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Collection: Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10
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Detected language: en (0.96139)
Duration: 3:18:15
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0:00–0:17प्रोलोग, I dedicate this work as a tribute to the poets of ancient times. Come, let us also pay homage to speech.
0:17–0:26Immortal, a portion of the soul itself. After the invocation,
0:26–0:33Look surround. Enter an actor.
0:33–0:37Now, without further delay, I must make an announcement before this discerning assembly
0:37–0:43gathered for the festival of Lord Calipria. You have surely heard of a certain Bababhuti,
0:43–0:49a learned Brahmin of the Kashiapa lineage who bears the title Shrikanta. The goddess
0:49–0:55of speech obeys this Brahmin's command. As readily. As she obeys the command of
0:55–1:03Brahma. He has composed this play, Brahma's Last Act, which we shall perform before you today.
1:04–1:11In obedience to the poet, I shall now assume the identity of a citizen of Ayodhya in that age.
1:12–1:19Is anyone there? How strange. Why have the musicians fallen silent in the courtyards?
1:19–1:25At the coronation of our great and honoured King Rama, the wildfire that consumed the race
1:25–1:31of 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
1:38–1:41Lanka, the monkeys and the Rakshasas.
1:41–1:46The Brahmins and gods who came to honour him have also departed, sanctifying every
1:46–1:49region through which they passed.
1:49–1:54The devotees continued for so many days while these guests were entertained.
1:54–2:03And now, Rama's royal mothers had gone under Vasishtha's protection, following Orandhati
2:03–2:08to their son-in-law's hermitage for a sacred rite.
2:08–2:14Tell me, I am not a native of this country, so I ask, who is this son-in-law?
2:14–2:22actor. King Dasharatha had a daughter named Shanta, whom he gave in adoption to King Lomapada.
2:23–2:29She married Rishi Sringa, the son of Vibhandika, and he has now begun a sacrifice.
2:30–2:37That will continue for 12 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
2:50–2:58ourselves at the palace gate. Prologue. Actor, then, my friend, you must compose a royal panagiric
2:58–3:05whose style is beyond reproach. My dear friend, whatever the circumstances,
3:05–3:14it is my duty to perform. There is no escape from slander. A statement, or a woman, however pure,
3:15–3:21will still be faulted by the wicked. You should say, by those worse than wicked.
3:21–3:28Four people are maligning quain. Vaidehi herself. Why? Because she lived in a Raksha's house,
3:28–3:34and because they doubt the ordeal by fire. If this rumor reaches the king's ears,
3:34–3:36the consequences will be terrible.
3:38–3:38Duns.
3:40–3:41Listenz.
3:43–3:44Accent both.
3:45–3:51Whatever happens, the sages and the gods will protect her. Is anyone there? Where is the king now?
3:52–3:54I hear people saying, Prologue,
3:54–3:58Janaka came out of deep affection to pay his respects,
3:58–4:02spent several days at the celebration, and has now returned to Videha.
4:02–4:13The 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.
4:13–4:20At rise, Rama is seated with Sita beside him.
4:20–4:29Enter the chamberlain. He stops, then speaks with formal concern.
4:29–4:36Rama, Queen Vaidehi, please do not grieve.
4:36–4:40It 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.
4:57–5:04Sita, I understand, my lord, I understand.
5:04–5:12And yet separation from those we love brings such sorrow.
5:12–5:14Rama, true.
5:14–5:21These stages of life tear the tendrest fibres of the heart and awaken in a sensitive person
5:21–5:30such detachment that he longs to renounce every pleasure and seek peace in the forest.
5:30–5:33Chamberlain Dear Rama
5:33–5:40Your Majesty Rama, Good Sir, Not So
5:40–5:48From one who served in my father's household, Dear Rama is entirely proper.
5:48–5:58to me as you did before. Chamberlain, Ashtavakra has arrived from Rishishringas Hermitage.
5:58–6:10Sita, then wide-illy, good sir. Exit Chamberlain. Enter Ashtavakra.
6:10–6:22sitting. Bring him in at once. Ash Tavakra, blessings upon you both. Rama, my reverence,
6:22–6:34holy sir. Please be seated. Sita, my reverence. Are my elders and my sister-in-law Shanta?
6:34–6:44Well, Rama, are my soma drinking brother-in-law Rishya Sringa and my sister Shantha both well?
6:44–6:48Sita, did they remember us?
6:48–6:51Ashta Vakra, certainly.
6:51–6:57Your Majesty, Vasishtha sends you this message.
6:57–7:01Virtuous earth, who bears all things.
7:01–7:04herself gave you birth.
7:04–7:08King Janaka, the equal of the Creator,
7:08–7:11is your father.
7:11–7:15And, my daughter, you are the daughter-in-law
7:15–7:19of a royal house that has
7:19–7:24two spiritual guides, ourselves,
7:24–7:27and the Son God Himself.
7:27–7:30What more can we wish for you
7:30–7:34Then the birth of a heroic son.
7:34–7:37Rama, I am deeply honored.
7:37–7:45In 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.
7:54–8:01Orendoti, the Queen Mother's, and Shanta have issued this emphatic command.
8:01–8:10Whatever seated desires during her pregnancy must be granted without delay.
8:10–8:15Whatever she asks, I shall fulfill.
8:15–8:20Rishishringa, the Queen's brother-in-law.
8:20–8:28Said this, my daughter, because your pregnancy is so advanced.
8:28–8:32You have not been summoned here.
8:32–8:35Dear Rama,
8:35–8:40has been charged only with keeping you happy.
8:40–8:44I hope soon to see you safe and well.
8:44–8:49With 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.
9:20–9:27devote yourself to the happiness of your people.
9:27–9:35For a stainless reputation is a treasure, more precious than life.
9:35–9:41The son of Maitra and Varna shall be obeyed.
9:41–9:49Affection, compassion, happiness, not only these, even Jhanaki herself.
9:49–9:58I would surrender without a moment's hesitation for the happiness of my people.
9:58–10:03That is why my lord is the mainstay of the house of Ragu.
10:03–10:05Is anyone there?
10:05–10:09See that Ashdavakra is given a place to rest.
10:09–10:14Rises and turns.
10:14–10:16Exit.
10:16–10:19Enter Lakshman.
10:19–10:24Ah, Prince Lakshmana has arrived.
10:24–10:30Lakshmana, victory to my brother.
10:30–10:37The painter has completed the story of your life in the picture gallery exactly as we described
10:37–10:39it.
10:39–10:45My sister-in-law is invited to see it.
10:45–10:52Dear brother, you have a gift for finding ways to lift the queen's sorrow.
10:52–10:55How far does the story go?
10:55–11:00As far as my sister-in-law's purification by fire.
11:00–11:03They rise and move forward.
11:03–11:06Looking.
11:06–11:08Silence.
11:08–11:13She who was perfectly pure from birth.
11:13–11:17What need had she of purification?
11:17–11:22Pure water and fire cannot themselves be purified.
11:22–11:25By any other means.
11:25–11:31Dear Queen, born from the sacrificial ground, forgive me.
11:31–11:36I shall remain humbled before you all my life.
11:36–11:40Those for whom family honor is true wealth.
11:40–11:50satisfy even their critics. The unrighteous demand I made under pressure of public opinion
11:50–11:59was one I never wished to make of you. Everyone knows that a rare and fragrant flower belongs
11:59–12:07as the crowning ornament upon the head, not crushed beneath the feet. See the, let it
12:07–12:15Be, my Lord, let it be. Come, let us see the story of your life.
12:15–12:25Lakshmana, the mural is this way. Sita, who are those beings gathered above in this scene?
12:25–12:33They seem to be singing my Lord's praises. Lakshmana, they are the divine weapons called
12:33–12:42Trimbaka, together with their secret spells. Krishashiva gave them to Kaushika Vishwamitra,
12:42–12:49friend of the world, and, after my brother slew to Taka, Vishwamitra bestowed them upon
12:49–12:59him. Rama, my queen, bow to the divine weapons. For the welfare of the Vedic faith,
12:59–13:10Rama and the other gods practiced austerities for more than a thousand years.
13:10–13:17These weapons are the embodied power of that penance which the ancient masters were able
13:17–13:20to 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,
13:38–13:42almost speechless with wonder at the beauty of his form, dark as a blue lotus in full
13:42–13:46bloom, soft and smooth, yet firm and strong, his head adorned only by the simple grace
13:46–13:48of a single top knot.
13:48–13:50Lakshmana, look here.
13:50–13:52Your father bows to his new kinsmen.
13:52–13:54Vasishtha and the others.
13:54–13:57And Shatnanda Gautama, the family priest.
13:57–14:01Of all the kings of Jannaka's line, Bose as well.
14:01–14:05This scene is truly worth seeing.
14:05–14:08Who would not welcome the union.
14:08–14:12Of the houses of Raghu and Jannaka.
14:12–14:16In which the son of Kushika was both.
14:16–14:19The 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.
14:30–14:37I feel as though I were there again, as though that very moment were present now.
14:37–14:39Rama.
14:39–14:44My beloved, I too feel that the moment is here again.
14:44–14:54When Gautama, delighted, placed in my hand, your hand, shining with its wedding bracelet,
14:54–14:58as though it were the sacred rite of marriage.
14:58–15:00Itself embodied.
15:00–15:08Lakshmana, this is you, this other lady is my sister-in-law Mandavi, and this is my wife
15:08–15:09Shukriti.
15:09–15:17Sita, and, dear boy, who is the other young woman?
15:17–15:20Smiling awkwardly, aside.
15:20–15:22Allowed.
15:22–15:27Ah, she must be asking about Urmila.
15:27–15:29Very well, I shall draw her attention elsewhere.
15:29–15:32Ah, look at this, this is well worth seeing.
15:32–15:33It is Bhargava.
15:33–15:38Sita, the very sight of him frightens me.
15:38–15:41A little annoyed.
15:41–15:46Looking at him with affection and admiration.
15:46–15:50His eyes fill with tears.
15:50–15:54Just 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.
16:06–16:12Rama, come, there is much else worth seeing.
16:12–16:14Show 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.
16:32–16:39Those days when father was alive, when our married life was new,
16:39–16:43and our mothers watched over me,
16:43–16:47Those days are gone forever.
16:47–16:50And here is Jonagy as she was then.
16:50–16:55A 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.
17:11–17:19like pure moonlight, as though nature herself had taught her the art of enchantment. That
17:19–17:24awaken such wonder in every part of me.
17:24–17:35Lakshmana, this is Manthara. Rama, Queen Vadehi. This is the Ingoody Tree at Sringavarapura,
17:35–17:42Long 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.
17:50–17:57Sita, this is the occasion when you had to bind your hair in a hermit's matted locks.
17:57–18:00Lakshmana.
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 Bhagyurthy, with her clear and holy waters.
18:23–18:31Rama, Goddess, Guardian Deity of Raghu's house, I bow to you.
18:31–18:39While searching for the horse of Sagra's sacrifice, my ancestors dug into the earth
18:39–18:50with single-minded purpose until the wrathful and mighty Kapila reduced them to ashes.
18:50–18:59Those forefathers of Badjaratha were finally redeemed by Badjaratha's fierce austerities,
18:59–19:06heedless of his own body, and holy river, by the touch of your waters they were set
19:06–19:07free.
19:07–19:16Mother, I pray you, love your daughter-in-law Sita as Arundhati loves her.
19:16–19:21This is Shama, the dark banyan, on the bank of the colony, along the road to Chitrakoota,
19:21–19:23where Bharadvaja 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.
19:57–19:59These are the groves beside the mountain streams.
19:59–20:02Where ascetics practiced penance beneath the trees.
20:02–20:06And 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 mountain's
20:22–20:26natural darkness was made darker still by clouds forever gathering above it.
20:26–20:27Rama.
20:27–20:31My 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?
20:42–20:45She was crying cheek against cheek in the depth of love.
20:45–20:48Murmuring whatever came to mind in voices scarcely heard.
20:48–20:51Holding 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.
20:59–21:03Sita, my lord, this is the last time I saw you.
21:04–21:07Her eyes filled, 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.
21:18–21:26Sita, a picture, yes, but wicked people can still bring calamity.
21:26–21:35Rama, ah, it feels as though the events at Janasthana were truly happening again.
21:35–21:36Lakshmana.
21:36–21:43Hear those evil roxesses, 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 Janis Thanal a. empty.
21:57–22:02Could still make stone weep and split a heart of iron.
22:02–22:10See the, ah, my lord, joy of Raghu's house, how much you suffered because of me.
22:10–22:15Lakshmana, 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.
22:27–22:31You try to master your grief.
22:31–22:39your trembling lips and nostrils and your chest heaving beneath its weight. Make your anguish
22:39–22:43plain to all.
22:43–22:46Aside.
22:46–22:50Looking at the picture, aloud.
22:50–22:58Dear brother, then the fire of grief kindled by separation from my beloved was fierce
22:58–23:08indeed, but the thirst for vengeance. Made it bearable. Now, after smoldering within
23:08–23:15me without cease, it has become the pain of a wound driven into the heart's most tender
23:15–23:26core. Sita, my lord, in boundless terror I see myself alone, without you. Lakshmana,
23:26–23:29I 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?
23:56–24:04Lachmana, this part of the Dandaka forest west of Janasthana is called Chitrakunjavat.
24:04–24:08Here live the headless demon Kabanda.
24:08–24:15This is the hermitage of the great sage Mithinga on Mount Rishiyamukha, and here is the wondrous
24:15–24:20Shabara ascetic, the holy woman Sharmani.
24:20–24:25There is the lotus lake called Pampa.
24:25–24:31I have heard that it was here my lord could no longer contain 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.
24:47–24:52between 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.
25:08–25:15All glory to the mighty son of Anjana, whose power secured the welfare of us all
25:15–25:19end of the entire world.
25:19–25:24Dear 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.
25:31–25:36He is on the verge of fainting, his natural radiance dimmed, only a remnant of his former
25:36–25:39enchanting splendor left.
25:39–25:43This is Mount Malayavan, filled with the fragrance of Kakuba blossoms.
25:43–25:46Its summit forever dark and wet beneath newly gathered clouds.
25:46–25:48Rama.
25:48–25:50Dear brother, stop, please stop.
25:50–25:52I can bear no more.
25:52–25:56It is as though separation from Janaki 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.
26:12–26:17I wish to ask one favor of you. Rama, you need only command me.
26:17–26:24I wish to go into a pure, deep forest and bathe in the holy, quiet, cooling waters of the Bajarathi.
26:24–26:31Rama, dear Lakshmana. Lakshmana, command me. Rama, the elders have just ordered that
26:31–26:36every desire of hers be fulfilled at once. Bring a comfortable chariot, with the gentlest
26:36–26:39motion.
26:39–26:43My lord, will you not come with me too?
26:43–26:45Exit.
26:45–26:47She 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.
27:18–27:26Rama, then come, put your whole weight upon me, I shall carry you.
27:26–27:31Place 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?
27:46–27:57Every touch of yours produces a transformation that cannot be called pleasure or pain,
27:57–28:08Fainting or sleep. Intoxication or poison spreading through every limb. It bewilders my senses.
28:08–28:13Awakening and numbing consciousness at once.
28:13–28:27Laughing. She looks for somewhere to lie down. Pretending to fall asleep. She 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?
28:39–28:40Rama.
28:40–28:43It makes the withered flower of my life.
28:43–28:45Bloom again.
28:45–28:47Renews my strength.
28:47–28:49And entrances every sense.
28:49–28:52These sweet words of my lotus-eyed wife.
28:52–28:56Nectar to the ear, the elixir of life to the heart.
