to consciousness. Touching him fearfully. Regaining consciousness joyfully. Looking with joy and wonder. Ashamed! He bows! My husband, please master yourself. Rama, ah, what is this? Queen! And mother Orandhati, all my elders, and Rishishringa, and Shanta rejoicing with them. Orandhati, my child, over there is the goddess of Bajuratha's line, the gracious Gonga. Voice offstage! Lord of the world! Dear Rama, remember the request I made during the viewing of the pictures. Be gracious to your daughter-in-law Sita, as Orandhoti is. Now I am discharged from that obligation. Orandhoti, and there is your mother-in-law, Earth. Voice offstage. Years ago, when you abandoned Sita, you made this request. May you live long, Earth. Protect your honoured daughter, Jonaki. Great King, today I have fulfilled that request concerning my child. Rama, how is this possible? Though Rama is guilty of a terrible offence, both goddesses have shown him compassion. Orandotti, people of town and countryside. This woman has been entrusted to Orandotti's protection, and Jonovie and Earth have showered praise upon her. Formerly the god of fire, Vaishvanara, testified to her virtue. Gods and Brahmins have extolled her as a woman of savour trees lineage. Except once more Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground. Tell me, good people, what is your judgment? How sternly Arun Dadi has rebuked the people. The whole living world bows before my sister-in-law, while the guardians of the quarters and the seven sages honor her with a shower of flowers. Lord of the world, dear Rama, in accordance with sacred law, entrust the duties of the sacrifice to your beloved partner in righteousness, the living holy original of the golden image. aside. Does my husband know how to soothe Cetus' sorrow? As the Divine Lady commands. Our purpose is fulfilled. I have received a new life. Sister-in-law, this shameless Lakshmana prostrates himself fully before you. My child, remain as you are and live long. Exit. Valmiki, Please bring forward Kusha and Lava. Rama's two sons born from Sita's womb. Rama and Lakshmana. What happiness! Everything is true! Overcome with Dears. Enter Valmiki with Kusha and Lava. Where are my two little sons? Dear children Kusha and Lava, this lord of Raghu's line is your father. Laxmada is your uncle, Queen Sita is your mother, and this royal sage Janaka is your maternal grandfather. Looking with joy, dendonus, and wonder. Is my father here too? Kusha and lava, father, mother, grandfather. Embracing them joyfully. Surely it is only through accumulated merit that I have regained you, my two children. Doing so. Come, Kusha, my child, and you too, Lava. Give your mother a long embrace, as though she had been born again. Kusha and Lava, how fortunate we are. Holy Sage, I bow before you. And a pro r off stage. child, remain as you are and live long. Rising and looking about. The Lord of Mathura, having destroyed Lovanna, is approaching. When auspicious events come, they come like a flood. Exintol. All this is truly happening to me, and yet I can scarcely believe it. But such is the nature of good fortune. Valmiki, dear Rama, can I perform any further auspicious service for you? Rama, what could be better than all this? Yet perhaps this blessing. May this story, which purifies from sin, and generously bestows every good. Be at once auspicious and delightful, like the mother of the world and the Ganges. May learn people's savor it embodied upon the stage. The literary art of an accomplished poet. Who knows the sacred mystery of speech? End of Act 7 of Bhavbhudis play Rama's last act.

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