28:56–29:03Sita, sweet-tongued lord, come, let us rest. Rama, there is no need to look. From the moment
29:03–29:10of our marriage. Whether at home or in the forest. In childhood or in youth. This has
29:10–29:17been your one place of rest. Where no other woman has ever laid her head. This arm of
29:17–29:26Rama. Shall be your pillow. Sita, it is true, my lord, true. Rama, what is this?
29:26–29:31Has my sweet-speaking beloved fallen into a deep sleep upon my breast?
29:31–29:34She is lax me herself dwelling in my house.
29:34–29:37An ambrosial balm for my eyes.
29:37–29:40The touch of a rich sandalwood paste upon my body.
29:40–29:42Her arm about my neck.
29:42–29:45Is a cool, smooth necklace of pearls.
29:45–29:48What is not dear to me in her?
29:48–29:50Except the agony of separation.
29:50–29:54Doorkeeper, my lord, he is here.
29:54–29:56Who is here?
29:56–30:00Your Majesty's personal attendant, Dermaka.
30:00–30:02Aside.
30:02–30:04Allowed.
30:04–30:06Exit doorkeeper.
30:06–30:08Enter Durmukha.
30:08–30:10Aside.
30:10–30:14Dermaka, an attendant of the Inner Palace.
30:14–30:18I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and country
30:18–30:26palace. I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and countryside are saying.
30:26–30:28Admit him.
30:28–30:37Dermaca, how can I tell the king this unspeakable rumor about Queen Sita? Yet this burden has
30:37–30:41fallen upon unfortunate me.
30:41–30:45Crying out in her sleep.
30:45–30:48Tender hearted lord, where are you?
30:48–30:52He gently carresses her.
30:52–31:00The dreadful fear of separation awakened by the pictures is troubling the Queen's dreams.
31:00–31:04Constancy in joy and sorrow.
31:04–31:07Harmony in every circumstance.
31:07–31:10A place where the heart can rest.
31:10–31:16A sweetness that even old age cannot destroy.
31:16–31:20and time strips away every covering.
31:20–31:25And pure love ripens what alone remains.
31:25–31:30This incomparable blessing comes only to the good.
31:30–31:35And even then, only through fortune.
31:35–31:37Approaching
31:37–31:40Victory to the King
31:40–31:44Tell me what you have learned.
31:44–31:47The people of the city and countryside praise your majesty, saying,
31:47–31:52Lord Rama has made us forget even King Doshrata.
31:52–31:55That is mere flattery.
31:55–32:02If you have learned of any fault, tell me, so that it may be corrected.
32:02–32:05His eyes fill with tears.
32:05–32:09He whispers everything in Rama's ear.
32:09–32:13Listen, my lord.
32:13–32:16He feigns.
32:16–32:18God above.
32:18–32:24Your words have become a thunderbolt and pierced me to the heart.
32:24–32:29My Lord, take hold of yourself.
32:29–32:32Recovering 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.
32:49–32:54Vada he had erased by a miraculous means.
32:54–32:59But through a crooked turn of fate it has appeared again.
32:59–33:04Spreading 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?
33:09–33:16The vow of a righteous king is to keep his people content by every means.
33:16–33:21My father upheld that vow at the cost of me.
33:21–33:25And in the end, of his own life.
33:25–33:31And thus Ishta has only now given me the same command.
33:31–33:36Then, if the stainless honor of this house,
33:36–33:44Brightened by the conduct of the mighty ancient kings of the solar line, is sullied by reproach
33:44–33:51arising from my marriage, then I am surely ruined and condemned.
33:51–33:59O Queen, born from the sacrificial ground, by your birth you honored and sanctified
33:59–34:01earth herself.
34:01–34:06You brought joy to Janaka and the line of Nimi.
34:06–34:13Fire, Vasishta and Arundhati have praised your character.
34:13–34:17Rama 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?
34:31–34:35Through you every creature in the world is blessed.
34:35–34:40Yet this accursed rumor has fallen upon you.
34:40–34:44In you the people found a true protector.
34:44–34:48Yet you yourself stand unprotected before destruction.
34:48–34:57Dermacca, tell Lachmana that the inexperienced King Rama has an order for him.
34:57–35:01The Queen, purified before the fire and made holy Astele by carrying the continuance
35:01–35:06of Ragu's line in her womb, how could your Majesty reach such a decision merely on
35:06–35:14hearing a wicked rumor about her. Silence. How dare you call the people of the city and
35:14–35:23countryside wicked. The Exvaku House has earned the people's trust. This seed of slander is
35:23–35:32the fruit of fate. And the miraculous event at the time of her purification took place
35:32–35:39in a distant land, who here will believe it. Go!
35:39–35:40Exit!
35:40–35:44Aw, my queen!
35:44–35:53He carefully lifts Sita's head and withdraws his arm. Rising!
35:53–35:59He lays his head at Sita's feet. He 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.
36:26–36:31Like a 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 have 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?
37:22–37:28It seems Rama was given consciousness only so that
37:28–37:32he 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 Vasishta and Vishvamitra, 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, greatest
38:00–38:09of benefactors, dear friend Trajata, this vile Rama has deceived and dishonored you all.
38:09–38:14But who am I now to take your names upon my lips?
38:14–38:20For an ungrateful wretch like me even to speak their names, would be to stain
38:20–38:30those great souls with my sin. I. I remove from my breast the jewel of my house, my beloved wife.
38:31–38:38Who sleeps there unsuspecting, heavy with pregnancy, how anxiously the child moved,
38:40–38:44and cast her mercilessly before dogs like an offering of flesh.
38:44–38:54My Queen, My Queen, this is the 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
39:12–39:25protection terrified by Lavana. He takes a few steps then turns back. Exit Rama. In
39:25–39:40her dream she wakes suddenly looks around. Enter Durmukha. What is a raakshasa still
39:40–39:50causing havoc. Chitrugna must be sent to destroy Kamanasi's sun-root and branch. Ah,
39:50–39:57my queen, what will become of you in this terrible crisis? Holy Earth, protect your
39:57–40:06helpless daughter, Jonaki. The entire good fortune of the houses of Raghu and Janaka.
40:06–40:12The sacred child you brought forth during the God's holy sacrifice.
40:12–40:16Sita, 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 before
40:37–40:39me.
40:39–40:41Is anyone there?
40:41–40:49Dermaka, your majesty, Prince Lakshmana submits that the chariot is fully prepared and awaits
40:49–40:51you.
40:51–40:54She rises.
40:54–40:57Accent both.
40:57–40:58I am ready.
40:58–41:01The child in my womb keeps moving.
41:01–41:02I must walk slowly.
41:02–41:05Jumuqa, this way, your majesty.
41:05–41:09Sita, I bow to the gods of Raghu's house.
41:09–41:11End of Act 1.
41:11–41:14Interlude to Act 2.
41:14–41:19Enter an ascetic woman dressed as a traveller.
41:19–41:25Enter the forest goddess, presenting the offering.
41:25–41:28They sit.
41:28–41:36to the holy lady, ascetic, ah! The forest goddess herself has come to attend me, bearing an offering
41:36–41:45of fruit, flowers, and leaves. Forest goddess, take your full enjoyment of this forest. Today
41:45–41:51is an auspicious day for me. Meeting a good person is rare, and comes only as the fruit
41:51–42:00of merit. The shade of trees, water, and food suited to an ascetic. Fruit, roots, and all
42:00–42:02else are at your service.
42:02–42:11Ascetic. What can I say? Affectionate conduct, restrained speech. Made sweet by courtesy.
42:11–42:18A heart naturally disposed to goodwill. And service without hesitation. Whether offered
42:18–42:25first or last, its flavour never spoils. All glory to this secret of the Virtuous.
42:25–42:33Free from deceit and stain. Forest Goddess, may I know who my honoured guest is?
42:33–42:38Interlude to Act 2. Aesthetic, I 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?
42:45–42:53Atrei. Many masters of the essence of the Vedas, Agastya and others live in this region.
42:53–43:01I have travelled far from Valmiki to learn the knowledge of Vedanta from them. Forest goddess,
43:01–43:07but other sages worship that ancient teacher, the son of Prashtas, in order to attain spiritual
43:07–43:13perfection. Why, then, does the noble lady remain away from him?
43:13–43:19A tray, 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 marvelous event it was, once brought two twin boys, newly weaned to Lord
43:32–43:33Valmiki.
43:33–43:39Naturally, the children won his heart, not his alone, but the hearts of every living
43:39–43:41and unmoving thing.
43:41–43:45Forest Goddess is anything known of their names.
43:45–43:52Atrehi, it is said that the God Himself revealed their names, Kusha and Lava, and their powers.
43:52–43:54Interlude to Act 2.
43:54–43:57Forest Goddess, what powers?
43:57–44:01Atrehi, it is said that from the moment of birth the divine weapons, together with
44:01–44:05their secret spells, were under their command.
44:05–44:07Forest Goddess, truly astonishing.
44:07–44:14Atreey, Valmiki undertook the work of a nurse and reared and cared for both boys.
44:14–44:18After their first tanchar, he formally instructed them in the three branches of learning apart
44:18–44:22from the three Vedas, finally, in their eleventh year.
44:22–44:26He performed their initiation according to the Kshatriya Rite and taught them the three
44:26–44:28sacred 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.
44:35–44:424. A teacher gives the same knowledge to the dull and the keen, but cannot create or destroy
44:42–44:49their capacity to receive it. Therefore the results differ greatly. A polished jewel holds
44:49–44:57a reflection. A lump of clay does not. Forest goddess is that the obstacle to your studies.
44:57–45:05A trayee, there is another as well. Interlude to act too. Forest goddess, what is it?
45:05–45:11Once 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.
45:16–45:19Suddenly the goddess of speech appeared to his mind's eye.
45:19–45:24Every sound was clear, measured in a meter of eight syllables.
45:24–45:26She found voice in this form.
45:26–45:29Hunter, through endless time.
45:29–45:31You shall win no honor.
45:31–45:34Because you killed one bird.
45:34–45:37Of this crown-chappere joined in love.
45:37–45:44Forest goddess, how wondrous, a new incarnation of meter, independent of the Vedas.
45:44–45:48Her eyes filled with tears.
45:48–45:51Alarmed aside.
45:51–45:53Allowed.
45:53–45:58She 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,
46:10–46:14Sage, you have attained knowledge of the mystery called speech.
46:14–46:17Now tell the story of Rama.
46:17–46:21You shall receive the eye of inspiration, a seer's vision whose light never grows
46:21–46:22dim.
46:22–46:25You are the first poet.
46:25–46:28Having said this, he vanished.
46:28–46:33When the son of Prachetas composed the Ramayana, the first revelation in human society of the
46:33–46:36mystery of speech in the form of history.
46:36–46:39Interlude to Act 2.
46:39–46:42Forest Goddess, all life itself has been enriched.
46:42–46:47A Trai, that is why I spoke of a great impediment to study.
46:47–46:49Forest Goddess, naturally.
46:49–46:54A Trai, good lady, I have rested.
46:54–46:57Now tell me the road to Agustya's Hermitage.
46:57–47:03Goddess, enter Panchavati from here and continue along the bank of the Godavari.
47:03–47:08Atreyi, is this the celebrated sacred grove of Panchavati?
47:08–47:14Is this river the Godavari that mountain Prazirvana, and are you Vasanti, Goddess of Janasthana?
47:14–47:18Vasanti, every word you say is true.
47:18–47:24Atreyi, daughter Janaki, all 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.
47:33–47:35Though 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.
47:44–47:49A trai, not calamity alone, disgrace as well.
47:49–47:51Interlude to act too.
47:51–47:54Vasanti, ah.
47:54–47:55a cruel blow of fate.
47:55–47:59Atreyi, dear lady, take hold of yourself.
47:59–48:07Vasanti, oh 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.
48:11–48:16Atreyi, is there any news of what happened to Sita after Lakshmana left her in the
48:16–48:17forest and returned?
48:17–48:21Atreyi, alas, none at all.
48:21–48:27How terrible! With Ragu's house under the protection of Orondottie and Vesishtha, and
48:27–48:32the aged Queen Mother is still alive, how could this happen? A tray! At that time the
48:32–48:38elders were at Rishi Shringer's Hermitage. The twelve-year sacrifice has now ended.
48:38–48:41Rishi Shringer was preparing to send them away with due honour when Orondottie said,
48:41–48:45Ye I will not return to Ierthire 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?
49:05–49:14Harise Phil, with affection and wonder. They turn and exit together.
49:14–49:18May 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.
49:40–49:45Atreey, 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
50:28–50:31is practicing austerities.
50:31–50:33Rama, 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
50:54–50:56by inhaling smoke.
50:56–50:59If only dear Rama might adorn this forest once again.
50:59–51:08Atre'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
51:25–51:32pick insects 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
51:52–51:56man. My right hand strike this
51:56–52:04Shudra ascetic with the sword and restore the brahmin's dead son to life. You
52:04–52:12are a limb of that same Rama who dared banish his own weary Sita heavy with
52:12–52:20pregnancy. Why does compassion awaken in you now? There you have done a deed
52:20–52:26worthy of Rama. Let the Brahmin son live.
52:26–52:35Celestial man, victory to the king. By imposing just punishment, you grant safety even from
52:35–52:42Yama himself. Because of you the child has returned to life, and I too have attained a
52:42–52:52a higher state. I, Shambhuka, bow my head at your feet. Whatever comes through contact
52:52–52:58with the good, even death, brings liberation.
52:58–53:00Looks around.
53:00–53:10Both results please me. Now enjoy the fruit of your severe austerities. May the vast,
53:10–53:19world of heaven. Filled with joy and happiness accumulated through merit. Be yours forever.
53:21–53:28Shambhuka, I attain this exalted state by bowing at your feet, austerity had no part in it.
53:30–53:37Yet perhaps my penance did me one great service. Lord of all creatures and my refuge.
53:37–53:43I should have had to search the whole earth for you.
53:43–53:48But you yourself crossed hundreds upon hundreds of leagues.
53:48–53:53To seek out a low-born man like me.
53:53–53:56Surely this was the boom granted by my penance.
53:56–54:02Otherwise why would you leave Ayodhya and return to Dandaka?
54:02–54:07Rama, what, is this the Dandaka forest?
54:07–54:16Yes. Here are soft, deep green pastures, their harsh and terrifying ground.
54:16–54:23On every side, to the horizon, the roar of swift rivers echoes.
54:23–54:32Between them lie forts, hermitages, mountains, streams, caves, and woods.
54:32–54:40Yes, I know this land, the Dandika region of the Vinnyas.
54:40–54:44This is certainly the Dandika forest.
54:44–54:53They say that when your majesty lived here, you slew 14,000 fearsome roxas as in battle,
54:53–54:58and three more to Dashana, Kora and Trishiras.
54:58–55:06This Janastana became holy ground, where even timid people like me could move in safety.
55:06–55:07What?
55:07–55:12Not only Dandika, but Janastana too.
55:12–55:16Yes, certainly.
55:16–55:21The vast forest stretching south from Janastana, with its lots of mountain caves full of
55:21–55:27parks of savage wild dogs, makes anyone's hair stand on end.
55:27–55:35In some places the land is silent as death. Elsewhere wild beasts howl.
55:35–55:42The heaths of enormous, dreadful snakes lying quietly asleep seems to kindle fire.
55:42–55:47Water is scarce, found only in deep fissures.
55:47–55:52Thirsty lizards drink the sweat from serpent's backs.
55:52–55:59walks around. His eyes fill with tears.
55:59–56:07As I gaze upon Janasthana, the dwelling place of Kara. Old events seem to unfold again before
56:07–56:17my eyes. How deep that he's love for Rama was. God above, this very forest, what could
56:17–56:26be more terrifying. Yet she said, I will live with you in the honey-scented forest. And she
56:26–56:37was truly happy here. So profound was her love. A person need do nothing. The joy of mere
56:37–56:47companionship erases suffering. To have someone who loves you, what a great blessing. Leave
56:47–56:55memories that bring only pain. Let your majesty look toward the forest in the middle distance,
56:55–57:01quiet and grave, enclosed by mountains the color of the soft necks of peacocks in rut,
57:01–57:08adorned with clusters of trees casting dense and deep shade, where every kind of animal rests
57:08–57:16without fear. Here mountain streams run with clear to cooling water. Filled with the fragrance
57:16–57:21of flowering vines and reeds shaken by excited birds.
57:21–57:27The fierce current plunges roaring through groves of German trees.
57:27–57:30Dark with ripe fruit.
57:30–57:32And father.
57:32–57:36There are caves in the mountains where bear cubs live.
57:36–57:41Their gulls are multiplied many times by echoes.
57:41–57:48They cool to sharp the stringent scent of juicy sholaki leaves, broken from their stems and
57:48–57:52scattered by elephants.
57:52–57:56Also take turns within the caves.
57:56–57:59His voice breaking with sobs.
57:59–58:04Good sir, may your journey be blessed.
58:04–58:11by the celestial path and attain the worlds of the virtuous.
58:11–58:14Exit Shambhuka.
58:14–58:22After going to the ancient Brahmashya Gestia, I shall enter the Itanolabod.
58:22–58:24He looks.
58:24–58:27In anguish.
58:27–58:31Re-enter Shambhuka.
58:31–58:35Today I see again the same forest.
58:35–58:43where, many years ago, I lived for so long, both as an ascetic firm in his duty and as
58:43–58:51a householder, and 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 and rut.
59:00–59:09The same river banks, filled with lovely reeds, vines, and rushes growing in dense blue-black
59:09–59:11clusters.
59:11–59:19That mass rising in the distance like a bank of clouds is Mount Pasaravana, where the
59:19–59:22Godavari 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.
59:34–59:41A forest alive with calling birds and adorned with dark trees.
59:41–59:46Here is Panchavadi, whose many places witness the countless intimate conversations of our
59:46–59:48long residence.
59:48–59:53Here lives Vasanthi, my beloved's friend.
59:53–59:56But what is happening to Rama?
59:56–1:00:05Now, light 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.
1:00:24–1:00:28But 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.
1:00:49–1:00:56Even 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 Panchavati is drawing me toward it by force.
1:01:10–1:01:14Here all those days with her were spent.
1:01:14–1:01:19And after we returned home this place remained the subject of constant memory and endless
1:01:19–1:01:22conversation.
1:01:22–1:01:29Now sinful Rama, having killed the one dearest to him and left himself alone.
1:01:29–1:01:34How 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 sages command.
1:02:11–1:02:16Then let your majesty turn the Pushkaka this way.
1:02:16–1:02:25Panchavadi, forgive the momentary neglect Rama must show you in order to obey his elders command.
1:02:25–1:02:28Accent both.
1:02:28–1:02:32Enter to river goddesses.
1:02:32–1:02:35Look of my lord, Vluk.
1:02:35–1:02:39That is Mount Kronchavata.
1:02:39–1:02:43Where the harsh roar of wind through the bamboo forest.
1:02:43–1:02:51doubled by the cries of owls in liftoff's groves, silences flocks of crows,
1:02:51–1:02:56sapons hunting from branches of ancient sandalwood trees,
1:02:56–1:03:02riding fear at the calls of peacocks strutting proudly below.
1:03:02–1:03:07And father, there are the mountains of the south,
1:03:07–1:03:12in their caves the waters of the Godovari gaggle,
1:03:12–1:03:17and their summits are dark beneath clouds sacking the peaks.
1:03:17–1:03:22And there are the sacred places at the river confluences,
1:03:22–1:03:27where deep water rose under the irregular blows of waves,
1:03:27–1:03:30from currents colliding head on.
1:03:30–1:03:33End of Act 2
1:03:33–1:03:36Interlude to Act 3
1:03:36–1:03:41First river a friend Morala, to you seem troubled.
1:03:41–1:03:51Muralla T'Tamasa, Vlopamudra, wife of Agastya, 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.
1:04:10–1:04:16The current of grief born from the calamity that befell his beloved wife, growing ever
1:04:16–1:04:22stronger without cease, has now utterly broken the aroma.
1:04:22–1:04:26The strings of my heart snap when I see him.
1:04:26–1:04:31Today he is returning to Panchuvati to look for the last time upon the places that witnessed
1:04:31–1:04:36the intimate moments of his forest life with his wife.
1:04:36–1:04:42He is self-controlled by nature, yet I fear that in such a place unbearable blows of grief
1:04:42–1:04:45will 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, to the utmost gentleness.
1:04:54–1:05:03Abrace cool by droplets from your waves, and carrying the fragrance of lotus pollen.
1:05:03–1:05:08And when he is about to faint, he sooth his life-breath.
1:05:08–1:05:10Interlude to Act 3.
1:05:10–1:05:17Tomasa, such foresight is entirely worthy of Lopomudra's affection.
1:05:17–1:05:23Yet a more fundamental means of reviving the aroma is available even now.
1:05:23–1:05:24Hal.
1:05:24–1:05:25Listen.
1:05:25–1:05:32It is said that many years ago, immediately after Lakshmana abandoned her and returned
1:05:32–1:05:38from Valmiki's sacred grove, Queen Cita's labour pains began. The agony was so intense
1:05:38–1:05:44that she threw herself into the Ganges. There she gave birth to twin sons. Earth and Gonga
1:05:44–1:05:50came to her aid and took her down to the netherworld. When the boys were weaned, Goddess
1:05:50–1:05:56Gonga herself entrusted them to the care of the great sage descended from Prashtas.
1:05:56–1:06:04even the calamities of such a woman become occasions for pure wonder. For divine powers
1:06:04–1:06:12such as these come to her aid. They turn and exit together.
1:06:12–1:06:16Now Bagarata learned from Sarayu that Dear Rama might have come to Janasthana because
1:06:16–1:06:23of the affair of Shambuka. She 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 his
1:06:40–1:06:44subjects, 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.
1:06:51–1:06:54Queen Sita somehow consoled Dear Rama.
1:06:54–1:06:59To Mara, Goddess Bagarate has already considered this.
1:06:59–1:07:03She said to Sita, daughter Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, today the tally of
1:07:03–1:07:09the 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
1:07:14–1:07:20of humankind, founder of your son's royal line, and your primordial father-in-law.
1:07:20–1:07:25By my power, not merely human beings, but even gods upon earth will be unable to perceive
1:07:25–1:07:27your presence.
1:07:27–1:07:33Then she commanded me, Tamasa, daughter Jonaki, my daughter-in-law, holds you in special affection,
1:07:33–1:07:35therefore you must attend her.
1:07:35–1:07:38I am now carrying out that command.
1:07:38–1:07:42Murala, I shall tell Lopamudra of this plan.
1:07:42–1:07:46It seems dear Rama himself has arrived.
1:07:46–1:07:50Tomasa, and there, emerging from a pool of the Godavari.
1:07:50–1:07:53Interlude to Act 3.
1:07:53–1:07:56Her face veiled by dishevelled hair.
1:07:56–1:07:59Made lovelier by pale and hollow cheeks.
1:07:59–1:08:03The image of compassion, the embodied pain of separation from love.
1:08:03–1:08:06Jonaki is entering the forest.
1:08:06–1:08:09Murala, yes, it must be she.
1:08:09–1:08:12Like a tender shoot cut from its stem.
1:08:12–1:08:16The heat of long, harsh grief has dried the flower of her heart.
1:08:16–1:08:20As autumn heat dries the leaf of a ketoki bud.
1:08:20–1:08:23Her pale, wasted body has withered.
1:08:23–1:08:27End of the interlude.
1:08:27–1:08:32Enter Sita, absorbed in gathering flowers.
1:08:32–1:08:38Hearing the cry, she is gradually filled with compassion and anxiety.
1:08:38–1:08:46Danger! Danger! Is that the voice of my dear friend Vasanti?
1:08:46–1:08:52Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy, feeding him with her own hand the tender tips
1:08:52–1:08:59of shalaki leaves she had gathered, the little elephant who would stand impatiently before
1:08:59–1:09:03her. What 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.
1:09:31–1:09:36Above the sight of Puntavati has brought those long familiar words back to my unfortunate lips.
1:09:37–1:09:42Ah, my lord! To Mara, daughter, please take hold of yourself.
1:09:43–1:09:45Noble chariot, halt here.
1:09:47–1:09:51Recovering consciousness, suddenly agitated.
1:09:53–1:09:55Smiling and weeping at once.
1:09:55–1:10:02Why 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?
1:10:06–1:10:09Tamasa, daughter.
1:10:09–1:10:11Like a peahen hearing distant thunder.
1:10:11–1:10:15How can a woman such as you become so agitated and eager?
1:10:15–1:10:18Over a sound so indistinct and uncertain.
1:10:18–1:10:22Sita, holy lady, why call it indistinct?
1:10:22–1:10:25It can only be the voice of my lord.
1:10:25–1:10:26I know his voice.
1:10:26–1:10:28Tomasa.
1:10:28–1:10:32I have heard that the king of the Ikshvaku line has come to Janasthana to punish Ashudra
1:10:32–1:10:35who is practicing austerities.
1:10:35–1:10:36Sita.
1:10:36–1:10:40It is fortunate that the king has not abandoned the duties of kingship.
1:10:40–1:10:42Voice offstage.
1:10:42–1:10:45Wear trees and animals too where our kin.
1:10:45–1:10:48Where 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.
1:10:54–1:11:05Looking, she feigns into Thamasas' arms, supporting her.
1:11:05–1:11:15Aside, recovering, she falls at Thamasas' feet.
1:11:15–1:11:20God above, 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 Jonaki.
1:11:46–1:11:50Tamasa, this is exactly what my teacher feared.
1:11:50–1:11:52Sita, how can this be possible?
1:11:53–1:11:57Voice offstage, ah, my queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka forest.
1:11:58–1:12:00Ah, princess of Videha.
1:12:01–1:12:05Sita, God above, as he takes my unfortunate name upon his lips,
1:12:05–1:12:09his blue lotus eyes roll back, he has fainted and fallen to the ground.
1:12:10–1:12:14How 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.
1:12:18–1:12:25Lovely daughter, only you have the power to restore the Lord of the world to life.
1:12:25–1:12:28The touch of your hand is dear to him.
1:12:28–1:12:32The entire burden rests upon that alone.
1:12:32–1:12:36She exits in agitation.
1:12:36–1:12:42The scene opens to reveal Rama lying unconscious on the ground.
1:12:42–1:12:45Sita, weeping, carresses him.
1:12:45–1:12:50He begins to recover with an expression of supreme bliss.
1:12:50–1:12:54Let whatever must happen, happen.
1:12:54–1:12:58I obey the holy lady's command.
1:12:58–1:13:01With suppressed joy.
1:13:01–1:13:05It is as though the life of the whole world has returned.
1:13:05–1:13:11With fear and compassion, withdrawing her hand.
1:13:11–1:13:21up. But what is happening? Is this the essence pressed from heavenly sandal leaves? Or a
1:13:21–1:13:29drop fallen from a moonbeam stop crushed in a press? Has someone poured upon my heart
1:13:29–1:13:37the juice? Of the divine life restoring herb and cooled a life already burned? This touch
1:13:37–1:13:47is familiar from long ago. It restores consciousness and also brings deep intoxication. The instant
1:13:47–1:13:55it removes a faint born of pain. It produces the stillness of perfect bliss.
1:13:55–1:14:04Sita, this much is enough for now. Rama, is it possible that the queen has come, out
1:14:04–1:14:14of affection, to help me. Sita, ah, why does my Lord speak of me now? Rama, let me look
1:14:14–1:14:25around. Sita, tamasa, come. The king will be angry if he sees me here without permission.
1:14:25–1:14:33Tamasa, but daughter, through Bhagyathi's grace you are invisible even to the gods.
1:14:33–1:14:37Sita, ah, yes.
1:14:37–1:14:39You speak the truth.
1:14:39–1:14:44Her voice breaking with anger.
1:14:44–1:14:47Her eyes fill.
1:14:47–1:14:50Beloved Janaki.
1:14:50–1:14:54Surely it was Beloved Janaki.
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?
1:15:19–1:15:25I know his heart, just as he knows mine.
1:15:25–1:15:28around, desolate.
1:15:28–1:15:30No.
1:15:30–1:15:33There is no one here.
1:15:33–1:15:38Tamasa, 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.
1:15:43–1:15:47I understand, daughter, I understand.
1:15:47–1:15:49Chilled by despair.
1:15:49–1:15:51Bitter from his cruelty.
1:15:51–1:15:55Almost numb from meeting him after long separation.
1:15:55–1:16:00through 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.
1:16:16–1:16:24Present, despite everything, to give me joy. But Queen of my heart, where are you?
1:16:24–1:16:33you. With rising compassion and anxiety. My Lord's sorrowful words about Sita are filled
1:16:33–1:16:39with deep affection and overflowing with the bliss of love. When I believe them, it seems
1:16:39–1:16:44my birth has been fulfilled, though the arrow of unjust abandonment remains terribly sharp.
1:16:44–1:16:50Rama, but what would beloved Jonaki be doing here? This is only Rama's pure delusion,
1:16:50–1:16:54The fruit of wishful imagining strengthened by long habit.
1:16:54–1:16:56Voice offstage.
1:16:56–1:16:57Danger.
1:16:57–1:16:58Danger.
1:16:58–1:17:03Long ago Queen Sita reared him from infancy, feeding him with her own hand the tender tips
1:17:03–1:17:08of shalaki leaves she had gathered, the little elephant, who would stand impatiently before
1:17:08–1:17:09her.
1:17:09–1:17:12Rama, what has happened to him?
1:17:12–1:17:14Voice offstage, again.
1:17:14–1:17:17He was playing in the river with his mate.
1:17:17–1:17:20When a wild elephant in rut shamelessly attacked him.
1:17:20–1:17:22Who will protect him now?
1:17:23–1:17:25He rises.
1:17:26–1:17:28Enter Vasanthi in alarm.
1:17:30–1:17:35Where is the villain who dared attack my beloved's little son and his mate?
1:17:36–1:17:39Vasanthi, is this King Ragan and Dana?
1:17:41–1:17:43Ah, this is my dear friend Vasanthi.
1:17:45–1:17:46Victory to the King.
1:17:47–1:17:48Looking.
1:17:50–1:17:55Why, this is Vasanthi, the queen's dear friend.
1:17:55–1:17:59Quickly, my lord, quickly!
1:17:59–1:18:07From here, go beyond Jatayu peak and descend toward the Godavari by Caesar's Ford, though 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.
1:18:18–1:18:22This way, my lord, this way.
1:18:23–1:18:27Holy lady, truly even the forest divinities cannot see me.
1:18:28–1:18:33Dear daughter, Mandekeen's power is far greater than that of all other divinities.
1:18:34–1:18:35Do not be anxious.
1:18:36–1:18:38They all move.
1:18:39–1:18:41Then we shall follow behind them.
1:18:43–1:18:46Holy Godavari, I bow to you.
1:18:47–1:18:49Looking.
1:18:49–1:18:55Rejoice, my lord, the queen's little son has defeated the wild elephant and stands victorious
1:18:55–1:18:56beside his mate.
1:18:56–1:18:59Rammer, victory to him.
1:18:59–1:19:01May 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.
1:19:08–1:19:13Beloved wife, the son of yours, who once tore the larvaly leaf from behind your
1:19:13–1:19:14ear.
1:19:14–1:19:20with the tips of new sprouting teeth, smooth as lotus petals. Has today defeated an elephant in
1:19:20–1:19:27rut. Clearly the good fortune of his childhood still attends him. Seater, may he live long,
1:19:27–1:19:30and from this day never be separated from his tender-hearted mate.
1:19:31–1:19:36Rammer, look, friend for Santi, look, the boy has nearly learned the art of honoring his
1:19:36–1:19:41beloved. While chewing a mouthful of lotus stork, a pruted in play. He pours these to
1:19:41–1:19:47spray into her mouth with his water-beaded trunk. Water fragrant with a newly fallen lotus.
1:19:48–1:19:53But he has not yet learned, when they rest, to show proper care. By shading her with a straight
1:19:53–1:20:00stemmed lotus leaf. Tamesa, seeing him so grown makes me think of Kusha and Lava.
1:20:01–1:20:06After all this time, what must they look like? They are just like this.
1:20:06–1:20:13How unfortunate I am to have been torn so cruelly not only from my husband, but from my sons as well.
1:20:13–1:20:21So it was written by fate. What is the use of bearing sons if my lord can never kiss their faces,
1:20:21–1:20:27faces like two fresh lotuses, bright with a few tender white teeth just emerging, innocent childhood
1:20:27–1:20:34laughter, lisping speech, and hair gathered in top knots. May the gods be gracious.
1:20:34–1:20:40Tamesa, the mere memory of my son's fills my breasts with milk, and with their father before
1:20:40–1:20:46me, for a moment I feel as though I have returned to the world of the living.
1:20:46–1:20:48What can one say?
1:20:48–1:20:53A child is the furthest limit of love and the root of the deepest bond between parents.
1:20:53–1:20:57Because a child is the shared object of both spouse's love.
1:20:57–1:21:01It is a knot of joy that binds their hearts together.
1:21:01–1:21:07My Lord, look there as well. That same peacock sits like a joiled crown on the high branch
1:21:07–1:21:13of a cadamber tree, calling to his mate. Having just completed his incomparable festive
1:21:13–1:21:18tandaver dance, he has spread the soft feathers of his tail.
1:21:18–1:21:25Harise Phil in wonder. It is the same one.
1:21:25–1:21:29Dear son, may every blessing be yours.
1:21:30–1:21:32Yes, so be it.
1:21:33–1:21:36I remember you with a father's affection.
1:21:37–1:21:42My simple-hearted wife made you dance as though you were her child,
1:21:43–1:21:48clapping her hands and rolling her eyes to make you turn in circles.
1:21:49–1:21:52Her pupils revolved like wheels.
1:21:52–1:21:59And in the skillful quiver of her brows appeared every movement of the Tandava.
1:21:59–1:22:04Ah, even animals recognized those they knew long ago.
1:22:04–1:22:14This Kadamba tree, now in bloom, was planted from seed by my beloved queen.
1:22:14–1:22:17Looking, her eyes fill.
1:22:17–1:22:20How keen my lord's memory is.
1:22:20–1:22:24And surely the peacock remembers her.
1:22:24–1:22:28So he regards the tree as his own brother.
1:22:28–1:22:33Let your majesty sit here for a moment.
1:22:33–1:22:36This is the stone seat in the banana grove.
1:22:36–1:22:39Wear you and your beloved wife used to rest.
1:22:39–1:22:42Cedar fed the foreons so much grass
1:22:42–1:22:45that they would not let her leave.
1:22:45–1:22:49He sits elsewhere and weeps.
1:22:49–1:22:53I cannot bear to look at this.
1:22:53–1:22:58Friend Vasanti, what are you doing to my lord, and to me, by showing all this?
1:22:58–1:23:05God above, here is my lord, the same husband, the same forest of Puntavarti, the same friend Vasanti,
1:23:05–1:23:09the same woodland along the Godavari that witnessed our countless intimate moments,
1:23:09–1:23:12the same trees, birds, and animals that were like our children.
1:23:12–1:23:17All are before my eyes, yet for unfortunate me they have ceased to exist.
1:23:17–1:23:19How completely my world has overturned.
1:23:20–1:23:23Friend Cedar, do you not see Rama's condition?
1:23:24–1:23:28When his body was fresh as a blue lotus petal, he was a festival for the eyes.
1:23:29–1:23:33Even after one had gazed to the heart's content, he seemed new every moment.
1:23:34–1:23:37Now nearly senseless, at once pale and dark.
1:23:38–1:23:41So weakened by grief that he is difficult to recognize.
1:23:41–1:23:43He still gives joy to the eyes.
1:23:43–1:23:48I see, friend. I see.
1:23:48–1:23:53Daughter, continue to gaze upon your beloved for a long time.
1:23:53–1:23:56She continues to gaze.
1:23:56–1:24:01My lord, who would believe that he could live without me and I without him?
1:24:01–1:24:05Between falling tears, let me look at my beloved lord a little longer.
1:24:05–1:24:09Seeing him is like receiving a new birth.
1:24:09–1:24:14Weeping with affection she embraces Sita.
1:24:14–1:24:18A swelling flood of tears born of joy and sorrow
1:24:18–1:24:21is released from your eyes widened with longing.
1:24:21–1:24:26Your bright, sweet, innocent gaze flowing with love
1:24:26–1:24:30bathes the Lord of your heart like a stream of milk.
1:24:30–1:24:37Sitting her eyes fill, pretending not to hear.
1:24:37–1:24:45aside, allowed. He begins to weep.
1:24:45–1:24:49Let the trees offer a welcome of honey-dripping flowers and fruit.
1:24:49–1:24:53Let the forest wind carry the full fragrance of newly-opened lotuses.
1:24:53–1:24:58And let the birds begin a sweet, unbroken song at full voice.
1:24:58–1:25:01For King Rama himself has returned to visit this forest.
1:25:01–1:25:06Rama, come, friend for Santi. Shall we sit here?
1:25:06–1:25:10For Santy, your Majesty, I hope Prince Lakshmana is well.
1:25:11–1:25:11Rama.
1:25:12–1:25:18May Thelia use to give water, seed, and grass with her lotus hands to these trees, birds, and deer.
1:25:19–1:25:23Seeing them again, I am transformed as though my heart were melting and ready to burst into a flood.
1:25:24–1:25:28For Santy, but your Majesty, I asked whether Prince Lakshmana is well.
1:25:29–1:25:33Rama, are, a your Majesty, a, how cold the address.
1:25:33–1:25:38She asks only after Cermitri's welfare, yet her voice is choked with sobs.
1:25:38–1:25:43She must know what happened to Cetir. Yes, the prince as well.
1:25:43–1:25:46She fiends.
1:25:46–1:25:51Our, my lord, why did you become so cruel in the end?
1:25:51–1:25:55Cetir, friend for Santi, how can you speak to him like that?
1:25:55–1:26:00My lord deserves compassion from everyone, most of all from my dear friend.
1:26:00–1:26:05For Santi, you are my life, my second heart.
1:26:05–1:26:08Moonlight to my eyes, nectar to my limbs.
1:26:08–1:26:14With countless hunted words like these, you enchanted that innocent girl.
1:26:14–1:26:18But enough. What is the use of saying more?
1:26:18–1:26:23To Marcer, naturally she is drug speechless, even driven nearly mad.
1:26:23–1:26:27Rammer, friend, please take hold of yourself.
1:26:27–1:26:29Recovering.
1:26:29–1:26:34But why did your Majesty perform that inspeakable deed?
1:26:34–1:26:35Cedar, stop!
1:26:35–1:26:37Friend Vasanti, stop!
1:26:37–1:26:40Rammer, because of the people's reproach.
1:26:40–1:26:43Vasanti, what cause the reproach?
1:26:43–1:26:46Rammer, only the people know.
1:26:46–1:26:50It is far too late for reproach now.
1:26:50–1:26:53Vasanti, cruel 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.
1:27:13–1:27:16Tamasa, it is love and grief speaking.
1:27:16–1:27:20Rama, friend, what can be imagined in such a case?
1:27:20–1:27:24Her eyes, heavy with weariness from the child moving in her womb.
1:27:24–1:27:30must have rolled like the eyes of a frightened yelling deer. Her body, tender as a lotus petal,
1:27:30–1:27:35or a mass of moonbeams. Must have been torn apart by wild beasts.
1:27:37–1:27:43My lord, I am alive, here, alive. Rama, are, beloved Jonarchy, where are you?
1:27:44–1:27:48Sita, god above, my lord too is calling out with all his voice.
1:27:48–1:27:55daughter, this is beneficial. A grief-stricken person must try to let grief flow outward.
1:27:55–1:28:024. When flood water presses against a dam. It is resisted by releasing the water.
1:28:02–1:28:08And 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.
1:28:14–1:28:20days. He must protect the whole earth according to rule, with the sharpest intelligence. While
1:28:20–1:28:25grief for his beloved dries his soul like a flower beneath summer heat. The fault of
1:28:25–1:28:33abandonment is his own, so lament brings no peace. Yet life stubbornly remains. Therefore
1:28:33–1:28:40weeping is surely a blessing. Rama, how terrible! In extreme agony the heart breaks, yet
1:28:40–1:28:46yet does not split. The ruined body reels, yet does not lose consciousness. The inner
1:28:46–1:28:52fire burns the limbs, yet does not reduce them to ash. Fate strikes the vital core, yet does
1:28:52–1:28:54not end life.
1:28:54–1:29:02Yes. That is the truth. Rama, people of the city and countryside. You would not allow
1:29:02–1:29:08the queen to remain in my house. Therefore I left her in the lonely forest. Valuing
1:29:08–1:29:14her no more than a blade of grass, and without grieving. But these long familiar sights are
1:29:14–1:29:19utterly destroying me. So forgive this helpless weeping that continues even now.
1:29:19–1:29:23Tomasa, how deep is the roar of his ocean of grief?
1:29:23–1:29:29The Santi, my lord, hold fast to courage before what has passed.
1:29:29–1:29:36Friend, what do you mean by courage? It is the twelfth year of this empty world
1:29:36–1:29:46without the Queen, a world in which even her name has nearly vanished, and 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.
1:30:09–1:30:12A sighed.
1:30:12–1:30:14A loud.
1:30:14–1:30:19Vassanti, 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.
1:30:30–1:30:33Or like a poisonous sting.
1:30:33–1:30:40Sita, 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.
1:30:52–1:30:56Every remedy attempted with enormous effort.
1:30:56–1:31:02To restrain compassion awakened to a furious force failed within.
1:31:02–1:31:08The unspeakable transformation of consciousness burst outward in full flood.
1:31:08–1:31:14Like floodwater breaking a sand bank and flowing without restraint.
1:31:14–1:31:21Sita, 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.
1:31:27–1:31:35Vasanti, his condition is dreadful. I must try to distract him.
1:31:35–1:31:40Would your Majesty now like to see the old familiar regions of Janasthana?
1:31:40–1:31:53They rise and move. In anguish. He feints. She feints.
1:31:53–1:31:59Sita rushes forward and touches his heart and head.
1:31:59–1:32:03He closes his eyes in delight.
1:32:03–1:32:06Yes, very well.
1:32:06–1:32:13Sita, 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.
1:32:30–1:32:36When she returned and saw you angry, she grew anxious.
1:32:36–1:32:41And bowed with innocent folded hands like an unopened lotus.
1:32:41–1:32:45Sita, Basanti, 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 Jhanaki, you appear everywhere, yet show me no mercy.
1:33:03–1:33:07My Queen, my heart is splitting.
1:33:07–1:33:11The bonds of my body are coming loose.
1:33:11–1:33:17The world is empty, and within I burn without cease.
1:33:17–1:33:23My soul, submerged in darkness, is drowning helplessly.
1:33:23–1:33:28Complete 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.
1:33:35–1:33:41Thusanti, 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
1:33:49–1:33:56by unceasing self-destructive calamity, the blessing of birth has been reversed, all because
1:33:56–1:33:58of unfortunate me.
1:33:58–1:34:02Ah, I am destroyed.
1:34:02–1:34:07Tamasa, daughter, regain consciousness.
1:34:07–1:34:12The touch of your hand alone will restore dear Rama to life.
1:34:12–1:34:18Vasanti, ah, he is still unconscious.
1:34:18–1:34:22Sita, dear friend, where are you?
1:34:22–1:34:26Consol the Lord of your life.
1:34:26–1:34:33Vasanti, what good fortune, dear Rama has regained consciousness.
1:34:33–1:34:40Rama, a touch as though rubbing nearly ambrosia-alloyment
1:34:40–1:34:45over every limb of my body, within and without,
1:34:45–1:34:49has suddenly restored me to life
1:34:49–1:34:54and spread through me in new and blissful faintness.
1:34:54–1:34:58Friend Vasanti, how fortunate you are!
1:35:00–1:35:02Relishing the touch.
1:35:03–1:35:05He takes her hand.
1:35:06–1:35:10Sita quickly frees her hand and steps back.
1:35:11–1:35:12How so?
1:35:13–1:35:18Rama, friend, it means Jonaki has returned. What 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.
1:35:26–1:35:30Vasanti, why do you burn me with this cruel and meaningless ravings, cutting again into
1:35:30–1:35:34the vital core already scorched by grief for my dear friend?
1:35:34–1:35:40Cedar, 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.
1:36:22–1:36:28My sense is a numb with joy and my mind so shaken that I cannot trust myself.
1:36:28–1:36:31Please touch her yourself and see.
1:36:31–1:36:35Vasanti, our this is complete madness.
1:36:35–1:36:38Looking at her dendily.
1:36:38–1:36:40Aside
1:36:40–1:36:44God above, what a mistake.
1:36:44–1:36:50I was so stunned that I suddenly released that pedal soft hand.
1:36:50–1:36:55My own hand trembled and sweated like hers.
1:36:55–1:37:01Sita, God above, I still have no control over myself.
1:37:01–1:37:08At once restless, numb, and confused, the pain is unbearable.
1:37:08–1:37:10Tamasa.
1:37:10–1:37:17At your beloved's touch, poor child, sweat and goose flesh cover your limbs.
1:37:17–1:37:25You tremble like the trunk of a cadamba tree swaying in the wind, wet with new rain and
1:37:25–1:37:28suddenly 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.
1:37:46–1:37:47What?
1:37:47–1:37:50But nowhere.
1:37:50–1:37:53Merciless Vadahi, have pity.
1:37:53–1:38:01Sita, surely I am merciless, to remain alive while seeing you in this condition.
1:38:01–1:38:06Rama, my queen, where are you?
1:38:06–1:38:08Do not leave me like this.
1:38:08–1:38:15Sita, ah, my lord, are you not saying the reverse of the truth?
1:38:15–1:38:21My lord, by your extraordinary strength, please put an end to this complete delusion.
1:38:21–1:38:23How could my dear friend be here?
1:38:23–1:38:28Rammer, clearly she is not. Otherwise why would Vasanti herself not see her?
1:38:28–1:38:34Yes, it must be a dream. But no, I was not asleep. Where is sleep for Rammer now?
1:38:34–1:38:40Surely that holy mental illusion, repeatedly produced by imagination, has closed around me again.
1:38:40–1:38:50again. Cedar, no! Crew me, I have confused my lord. For Santi, my lord, look! The black
1:38:50–1:38:56iron chariot of the son of Pulastyr, destroyed by Jataryu. Before it, mule-like beasts with
1:38:56–1:39:02monkey faces, now only skeletons. From here the enemy cut off Jataryu's wings with his
1:39:02–1:39:09sword, and rose into the sky with radiant Cedar, like a cloud encircled by lightning.
1:39:09–1:39:16My lord, father has been killed and I am being carried away. Save me.
1:39:16–1:39:18Springing up.
1:39:18–1:39:25Villain, thief of both father and Sita at once. Where are you fleeing?
1:39:25–1:39:33My lord, you were the fire of annihilation to the Rakshasa race. Could any object of your wrath still remain alive?
1:39:33–1:39:38will remain alive? Ah, for a moment I went completely mad.
1:39:38–1:39:49Ah, 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
1:40:15–1:40:26is useless. And the strength of the Monkey's fame. Where Jambavans wisdom shows no path.
1:40:26–1:40:34nor the wisdom of the Wind God Sun, where even Nawa, son of Vishvakarma, can build no
1:40:34–1:40:44bridge. Beloved, where are you, beyond even the reach of Somethry's arrows? Sita, how
1:40:44–1:40:49dear the first separation seems now?
1:40:49–1:40:55started distraught clinging to thamasa.
1:40:55–1:41:01Friend Vasanti, the sight of Rama now brings his friends only sorrow.
1:41:01–1:41:04How long shall I make you weep?
1:41:04–1:41:07Give me leave to depart.
1:41:07–1:41:12Sita, Tamasa, my lord is going.
1:41:12–1:41:17Tamasa, daughter, take hold of yourself.
1:41:17–1:41:24happens, we must now go to Bhagyarthi to perform the rites for the birth anniversary of Kusha
1:41:24–1:41:28and Lava, may they live forever.
1:41:28–1:41:35Sita, holy lady, please let me look upon him one last moment, him whom I shall never
1:41:35–1:41:37see again.
1:41:37–1:41:46Rama, to assist at the horse sacrifice, I now have another consecrated wife.
1:41:46–1:41:56trembling, breathing in relief, embracing her with affection, smiles and tears,
1:41:58–1:42:01bowing her head in embarrassment aside.
1:42:03–1:42:11My lord who? Rama, a golden image of Sita. Sita, my lord, yes, now you are truly my husband.
1:42:11–1:42:17At 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.
1:42:22–1:42:27Sita, blessed is the woman whom my lord honours so greatly for his consolation,
1:42:27–1:42:30for that reason she is a source of hope to the world.
1:42:30–1:42:33Tamasa, daughter, you are praising yourself.
1:42:33–1:42:36Sita, the holy lady is teasing me.
1:42:36–1:42:43Vasanti, 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.
1:43:11–1:43:13She feigns.
1:43:13–1:43:16I 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.
1:43:33–1:43:36The dominant emotion is one, sorrow.
1:43:36–1:43:41But 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.
1:43:57–1:43:59Excent all.
1:43:59–1:44:03Enter to Young Acetics.
1:44:03–1:44:07Noble chariot, come here at once.
1:44:07–1:44:10Tamasa and Vasanti.
1:44:10–1:44:17May 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.
1:44:32–1:44:35End of Act 3.
1:44:35–1:44:38Interlude to Act 4.
1:44:38–1:44:46First ascetic, Sautataki, how beautiful Valmiki's hermitage looks, with all its decorations
1:44:46–1:44:49and the crowds of arriving guests.
1:44:49–1:44:51Look!
1:44:51–1:44:59A hermitage deer is drinking its fill of the cream left from sweet warm milk 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 jujupe 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
1:45:22–1:45:27a holiday from our studies. First ascetic, Soda Taki, your reverence for the elderly
1:45:27–1:45:28is 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. You surely know that this is Vasishta, who has come from Rishesh Ringer's
1:45:39–1:45:44hermitage protecting King Dashrath's wives with Orundati leading them. Why ask such a foolish
1:45:44–1:45:52question? Interlude to act 4. Soda Taki, what? Vasishta. Bandayana, yes, of course.
1:45:52–1:45:57So the Taki, I was certain he was a tiger or a wolf.
1:45:57–1:45:58What do you mean?
1:45:58–1:46:03So 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 yelling 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.
1:46:20–1:46:22Bandayana, how?
1:46:22–1:46:24They turn.
1:46:24–1:46:26Excent both.
1:46:26–1:46:32When the venerable Basishta arrived, a yearling calf was slaughtered.
1:46:32–1:46:34But when the royal sage Janaka came later today,
1:46:34–1:46:38Vamiki offered him only milk and curds, and the 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.
1:46:44–1:46:46So the Taki, why?
1:46:46–1:46:50Bandayana, the moment he heard of the reversal of Queen Sita's fortune, he became anaesthetic.
1:46:50–1:46:54For several years he has been practicing austerities in the sacred grove of Shandrit Vipa.
1:46:54–1:46:55Interlude to act four.
1:46:56–1:46:58Sothataki, then why has he come here?
1:46:58–1:47:01Bandayana, to see his lifelong friend, the son of Prachettas.
1:47:02–1:47:04Sothataki, has he met his relatives?
1:47:04–1:47:09Bandayana, Vasishta has just sent Arundati to Queen Kosalia, so that she may meet the king of Videha.
1:47:10–1:47:14Sothataki, since the old people have gathered together, let us gather with our classmates
1:47:14–1:47:15and enjoy a holiday of games.
1:47:16–1:47:19Bandayana, there is the ancient royal sage, our teacher Jannaka.
1:47:19–1:47:25After bowing to the son of Prachetas and to Vasishta, he is seated beneath a tree outside the hermitage.
1:47:25–1:47:30In his heart grief, Vasishta burns without cease. Like fire eating an old tree from within.
1:47:30–1:47:32End of the interlude.
1:47:49–1:47:58The wrong committed against my daughter, a vast and dreadful wrong, broke me and pierced
1:47:58–1:48:08my heart, and kindled a torrent of rage that, though old, remains forever new, cutting the
1:48:08–1:48:13vital core like the edge of a saw and never ceasing.
1:48:13–1:48:16How terrible!
1:48:16–1:48:23This wretched body, stripped by old age and unimaginable grief of every support, drained
1:48:23–1:48:33of substance and vitality by many austerities, month-long fasts, and mortification still refuses
1:48:33–1:48:36to prepare for death.
1:48:36–1:48:39It is unbelievable.
1:48:39–1:48:45Yet the sages say, those who take their own lives go to worlds of darkness where no
1:48:45–1:48:55sun shines. Even after so many years, the blows of my acute grief, openly manifested and filled
1:48:55–1:49:02with unceasing thought, are still fresh and do not diminish.
1:49:02–1:49:03Mother!
1:49:03–1:49:12Sita, born from the sacrificial altar, is this what life brought you? Such a reversal
1:49:12–1:49:18that one feels shame even to weep to the heart's content.
1:49:18–1:49:21Ah, daughter!
1:49:21–1:49:26I remember your childhood face.
1:49:26–1:49:30Laughing and crying for no reason.
1:49:30–1:49:36Two 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.
1:49:51–1:50:01And likewise by fire, the sages, Vasishtha's wife, Gonga, even by the sun god, teacher
1:50:01–1:50:04of Raghu's line.
1:50:04–1:50:11The whom you yourself gave birth to, a speech gives birth to true knowledge.
1:50:11–1:50:18Cruel earth, how could you endure the killing of your only daughter?
1:50:18–1:50:24Voice offstage, this way, holy lady and your majesty.
1:50:24–1:50:31Janaka, ah, Grishtin is showing Arun dottie the way.
1:50:31–1:50:35whom did he call your majesty?
1:50:35–1:50:42Ah, can this be my dear friend, the lawful wife of King Dasharata, Korsalya?
1:50:42–1:50:47Who would believe it?
1:50:47–1:50:53She who in Dasharata's palace was like royal fortune.
1:50:53–1:50:56Why save like?
1:50:56–1:51:00She was royal fortune herself.
1:51:00–1:51:08been utterly transformed by the force of fate. A rare creature made of pure grief.
1:51:08–1:51:19Ah, what a reversal! Here is another terrible reversal in my own condition. Those who once
1:51:19–1:51:31were for me. A festival embodied. Are now unbearable even to behold. As though salt were being scattered
1:51:31–1:51:39upon a wound. But I am telling you that your family Perceptor commanded you to go in person
1:51:39–1:51:45to meet the King of Videha, and for that very reason I was sent to you. Why this
1:51:45–1:51:52paralyzing hesitation at every step. Your Majesty, compose yourself and obey Vasishtha's
1:51:52–1:51:58command, that is all I beg. The mere thought of meeting the King of Medi-la on such an
1:51:58–1:52:04occasion makes all my sorrow surge up again at once. The strings of my heart are breaking.
1:52:04–1:52:12I cannot hold it steady. Indeed, a current of sorrow born from separation from dear kin
1:52:12–1:52:19may already flow with violent force, but the mere sight of a beloved friend makes it unbearable,
1:52:19–1:52:26as though multiplied into a thousand streams. How can I face the royal sage after what happened
1:52:26–1:52:34to my beloved daughter-in-law? Approaching. This is your honored relative, the mainstay of
1:52:34–1:52:42Janaka's line, to whom the sage Yajnavalkya once 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
1:52:48–1:52:51of my beloved daughter-in-law.
1:52:51–1:52:57God above everything returns to me, when we celebrated that great wedding festival,
1:52:57–1:52:59and today, Lord, everything is ended.
1:52:59–1:53:00Janaka.
1:53:00–1:53:06Arundhati Suryaadvaja, King of Videha, bows to you.
1:53:06–1:53:13She through whom alone her husband, though himself an inexhaustible treasury of holiness,
1:53:13–1:53:15regards himself as pure.
1:53:15–1:53:20And who among all the teachers of old, is the Supreme Teacher?
1:53:20–1:53:26I bow to that holy lady, who is like the dawn, before whom the entire world, bows
1:53:26–1:53:32its head to the ground and who promotes the welfare of the whole universe.
1:53:32–1:53:38Arindati, may your supreme radiance remain fierce and may the God who burns beyond all
1:53:38–1:53:40does purify you.
1:53:40–1:53:46Janaka, Krishnan is the mother of the protector of the people well?
1:53:46–1:53:57Asaid, Allowed, Sain, She Faints and Falls
1:53:57–1:54:01This is mockery of us, merciless and sharp mockery.
1:54:01–1:54:06Royal Sage, the Queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been
1:54:06–1:54:09unable to see dear Rama's moon-like face.
1:54:09–1:54:12Please do not increase her suffering with your anger.
1:54:12–1:54:14A terrible calamity befell Rama too.
1:54:14–1:54:18He was told that a malicious scandal was spreading among the citizens and because
1:54:18–1:54:22people of little understanding did not believe in the purification of the ordeal
1:54:22–1:54:26by fire, he was forced to take the harshest measure.
1:54:26–1:54:31Janka, God's above, who is this fire that dares boast of purifying my daughter?
1:54:31–1:54:33Rama has already insulted us enough.
1:54:33–1:54:37How can anyone dare insult us further by saying such a thing?
1:54:37–1:54:40Arundhati, it is entirely true.
1:54:40–1:54:44Before my child, the word fire is merely a meaningless string of sounds.
1:54:44–1:54:46It is enough that she is Sita.
1:54:46–1:54:52My child, whether you were my daughter or my pupil, matters not at all.
1:54:52–1:54:55Your supreme purity itself.
1:54:55–1:55:01Awakens such affection in my heart. Whether one is a girl or a woman is irrelevant.
1:55:01–1:55:08You have won the praise of the whole world. It is worthy qualities in a good person that deserve honour.
1:55:08–1:55:14Not sex or age. Kausalaya, ah, my wound is splitting open again.
1:55:14–1:55:17God above, what has happened now?
1:55:17–1:55:25Royal sage, what else could happen? That king, that happiness, that pride in her children.
1:55:25–1:55:32Those days gone by. The instant she saw you, her friend, all memory surged up again.
1:55:32–1:55:36You can see how deeply this terrible event has shaken her.
1:55:36–1:55:41Even an aged mother's heart can be as tender as a flower.
1:55:41–1:55:47He sprinkles water from his water pot over her.
1:55:47–1:55:50Recovering.
1:55:50–1:55:53How base I have become.
1:55:53–1:56:04After seeing her again after so long, I could not even cast a loving glance upon my dear friend's beloved wife.
1:56:04–1:56:09Honoured kinsman, dear friend, my heart.
1:56:09–1:56:15My joy embodied the whole essence of life.
1:56:15–1:56:20My body's life breath and whatever was dearer still.
1:56:20–1:56:25What was the illustrious King Dasharata not to me?
1:56:25–1:56:29Ah, is this truly causalia?
1:56:29–1:56:37If husband and wife ever quarreled in private, she would leave him and bring her complaint
1:56:37–1:56:45only to me, and whether she should remain angry or forgive him.
1:56:45–1:56:49The decision rested with me.
1:56:49–1:56:52But enough of such memories.
1:56:52–1:56:56They attack my heart and burn it.
1:56:56–1:57:03Orendoti, ah, sigh suppressed within for so long have hardened his heart.
1:57:03–1:57:10Janaka, ah, my dear friend's wife.
1:57:10–1:57:17Chamberlain At first fate was like a favorable friend.
1:57:17–1:57:27each of her wishes. Then came its sudden and merciless transformation, leaving her only
1:57:27–1:57:29anguish of heart.
1:57:29–1:57:39Corsair, Jonachie, my daughter, where are you? How clearly I remember that innocent
1:57:39–1:57:46lotus face, adorned only by the radiant of marriage, with its pure smile in bloom.
1:57:46–1:57:55Child, 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 Jinnaka 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 Dushrat.
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?
1:58:31–1:58:36They say the father of a bride must 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.
1:58:49–1:58:50I must be a sinner.
1:58:50–1:58:54To remain alive in this dreadful, hell-like world.
1:58:54–1:58:58Kausalya, Janki, my child, what shall I do?
1:58:58–1:59:02My unfortunate life seems permanently fastened by some unbreakable mortar.
1:59:02–1:59:04It will not leave this wretched body.
1:59:04–1:59:08Arunthati, compose yourself, you are a king's daughter.
1:59:08–1:59:11For now, do your best to restrain your psalms.
1:59:11–1:59:17And one thing more, do you not remember what your family preceptor said at Rishishanga's hermitage?
1:59:17–1:59:23He declared firmly that what happened was unavoidable, but that in the end all would be well.
1:59:23–1:59:28When all our dreams have been shattered, how can that be possible?
1:59:28–1:59:31A commotion offstage.
1:59:31–1:59:34All listen.
1:59:34–1:59:40Do you then believe he spoke falsely? You are a princess and the mother of Maitik Shatriyas.
1:59:40–1:59:46Do not think otherwise it had to happen. Never doubt the words of Brahmins,
1:59:46–1:59:54who have directly perceived the light. Aspicious Lakshmi dwells in their speech. No word of theirs is false.
1:59:55–2:00:01Today is a holiday from study. The noise must be children at play.
2:00:01–2:00:08Looking How easy it is to find happiness in childhood.
2:00:08–2:00:16Ah, who is that among them, who is exquisitely lovely, soft, and delicate limbs, adorned with
2:00:16–2:00:20the beauty of dear Rama, sooth even the pain in my eyes?
2:00:20–2:00:25Aside with tears of joy.
2:00:25–2:00:31This must be the fruit of that secret, know of that nectar, which Bhagirthi revealed.
2:00:31–2:00:38I only do not know which of the two he is Kusho or Lava. May they both live forever.
2:00:38–2:00:47A dark radiance like the petal of a blue lotus. A head adorned with lovely locks.
2:00:47–2:00:55Beauty ornamented by virtue as though. His very presence ennobles the whole company
2:00:55–2:01:07of boys. He looks like Ragoon and Dana, as though my dear child had become a boy again.
2:01:07–2:01:17Who is he, the mere sight of whom? Is Ambrosial barn to my eyes? Chamberlain, I think the
2:01:17–2:01:22The boy is a cretria student of sacred learning.
2:01:22–2:01:27Janaka, 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.
2:01:35–2:01:43Upon 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.
2:02:03–2:02:09Orendotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from?
2:02:09–2:02:15Orendotti, but I myself am newly arrived here.
2:02:15–2:02:22Janaka, Grishtyn, my curiosity knows no bounds.
2:02:22–2:02:27Goa wants to Valmiki and ask him.
2:02:27–2:02:33Tell the boy as well that some elders wish to see him.
2:02:33–2:02:35Exit.
2:02:35–2:02:37As you command.
2:02:37–2:02:40Why do you think he will come when summoned?
2:02:40–2:02:45Will not his conduct be as courteous as his appearance?
2:02:45–2:02:54What is this? Having listened respectfully to Ghrishan, the boy is dismissing the sages,
2:02:54–2:02:57other pupils and coming here.
2:02:57–2:03:01Gazing at him for a long time.
2:03:01–2:03:04Enter Lava.
2:03:04–2:03:07He thinks.
2:03:07–2:03:11Approaching respectfully.
2:03:11–2:03:14What is happening to me?
2:03:14–2:03:18Only those who see truth can understand.
2:03:18–2:03:27The measure of his real power, cooled by modesty and softened by innocence.
2:03:27–2:03:30No one else can.
2:03:30–2:03:39This boy has the power to stir my heart, made immovable by despair.
2:03:39–2:03:46As a tiny piece of magnet moves a massive lump of 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 man atort by the elders in which there can be no fault.
2:04:01–2:04:07Lava bows his head in turn at the feet of each of you.
2:04:07–2:04:14Karandhati and Janaka, good child, may you live long.
2:04:14–2:04:17Child, may you live a long life.
2:04:17–2:04:23She takes Lava onto her lap, aside.
2:04:23–2:04:26She takes him.
2:04:26–2:04:31She lifts his jen and looks, with tears and wonder.
2:04:31–2:04:35Come child, how beautiful my fortune is.
2:04:35–2:04:37Not only is my lap filled.
2:04:37–2:04:40But last my dream has been fulfilled.
2:04:40–2:04:45Kaussoya, child come into my lap for a moment too.
2:04:45–2:04:51Not only in the form of his dark radiant body, like a newly opened blue lotus, but in his
2:04:51–2:04:57voice too he resembles dear Rama, like the long low call of a swan whose throat is colored
2:04:57–2:04:59by eating lotus filaments.
2:04:59–2:05:06His body must be the same to the touch, soft as the heart of a fully opened lotus.
2:05:06–2:05:13Let me see your face. Royal Sage, do you not see? Look carefully. Is it not exactly like
2:05:13–2:05:20the moon face of 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?
2:05:48–2:05:52Child, is your mother alive? Do you have any memory of your father?
2:05:53–2:05:54No, I do not.
2:05:55–2:05:56Who cares for you?
2:05:57–2:05:58Lord Valmiki.
2:05:59–2:06:02Come, child, you must tell your story here.
2:06:02–2:06:04That is all I know.
2:06:04–2:06:12Soldiers, Prince Chandraketu commands that no one enter the Hermitage grounds without permission.
2:06:12–2:06:19Orondotti and Jinnaka are, Prince Chandraketu has arrived while guarding the sacrificial horse.
2:06:19–2:06:24We shall soon see him. What an auspicious day this is.
2:06:24–2:06:32Dear Lakshmana's little son is issuing a command the very syllable sounds sweet as drops of nectar in my ears.
2:06:32–2:06:35Sir, who is this person named Shankar Ketu?
2:06:35–2:06:42Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lakshmana?
2:06:42–2:06:44They are the heroes of the Ramayana.
2:06:44–2:06:46Laughing
2:06:46–2:06:49Certainly.
2:06:49–2:06:54Lavva, then how could I not have heard their names?
2:06:54–2:07:00Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshman our son.
2:07:00–2:07:07Lavva, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the king of Matilla.
2:07:07–2:07:13Orondotti, clearly the boy knows the story well.
2:07:13–2:07:21Janaka, since you know the story so thoroughly, answer some questions. What are the names of
2:07:21–2:07:28the children of Dasharata's other sons, and which wives bore them?
2:07:28–2:07:34Lava, neither I nor anyone else has heard that part of the story.
2:07:34–2:07:39Janaka, has the poet not composed it?
2:07:39–2:07:46Lava he has, but it has not yet been made public.
2:07:46–2:07:54One portion, newly enriched with dramatic flavour, has been prepared for performance.
2:07:54–2:08:00The great sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Bharata, author of
2:08:00–2:08:05the treatise on the threefold art of music.
2:08:05–2:08:08Janaka, for what purpose?
2:08:10–2:08:12It is said that Barata will have it performed by the apps races.
2:08:12–2:08:14Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity.
2:08:15–2:08:16Valmiki is extremely careful about it.
2:08:16–2:08:19To ensure that no mishap befalls the pupils carrying the manuscript to Barata's hermitage,
2:08:19–2:08:21he has sent my brother with him, armed with bow and arrows.
2:08:21–2:08:23Kosselia, you have a brother too?
2:08:23–2:08:25Lava, 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.
2:08:32–2:08:34Janaka, are you twins?
2:08:34–2:08:36Lava, certainly.
2:08:36–2:08:40Jannaka, tell me, how does the main story end?
2:08:40–2:08:45Distressed by the citizen's malicious scandal, the king banished Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, to the forest.
2:08:45–2:08:48When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in a desolate wilderness and returned.
2:08:48–2:08:53Kausalia, my innocent moon-faced daughter, what dreadful reversal of fate suddenly fell upon your flower-soft body when you were all alone.
2:08:53–2:09:01Jannaka, 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,
2:09:01–2:09:04Then interior thoughts must surely have centered upon me your final refuge
2:09:05–2:09:07to Arun Diti
2:09:08–2:09:10Who are these two noble persons?
2:09:10–2:09:16Lava looks at them with reverence concern and curiosity
2:09:18–2:09:20Terrified
2:09:20–2:09:24This is Kosloya, and this is Janaka Janaka
2:09:24–2:09:31How depraved the citizens were and how thoughtless King Rama as I consider the terrible blood
2:09:31–2:09:38of this thunderbolt like calamity the time has come to kindle my wrath with my
2:09:38–2:09:45bower with a curse. Kassalia, Arndadi protect us please try to calm the angry
2:09:45–2:09:51king. Lava for an honorable man whose dignity has been insulted this alone is
2:09:51–2:09:58the proper form of revenge. Arndadi but your majesty Rama is your son and the
2:09:58–2:10:03The unfortunate citizens are entitled to protection.
2:10:03–2:10:07Enter a noisy group of school boys.
2:10:07–2:10:16They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and pull him.
2:10:16–2:10:21With curiosity, reluctance and curtsy.
2:10:21–2:10:25He 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 science
2:11:08–2:11:11of war.
2:11:11–2:11:16Tell me, what sort of creature is it?
2:11:16–2:11:20Schoolboys, listen, then.
2:11:20–2:11:23And it is a great tale.
2:11:23–2:11:28Which it keeps swishing without stop.
2:11:28–2:11:32Its neck is long, and it has for hooves.
2:11:32–2:11:36No more and no fewer.
2:11:36–2:11:40It eats grass and passes droppings.
2:11:40–2:11:43The size of mangoes.
2:11:43–2:11:47But enough description.
2:11:47–2:11:49It is running away.
2:11:49–2:11:50Quick.
2:11:50–2:11:52Come.
2:11:52–2:11:58Lava, my elders can see that I am being dragged away.
2:11:58–2:12:01Orendoti and Jnaka, go.
2:12:01–2:12:06Child, satisfy your curiosity.
2:12:06–2:12:12Korsaea, holy lady, if we do not watch him, may he live forever.
2:12:12–2:12:16I shall feel cheated.
2:12:16–2:12:17Come.
2:12:17–2:12:30him go from another place. Enter the Chamberlain. The group of elders exits. Re-enter the school
2:12:30–2:12:34boys. The little rogue has gone so far so quickly
2:12:34–2:12:41that he can scarcely be seen now. Chamberlain, Valmiki has replied that you will learn the
2:12:41–2:12:46answer to your question yourselves at the proper time. Janaka, it must be a matter
2:12:46–2:12:53of the utmost importance. Arndadi friend Kausalya Grishtan, come let us go in person to see the
2:12:53–2:13:01son of Prachatas. So, O Bole, young master, look at this marvelous object. Lava, at first
2:13:01–2:13:09sight I understand, it is the horse of the Ashvamedha sacrifice. So, boys, how did you know?
2:13:10–2:13:12Jealously aside.
2:13:12–2:13:17Fools! You have studied that part of the Veda and still do not understand? It must have guards,
2:13:17–2:13:21hundreds of soldiers in each division, bearing armor, maces or arrows. The army we see here is
2:13:21–2:13:25almost exactly of that kind. If you do not believe me, ask them yourselves. S.D.H.O.L.B.O.Y.S.
2:13:25–2:13:29Soldiers, why is this horse wandering under guard? Lava, the Ashvamedha is the final test of the
2:13:29–2:13:32supreme sovereignty of a world-conquering Kshatriya. Its purpose is to humiliate every other Kshatriya.
2:13:33–2:13:35Fired with excitement.
2:13:35–2:13:42Enter an angry and arrogant officer.
2:13:42–2:13:44Laughing.
2:13:44–2:13:48He strings his bow.
2:13:48–2:13:52All move off at a pace suited to them.
2:13:52–2:13:57This is less a horse than a banner of victory or a battle challenge.
2:13:57–2:14:01Proclaiming the one true hero of all seven worlds.
2:14:01–2:14:04The enemy of the race of the ten-headed one.
2:14:04–2:14:13one. Lava, ah, that is a challenge to battle. Schoolboys, what can we say? The young master
2:14:13–2:14:20truly is very learned. Lava, soldiers, you boast as though no kshatriya remained anywhere
2:14:20–2:14:27on earth. Voice off stage, what value has any other kshatriya before the universal emperor?
2:14:27–2:14:34Lava, shame on you, villains. If they are kshatriyas, then kshatriyas they certainly are.
2:14:34–2:14:41Whom do you think you can frighten? But the time for words is past. Now I shall attack.
2:14:42–2:14:49And seize that banner. Boys, surround them, rainclods of earth upon them, and drag the horse here.
2:14:50–2:14:54Let the poor creature roam freely with the deer of the hermitage.
2:14:54–2:15:02Officer, shame on you, villain. What did you say? The king's army is ruthless and severe.
2:15:02–2:15:09It will not tolerate insolent words even from a child. Before Prince Chandraketu, destroyer
2:15:09–2:15:15of enemies, arrives in his eagerness to visit this famous forest, flee quickly through that
2:15:15–2:15:23grove of trees. Schoolboys, young master, forget the horse. The army is coming, brandishing
2:15:23–2:15:30weapons and threatening you, and the hermitage is far away. Come, let us run from here at
2:15:30–2:15:37once. Lava, what do I care if they brandish their weapons? My terrible bow is ready to
2:15:37–2:15:45yawn. It is not a weapon, but the laughing mouth of death, greedily swallowing its prey,
2:15:45–2:15:50mad and slow, rumbling like a cloud. While its tongue, the bow string, licks its
2:15:50–2:16:00sharp front teeth. End of Act 4. Enter Chandraketu in a chariot driven by Sumantra,
2:16:00–2:16:06bow in hand, filled with wonder, delight and apprehension.
2:16:06–2:16:15Soldiers, at last reinforcements have arrived to help us. A chariot yoked to swift horses,
2:16:15–2:16:21driven at speed by Sumantra, with the Kovidara Banner flying above.
2:16:21–2:16:26Having heard the news of battle, Chandraketu is coming.
2:16:26–2:16:30Chandraketu, look, Sumantra, look.
2:16:30–2:16:33At the forefront of the battle stands a boy warrior,
2:16:33–2:16:37showering a blizzard of arrows upon the army.
2:16:37–2:16:40His five locks stream in the wind,
2:16:40–2:16:43his boasting sounds without pause,
2:16:43–2:16:51and anger has flushed his handsome face. This is astonishing. A single boy, raised by ascetics,
2:16:52–2:16:58encircled by so vast an army, like some new, unknown shoot of Raghu's line,
2:16:58–2:17:06loses a thousand fiery arrows from a bow that thunders terribly and splits the temples of war
2:17:06–2:17:15elephants. The sight sets my curiosity ablaze. Sumantra, 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
2:17:22–2:17:27its equal. I am reminded of Rama, bow in hand.
2:17:27–2:17:34Setting out to destroy the enemies of Vishwamitra's sacrifice. Chandraketu, my heart recoils
2:17:34–2:17:43and disgust to see so many. Attack one solitary person. He is a boy and utterly alone. While
2:17:43–2:17:51a vast army surrounds him on every side, weapons interlaced in hands as huge as palmyra trunks,
2:17:51–2:17:58men thrilled by their battle array, chariots hung with chiming golden bells, and cloud-like
2:17:58–2:18:07war elephants who streaming ica. Whips the air into a gale. Sumantra, my child, even altogether
2:18:07–2:18:15they cannot withstand him. There is no question of facing him one by one. Chandraketu, faster,
2:18:15–2:18:22sir, faster. He has begun the wholesale slaughter of my attendants.
2:18:22–2:18:27His bowstring's thunder, swelled by the deep roar of war drums,
2:18:27–2:18:31raises a tumult greater than herds of elephants,
2:18:31–2:18:34trumpeting in mountain caves,
2:18:34–2:18:38and the hero decks the earth with heaps of twitching,
2:18:38–2:18:43headless trunks, like morsels fallen from the dreadful mouth,
2:18:43–2:18:46of death after he has eaten his fill.
2:18:46–2:18:49Aside
2:18:49–2:18:51Reflecting
2:18:51–2:19:04with wonder, shame and alarm, miming the headlong speed of the chariot, as though trying to remember.
2:19:04–2:19:11How can I permit a duel between Prince Chandraketu and such a supernatural being?
2:19:11–2:19:17Yet, after all, we are elders of the Exhvaka House.
2:19:17–2:19:21And in these circumstances, what other cause remains?
2:19:21–2:19:24Chondroketu, oh!
2:19:24–2:19:28My army is falling back on every side.
2:19:28–2:19:32Sumontra, 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?
2:19:40–2:19:51Did the messengers give? Sumontra, Lava, Chondroketu, Lava, what value can such soldiers have against
2:19:51–2:19:59one so mighty as you? I am here. Face me in single combat. Fire should be met by fire
2:19:59–2:20:01alone.
2:20:01–2:20:07Enter lava, advancing swiftly and fearlessly.
2:20:07–2:20:10Look, Prince, look.
2:20:10–2:20:14At your challenge the Bawaria stops destroying the army.
2:20:14–2:20:23As a lion cub, hearing the thunder of a cloud, leaves off slaughtering the herd of elephants.
2:20:23–2:20:27A tremendous appror of stage.
2:20:27–2:20:30Well said, Prince, well said. You are indeed a true son of Ishvaka.
2:20:30–2:20:33See, I have turned back to meet you.
2:20:33–2:20:36Wheeling suddenly.
2:20:36–2:20:40He rushes forward in fury.
2:20:40–2:20:41What is this?
2:20:41–2:20:42Have the commanders I defeated.
2:20:42–2:20:44Rallied and come to attack me from behind?
2:20:44–2:20:46Villains, like the seas flood struck by the wind of dissolution.
2:20:46–2:20:48Roaring so terribly that it burst the year.
2:20:48–2:20:50They're torrent, swelling to its highest tide.
2:20:50–2:20:52Shall feed the sacrificial fire of my anger.
2:20:52–2:20:54An anger fierce as the flame in the mouth of the submarine fire.
2:20:54–2:20:56Which blazes higher when mountains are hurled into it.
2:20:56–2:20:58Chandraketu, noble prince.
2:20:58–2:21:00Your truly wondrous qualities have made you very dear to me.
2:21:00–2:21:02You are now my friend, all that is mine is yours.
2:21:02–2:21:07Why then destroy your own people, the touchstone of your glorious Chandraket to himself.
2:21:07–2:21:17Turning stirred and apprehensive, the tremendous uproar continues offstage, with anger and
2:21:17–2:21:20contempt.
2:21:20–2:21:23He moves towards Chandraketu.
2:21:23–2:21:28Ah, how consummately speaks, this radiant descendant of the solar race, heroic, gracious, and
2:21:28–2:21:29at 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.
2:21:38–2:21:41Brandishing his bow with confidence and eager delight.
2:21:41–2:21:42He takes aim at me while the army behind him.
2:21:42–2:21:44Presses hard upon his heels.
2:21:44–2:21:45Like a cloud bearing the rainbow.
2:21:45–2:21:47Driven backwards by a violent wind.
2:21:47–2:21:50Symmetra, even to look upon him, well, only the noble prince is capable.
2:21:50–2:21:52Of that, we are overwhelmed with wonder.
2:21:52–2:21:53Chandraketu, 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.
2:21:59–2:22:02wears an aesthetic steerskin. You are grown men while on his body. The first radiance
2:22:02–2:22:05of youth has only begun to shine. To raise weapons in such a battle would bring shame
2:22:05–2:22:18upon you and upon me. Astonished. Reflecting. He concentrates. Apprehensively.
2:22:18–2:22:24What? Has compassion melted him? There is no time to waste. I shall arrest the army
2:22:24–2:22:27with the divine Drimbaka weapon. Sumuntra, why has the uproar of our army suddenly
2:22:27–2:22:31ceased. Lava, at last that insolent fellow is in sight. Sumatra, my child, I believe the
2:22:31–2:22:35prince has employed. The Jumbaka weapon. Chandraketu, there can be no doubt. Like a dreadful union
2:22:35–2:22:39of darkness and lightning. First blinding then dazzling. It strikes even eyes that remain
2:22:39–2:22:42fixed 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.
2:22:46–2:22:48Black is the darkness stored in the womb of hell. Yet glowing red with a glare
2:22:48–2:22:52of heated, shining brass. The Jumbaka weapon overspreads the sky. Like peaks of the
2:22:52–2:22:55Vindyas torn up by a roaring wind. That proclaims the end of an age. Their caves
2:22:55–2:22:59Tonylite from within by lightning issuing through masses of cloud.
2:22:59–2:23:03But how did he obtain the Jimbukka weapon?
2:23:03–2:23:06Presumably from the son of Prashaytas.
2:23:06–2:23:14My child, weapons such as this, the Jimbukka above all, are not acquired in that way.
2:23:14–2:23:16Four.
2:23:16–2:23:21These weapons are, as it were, the offspring of Krishoshva.
2:23:21–2:23:24From him they came to Kashiqa.
2:23:24–2:23:31from Kashika to Dea 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.
2:23:54–2:24:02good princes, how gentle this young man looks. Is this a sudden meeting of minds? The influence
2:24:02–2:24:10of his countless virtues, some old friendship, swiftly formed in a former birth, or is
2:24:10–2:24:17he a kinsman hidden from us by fate? That at the mere sight of him my heart, is bound
2:24:17–2:24:22in single-minded enchantment.
2:24:22–2:24:25regarding the other.
2:24:25–2:24:30Looking at Lava, dearfully, aside.
2:24:30–2:24:33Aside.
2:24:33–2:24:37It is the common nature of the soul that one person should feel an instinctive affection
2:24:37–2:24:41for 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
2:25:31–2:25:40of any weapon's strength? What use are weapons at all? But if, after drawing my sword, I shrink
2:25:40–2:25:48from battle. What will he say of me? The savor of the warrior's path is harsh. It checks
2:25:48–2:25:56the spontaneous current of affection. Sumontra, my heart. Why are you so widely agitated?
2:25:57–2:26:03Fate has taken away the only seed of my hope. Once the creeper has been cut down,
2:26:03–2:26:06How can a new shooter rise?
2:26:06–2:26:11Chondroketu Sumontra, I wish to descend from the chariot.
2:26:11–2:26:14Sumontra, why?
2:26:14–2:26:19Chondroketu, first, it is the proper way to honor a warrior.
2:26:19–2:26:24Second, as you know, it observes the Kshatriya tradition.
2:26:24–2:26:28According to the interpreters of the law, a chariot warrior
2:26:28–2:26:32must never fight a man who is on foot.
2:26:32–2:26:40Sumontra, I am caught in a terrible dilemma. How can a man like me prevent him from doing what is right?
2:26:41–2:26:44Or permit a deed whose very essence is sheer recklessness?
2:26:46–2:26:53My revered father consults you on every question. Of law or statecraft, you, his father's dear friend.
2:26:54–2:26:57Why, then? This hesitation?
2:26:57–2:27:04Sementra, 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 lions of Raghu's house.
2:27:13–2:27:17Embracing him with tears of affection.
2:27:17–2:27:20Sadly.
2:27:20–2:27:23Your words are beyond praise.
2:27:23–2:27:26History and legend, the teachings of duty.
2:27:26–2:27:32ancestral customs of Raghu's line, all these are known to you alone.
2:27:32–2:27:33Sumantra.
2:27:33–2:27:37Dear child, how many days can it be?
2:27:37–2:27:42Since your beloved father, the conqueror of Indrajit, was born?
2:27:42–2:27:45And here his own son already walks the warrior's path.
2:27:45–2:27:49How complete is the good fortune of Dasharata's line?
2:27:49–2:27:51Chandraketu.
2:27:51–2:27:55So long as the eldest of Raghu's house remains unfulfilled.
2:27:55–2:27:57How can our line attain fulfillment?
2:27:57–2:28:00That single thought consumes my father.
2:28:00–2:28:03And my three other fathers with grief.
2:28:03–2:28:05Sumantra, ah!
2:28:05–2:28:08Chandra Kedu's words pierce.
2:28:08–2:28:09The tender quick of my heart.
2:28:09–2:28:15Lava, to speak truly, the unfolding of feeling here is wholly confused.
2:28:15–2:28:18At moonrise the night-blooming lotus rejoices.
2:28:18–2:28:22And at the sight of him my eyes too are delighted.
2:28:22–2:28:28my arm, its terrible wounds laid open, throbbing with love for the heavy bow, and its cruel
2:28:28–2:28:33string that resounds so fiercely, longs 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 Kokutstas.
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 Sopana.
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-wellers 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 Ishvakus, could see this conduct of yours, his heart
2:30:09–2:30:16would overflow with affection. Lover, I understand that the royal sage himself is exceedingly
2:30:16–2:30:24generous or so, at least, I have heard. We do not ordinarily oppose such a right, and
2:30:24–2:30:30who in the world would not honour the king's countless virtues. Yet the challenge proclaimed
2:30:30–2:30:35by the guardians of the horse, a provocation flung at every criteria, has brought about
2:30:35–2:30:41this change in me. Chondroquetu, are you offended even by the splendour of my father's
2:30:41–2:30:49a measurable power. Lover, whether I am or not is beside the point. I ask only this, I
2:30:49–2:30:54have heard that Rogva is a self-controlled man, it is said that neither he know his subjects
2:30:54–2:31:03are arrogant. Why, then, do his people speak words fit for demons? The sages say that
2:31:03–2:31:10demonic speech is speech. Fit only for the intoxicated or the proud. It is the root
2:31:10–2:31:18of every field, the very curse of the world. So have men condemned it. Speech of the opposite
2:31:18–2:31:25kind. They praise in these words. The wise declare that gracious speech is the wish-fulfilling
2:31:25–2:31:34cow itself. It yields all that one desires, drives one away. Gives birth to fame, and wipes
2:31:34–2:31:41out every evil deed. It is the very mother of supreme prosperity.
2:31:41–2:31:47How gallous is this young disciple of Valmiki? Every word he speaks is tipped in the nature
2:31:47–2:31:48of a sage.
2:31:48–2:31:53Chanda Ketu, regarding what you just said, are you offended? Even by the splendor of
2:31:53–2:31:56my father's power? I ask only this. Is the exercise of a kshatriya's duty subject
2:31:56–2:31:58to limitation?
2:31:58–2:32:04You do not know the lord of the Ikshvokos in the list. Please abandon this obstinacy
2:32:04–2:32:11now. By destroying the soldiers you have certainly displayed your strength. But it is unwise to
2:32:11–2:32:15fight with the conqueror of Jamadagnya.
2:32:15–2:32:16Laughing
2:32:16–2:32:21Sir, why proclaim with such fanfare that the king defeated Jamadagnya? It is an established
2:32:21–2:32:24truth that Brahmin strength lies in speech. Whereas a Kshatriya's strength lies in his
2:32:24–2:32:27arm, Jamadagnya was a Brahmin who took up the sword. What glory does the king
2:32:27–2:32:30gain by defeating such a man?
2:32:30–2:32:32not 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.
2:32:52–2:32:53Exint all.
2:32:53–2:33:02A Vidyadhar and his wife appear in a chariot moving through the sky.
2:33:02–2:33:05Reflecting.
2:33:05–2:33:08He does so.
2:33:08–2:33:10Looking.
2:33:10–2:33:11Exint both.
2:33:11–2:33:15Who does not acknowledge Rama's deeds and greatness?
2:33:15–2:33:16Yet 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?
2:33:38–2:33:39Simuntra, 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
2:33:49–2:33:53the dark mark upon the full moon. Or a black be hovering over a blossoming white lotus.
2:33:53–2:33:55Both princes, come! Let 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.
2:33:57–2:34:00Vidyatera, ah, behold the prowess of these two princes of the solar race. Locked in a
2:34:00–2:34:03furious struggle in a battle that began without warning, the beauty of kshatriya power has
2:34:03–2:34:07gained a new brilliance. And gods and demons themselves are speechless with wonder. Look,
2:34:07–2:34:10my dear. They bend bows hung with chiming golden bells. And with a mighty twang of
2:34:10–2:34:13their heavy strings. Raise a terrifying tumult, their crests stream without pause. Arrows
2:34:13–2:34:17rain down, and the battle, mounting with dramatic violence, strikes terror into
2:34:17–2:34:20the whole world. For the welfare of both, the drums of heaven. Resound with the deep thunder
2:34:20–2:34:24of clouds. Then let flowers fall unceasingly upon these two perfected heroes. Dense showers
2:34:24–2:34:28laden with open golden lotuses. Dripping nectar from the tender, jewel-like buds. Of the immortal
2:34:28–2:34:32trees of the gods. Vidyadari, but why has the sky suddenly turned so tony? And why has
2:34:32–2:34:34the dreadful flash of lightning began its wild dance?
2:34:34–2:34:37Interlude to Act 6. Vidyadhara, what can be happening now?
2:34:37–2:34:39Has the third eye of the darkened red god opened fully? Blazing like sunlight spun
2:34:39–2:34:43upon T'Vashtar's lave? Ah, I understand. Prince Chandraketu has released. The weapon
2:34:43–2:34:47fire and its flames are spreading everywhere. Now, all the other celestial chariots have fled.
2:34:47–2:34:51The yaktail banners are singed into rainbow colors. And the flames upon our own standard make it look.
2:34:51–2:34:55For a moment, as though it had been dyed saffron. A marvel! The god of fire has appeared,
2:34:55–2:34:59sparks bursting from him. Crack like thunderbolts, how terribly the flames leap and lick.
2:34:59–2:35:02The heat spreading on every side is unbearable. I had better shield my beloved with my body,
2:35:02–2:35:05and move to a safer distance. Vidyadhari, ah, the touch of my husband's body has shut
2:35:05–2:35:08out the heat. Cool and smooth as the purest pearl, so tender and complete.
2:35:08–2:35:12Then delight my eyes roll back and close. Vidyadhara, why, what have I done?
2:35:12–2:35:16And yet, one need do nothing at all. The mere joy of companionship removes sorrow.
2:35:16–2:35:18What a great blessing it is to possess someone who loves you.
2:35:18–2:35:19Interlude to Act 6.
2:35:19–2:35:21Vidyadharahri, why has the sky suddenly darkened with clouds?
2:35:21–2:35:23Fluid billowing masses adorned with flashing lightning.
2:35:23–2:35:25Black is the throat of a peacock maddened with delight?
2:35:25–2:35:28Vidyadharahra, it must be the effect of the Verna weapon released by Prince Lava.
2:35:28–2:35:31What is this? Thousands upon thousands of swelling clouds.
2:35:31–2:35:32Have quenched the weapon of fire.
2:35:32–2:35:34Vidyadharahri, ah, how delightful it is to me.
2:35:34–2:35:37Vidyadharahra, but alas, every excess gives birth to danger.
2:35:37–2:35:40Now, 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 senses closed,
2:35:50–2:35:54in the yogic sleep at the end of an age. Well done, Prince Chenaketu. Well done!
2:35:54–2:35:58This is precisely the moment to release the wind weapon. And he surely has released it for.
2:35:58–2:36:01The wind has torn the swelling clouds apart. As knowledge dissolves delusion into Brahman,
2:36:01–2:36:04Vidyallari, my lord, who is this descending in terror between the two princes,
2:36:04–2:36:07in his celestial chariot, wading the end of his robe with uplifted hand,
2:36:07–2:36:09and from far away striving with gentle words to stop the battle?
2:36:09–2:36:12Intolud to Aksix. Vidyadhara, it is the lord of Raghu's line,
2:36:12–2:36:15returning from the slaying of Shambhuka. At the great man's words, both honor him
2:36:15–2:36:18and cease their battle. Lava falls silent while Chandrakya to Bose profoundly.
2:36:18–2:36:20May the kings meeting with his own son's bear an auspicious fruit.
2:36:20–2:36:22Come, let us go now. End of the Intolud.
2:36:24–2:36:32At the opening of the Sinha Rama, Lava and Chandraketu, who is bowing before Rama.
2:36:32–2:36:45Descending from the Pushpaka chariot, he raises and embraces him with tears of affection.
2:36:45–2:36:56Looking at Lava, Rama, Chandraketu, Moon of the Solar Race, come to me at once and embrace
2:36:56–2:36:59me tightly.
2:36:59–2:37:06Your limbs are cool as blocks of ice, able to sooth even the burning of a heart such
2:37:06–2:37:08as mine.
2:37:08–2:37:11Are you well?
2:37:11–2:37:17And are the divine weapons dwelling within your body also well?
2:37:17–2:37:24Chandraketu, all is well because I have had the good fortune to meet Lava.
2:37:24–2:37:28This beautiful prince of marvelous deeds.
2:37:28–2:37:37I beg that father, look upon this supreme and noble hero with the same affection.
2:37:37–2:37:42He bears me, or with even greater affection.
2:37:42–2:37:49Rama, how fortunate that my child has found a new friend.
2:37:49–2:37:55His nature is at once unfathomable and beneficent.
2:37:55–2:38:04It is as though the signs of weapons had taken bodily form to protect the worlds, as though
2:38:04–2:38:14Kshatriya duty had become incarnate, to guard the treasure of sacred knowledge, as though
2:38:14–2:38:18all power had come into full flower.
2:38:18–2:38:27All virtues had gathered in one place, and all the merit of the world had accumulated.
2:38:27–2:38:31To stand here visibly revealed.
2:38:31–2:38:32Aside
2:38:32–2:38:37What 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, where
2:38:43–2:38:45has my insolence dissolved?
2:38:45–2:38:46That humility now overwhelms me?
2:38:46–2:38:49But the very sight of him I have fallen under his power, why?
2:38:49–2:38:52Yet great men, 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 some inward 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 due 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 proclaim 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
2:40:48–2:40:51though insulted, spit forth fire?
2:40:51–2:40:54Looking.
2:40:54–2:40:58Lava concentrates.
2:40:58–2:41:00Exit.
2:41:00–2:41:03His rough too is astonishing.
2:41:03–2:41:06Father, look, my dear friend.
2:41:06–2:41:12This hero released the Drumbaka weapon and held the soldiers utterly motionless.
2:41:12–2:41:16Rama, Child Lava, withdraw the weapon.
2:41:16–2:41:18And Chandraketu.
2:41:18–2:41:22You too go and reassure the humbled, helpless soldiers.
2:41:22–2:41:25Chandra Kedu, 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 Krishashiva imparted the complete secret law 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.
2:42:20–2:42:24That holy sage bestowed them upon me.
2:42:24–2:42:28Such was the former succession.
2:42:28–2:42:32May I ask, how did that succession?
2:42:32–2:42:36Reach the noble prince.
2:42:36–2:42:39The weapons appear to their own accord before both of us.
2:42:39–2:42:41Reflecting.
2:42:41–2:42:44Why should that be impossible?
2:42:45–2:42:47Through the right-ning.
2:42:47–2:42:53Of extraordinary merit from a former birth, such power may arise.
2:42:54–2:42:57But 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?
2:43:02–2:43:06Bandayana. Bandayana.
2:43:06–2:43:13Dear friend, do you say that the king's soldiers made so merciless an assault upon lava may
2:43:13–2:43:15he live long?
2:43:15–2:43:21Then the sun-like title of king shall set from the world, and the fire of the kshatriya
2:43:21–2:43:25weapon shall soon be extinguished.
2:43:25–2:43:29Who is this now, dark as a sapphire?
2:43:29–2:43:34Whose voice makes the hair rise upon my body?
2:43:34–2:43:43As buds burst upon the Kadamba, the moment a young black cloud begins its low thunder.
2:43:43–2:43:47It is my elder brother Kusha returning from Bharata's hermitage.
2:43:47–2:43:48Eagaly.
2:43:48–2:43:52Child, call your brother.
2:43:52–2:43:55May he live long.
2:43:55–2:43:57He goes.
2:43:57–2:44:00Enter Kusha.
2:44:00–2:44:02Certainly.
2:44:02–2:44:11With anger, curiosity, eagerness and resolution, sounding his bow string.
2:44:11–2:44:16He advances with long strides.
2:44:16–2:44:17Coming near.
2:44:17–2:44:21Since the age of Manu, son of Viva's van, these kings of the solar race have granted
2:44:21–2:44:24fearlessness even to Indra and have kept blazing the fierce fire of their Kshatriya
2:44:24–2:44:25power to burn the arrogant.
2:44:25–2:44:28If today I gain the chance to fight the king of the solar race, how blessed my bow
2:44:28–2:44:32will be, its 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.
2:44:37–2:44:40For any creature in the universe, he moves with tremendous force, as though making the
2:44:40–2:44:41earth herself bow.
2:44:41–2:44:44Young as he is, he bears within him the grave weight of a mountain.
2:44:44–2:44:46Is the heroic mood approaching in person, or pride itself embodied?
2:44:46–2:44:48Lava, victory to my elder brother.
2:44:48–2:44:50Kusha, my child, may you live long.
2:44:50–2:44:51What is this news of battle?
2:44:51–2:44:52Lava, nothing.
2:44:52–2:44:54Brother, swallow your pride before this man and conduct yourself humbly.
2:44:54–2:44:55Kusha why?
2:44:55–2:44:57The man standing there is the lord of Ragu himself.
2:44:57–2:45:00He bears affection for both of us and is eager to see you before him.
2:45:00–2:45:02Thoughtfully.
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 him.
2:45:34–2:45:38Brother, behold the great man, the majesty of all his supernatural deeds, may be read
2:45:38–2:45:40in his grave and radiant bearing.
2:45:40–2:45:50Looking, approaching, he embraces him aside.
2:45:50–2:45:53They move and sit in the proper order.
2:45:53–2:45:57Ah, his body breeds peace, and his radiance purifies.
2:45:57–2:46:00While 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 Prachatas, 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
2:46:22–2:46:24joy, and when I embrace his limbs, why does he in turn drench me in a true
2:46:24–2:46:25flood of nectar?
2:46:25–2:46:31Father, the sun is scorching my head. My father sit for a moment. Beneath the shade of the saltry, Rama, whatever my child desires.
2:46:31–2:46:45Aside, studying them closely, reflecting, tearfully, weeping.
2:46:45–2:46:50Ah, though they are modest, their manner of walking.
2:46:50–2:46:58Standing, and sitting suggests that Kusha and Lava are future emperors.
2:46:58–2:47:07The royal dignity inherent in their bodies enhances the lovely beauty of every limb,
2:47:07–2:47:18As rays enhance the stainless moon, or drops of nectar a fully opened lotus, I see further
2:47:18–2:47:23signs that these two are princes of Raghu's line.
2:47:23–2:47:31Bodies dark as the neck of a full-grown kitchen, sloping shoulders like a bowl's, steady
2:47:31–2:47:40He gazes like a lion at rest, and voices deep and rich as festival drums.
2:47:40–2:47:49Not only do they bear the form of my own house, every 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.
2:48:35–2:48:42Then there are their appearance, age, and radiance.
2:48:42–2:48:50It also astonishes me that the divine weapons appeared of themselves, has the command I
2:48:50–2:48:54gave the weapons in the picture gallery.
2:48:54–2:49:02Now born fruit. For I have heard that even a great men of old could not obtain them without
2:49:02–2:49:12initiation through an unbroken succession. Then this boundless joy and sorrow rising together
2:49:12–2:49:20in my heart give conviction to my wavering soul. And above all, I knew that the queen
2:49:20–2:49:29carried twins in her womb. Long ago, when intimacy had blossomed and my affection grew
2:49:29–2:49:38and became secure, and she was more at ease with me in private. Though natural modesty
2:49:38–2:49:47still restrained her gaze, I was the first to discover, by the touch of my palm, that
2:49:47–2:49:50There 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?
2:50:00–2:50:02This reign of tears has made your face.
2:50:02–2:50:06The source of the world's welfare, like a night load is drenched, in the dew of dawn.
2:50:06–2:50:07Aside.
2:50:07–2:50:08Allowed.
2:50:08–2:50:13My child, without Queen Sita, what is there, that is not a source of sorrow to the
2:50:13–2:50:14Lord of Regue?
2:50:14–2:50:17that when one is separated from the beloved, the whole world becomes a wilderness.
2:50:17–2:50:19Such was his love, and this separation is endless.
2:50:19–2:50:20How can you ask such a question?
2:50:20–2:50:21As though you knew nothing of the Ramayana?
2:50:21–2:50:22Rama?
2:50:22–2:50:24Alas, their manner of speaking shows that they are only outside observers.
2:50:24–2:50:25Then I shall not ask.
2:50:25–2:50:27Foolish heart, why this sudden frenzy in you?
2:50:27–2:50:30I expose the wound of my heart so openly that even children take pity on me.
2:50:30–2:50:31Well, it will be best to change the subject.
2:50:31–2:50:34Children, I have heard, of a Ramayana through which the goddess's speech flows as the
2:50:34–2:50:35sacred stream.
2:50:35–2:50:38Of Sarasvati by the agency of the holy Valmiki, a hymn to the solar race.
2:50:38–2:50:40I greatly desire to hear some part of it.
2:50:40–2:50:42Kusha, we have rehearsed the entire composition.
2:50:42–2:50:43Just now two verses.
2:50:43–2:51:07With a shy smile, affection and grief, he stands as though stunned, in anguish.
2:51:07–2:51:10How 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.
2:51:32–2:51:36Where shall such happiness be found again?
2:51:36–2:51:45In that perfect trust which made it grow, that solicitied each bore for the other, that deep
2:51:45–2:51:56flowing savor of wonder, that oneness of two hearts, in sorrow and in joy alike, yet this
2:51:56–2:52:02sinful breath of mine still clings and will not depart.
2:52:02–2:52:06Ah, how terrible!
2:52:06–2:52:11They have reminded me of that one uniquely painful time.
2:52:11–2:52:19When countless qualities of my beloved were revealed all at once.
2:52:19–2:52:26When the girl's bud-like breasts had newly begun to swell, and in only a few days had
2:52:26–2:52:29grown a little fuller.
2:52:29–2:52:39One desire, deepened by the combined force of youth, love, and curiosity, was bold within
2:52:39–2:52:44her heart, yet shy upon her body.
2:52:44–2:52:52Lava, then hear this verse, spoken by the Lord of Raghu Tassita.
2:52:52–2:52:57While they rested in the Mundakini Grove near Mount Chitrakoota.
2:52:57–2:53:05As though the stone seat before you have been kept for you alone, and the kisara trees around
2:53:05–2:53:07it were showering flowers.
2:53:07–2:53:12Rama, how wonderfully innocent.
2:53:12–2:53:18A child can be, especially one raised in the forest.
2:53:18–2:53:25Queen, do you remember our intimate conversation on that occasion?
2:53:25–2:53:28How terrible this is!
2:53:28–2:53:32With the minds eye I see your face.
2:53:32–2:53:36Your brow bright as the moon.
2:53:36–2:53:41Your hair stirred by the gentle wind from the mandakini.
2:53:41–2:53:45Cool with beads of perspiration.
2:53:45–2:53:50Your cheeks open and lovely, without a saffron mark.
2:53:50–2:53:54And your exquisitely graceful ears.
2:53:54–2:54:04beautiful for having no earrings. Oh Fate! Even in separation, the beloved surely gives
2:54:04–2:54:15some consolation. For through continual, profound meditation, I create her before my eyes. But
2:54:15–2:54:24when even that resource is taken away, the world becomes a desolate forest. And the heart
2:54:24–2:54:28feels as though it were slowly roasting.
2:54:28–2:54:33Over a smoldering fire of chaff
2:54:33–2:54:41Vasishtha, Valmiki, Dasharata's queens, Jinnaka, 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.
2:54:54–2:54:57Their 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.
2:55:08–2:55:09What?
2:55:09–2:55:16Arundhati, Vasishta, my mothers, and Janaka are here.
2:55:16–2:55:20The very thought of seeing them is unbearable.
2:55:20–2:55:30Alas, 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.
2:56:54–2:56:59End of Act 6.
2:56:59–2:57:02Enter Lakshman.
2:57:02–2:57:04Enter Rama.
2:57:04–2:57:15Lakshman ah has Valmiki by his ascetic power gathered together the entire living world,
2:57:15–2:57:23all mortals and immortals, gods and demons, men, women, animals and every moving and
2:57:23–2:57:31unmoving being of the middle-air and summoned with us all Brahmins, Kshatriyas, townspeople
2:57:31–2:57:40and country folk. My elder brother has also commanded me, Dear Lakshman, Valmiki has
2:57:40–2:57:48invited us to witness his dramatic composition performed by celestial nymphs. Go therefore
2:57:48–2:57:55to the theatre on the bank of the Ganges and see that the spectators are seated in their proper
2:57:55–2:58:06places. I have arranged suitable seats for mortals and immortals alike. And look, out
2:58:06–2:58:14of reverence for Valmiki, my elder brother is coming this way. Though still a king, he
2:58:14–2:58:22has adopted the stern observance of an ascetic. Rama, dear brother Lakshman, are all who
2:58:22–2:58:34understand the art of drama in their places? Lakshman adear. Rama, let these two boys,
2:58:34–2:58:44Kusha and Lava, be given seats of honour equal to Prince Chandrakethus. They sit.
2:58:44–2:58:48Knowing my Lord's affection for them, I have already done so. The royal pavilion is
2:58:48–2:58:54prepared here. Let the performance begin.
2:58:54–2:58:59The son of Preciatis, who relates the truth exactly as it is, makes this appeal to every
2:58:59–2:59:04moving and unmoving creature assembled here, through the profound insight made possible
2:59:04–2:59:09by a sage's vision, I have composed a brief work that is at once purifying and rich
2:59:09–2:59:15in dramatic feeling, filled with pathos and wonder. In view of the gravity of
2:59:15–2:59:20its 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 never
2:59:31–2:59:37broken, therefore it must never be regarded with doubt.
2:59:37–2:59:44My husband, Prince Lakshmana, I am alone and without protection in the forest.
2:59:44–2:59:50My labour pains have begun, and terrible wild beasts are eager to devour me.
2:59:50–2:59:56Wretched as I am, I have no course left but to throw myself into the mandakini.
2:59:56–2:59:59Aside
2:59:59–3:00:03How dreadful this is, far worse than I had imagined.
3:00:03–3:00:04Exit
3:00:04–3:00:08Stun
3:00:08–3:00:11The daughter of all supporting earth.
3:00:11–3:00:15The queen abandoned by the king in the great forest.
3:00:15–3:00:20When the pains of childbirth begin, leaps into the divine Ganges.
3:00:20–3:00:23Rama, Queen.
3:00:23–3:00:24Queen.
3:00:24–3:00:27Look, Lokshmono is here.
3:00:27–3:00:31Lokshmono, but, brother, this is only a play.
3:00:31–3:00:36Rama, Queen, my beloved companion in the Dandaka Forest.
3:00:36–3:00:40This calamity befell you because of Rama.
3:00:40–3:00:44Lakshmana, brother, keep watching the story.
3:00:44–3:00:52Enter 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
3:01:08–3:01:21can be seen. Hold me, both goddesses. Beautiful Vadahi, master yourself. By good fortune your
3:01:21–3:01:30travail has succeeded. In the river you have born two sons. Who will sustain the line of
3:01:30–3:01:33Raghu?
3:01:33–3:01:37recovering herself. She feigns,
3:01:39–3:01:43By good fortune, I have borne sons. My husband
3:01:44–3:01:52Falling at Rama's feet, looking. He fans him.
3:01:53–3:01:57Brother, dear brother, what happiness that our purpose has been fulfilled.
3:01:57–3:02:00A magnificent new branch has sprung from the tree of Raghu's line.
3:02:00–3:02:05Ah, my brother is motionless, overwhelmed by a surging flood of tears.
3:02:05–3:02:10Child, recover yourself, we beg you.
3:02:10–3:02:13Regaining consciousness.
3:02:13–3:02:18Divine lady, who are you? And who are you?
3:02:18–3:02:23Earth, this is Badjarathi, the tutelary goddess of your husband's house.
3:02:23–3:02:27Divine lady, I bow before you.
3:02:27–3:02:33May you enjoy complete good fortune in accordance with your fidelity as a wife.
3:02:33–3:02:36Great Grace has been shown to us.
3:02:36–3:02:40And this is your mother, the Goddess Earth.
3:02:40–3:02:44She embraces Sita and Fiends.
3:02:44–3:02:48Mother, you see me in this condition.
3:02:48–3:02:52Earth, come, child, come, my little daughter.
3:02:52–3:02:55Excitedly.
3:02:55–3:03:00Ah, both Earth and Ganga have come to aid my sister-in-law.
3:03:00–3:03:02Looking.
3:03:02–3:03:06Recovering Consciousness.
3:03:06–3:03:13This is surely a cause for joy, and yet a source of profound pathos.
3:03:13–3:03:21Bhajyurthi, even all supporting Earth can tremble, so powerful is love for a child.
3:03:21–3:03:29Yet it is the same in all, the knot of attachment, the source of unrest within every conscious
3:03:29–3:03:33creature, the very thread of worldly life.
3:03:33–3:03:39Child 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?
3:04:07–3:04:10Earth, true.
3:04:10–3:04:14But was this right for dear Rama?
3:04:14–3:04:21The hand he held in childhood, when he himself was a boy, no regard for that.
3:04:21–3:04:27None 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.
3:04:52–3:04:56Mother Earth, I am the very man you describe.
3:04:56–3:05:03Boggurthi, 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.
3:05:13–3:05:20While the purifying ordeal by fire took place in Lanka, how could the people here believe
3:05:20–3:05:22in it?
3:05:22–3:05:29The hereditary wealth of the Exvaka 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?
3:05:37–3:05:44Vajmana, the goddess's inner light shines unobstructed in all beings.
3:05:44–3:05:51Bhadgupi, 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 Bajratha.
3:05:57–3:06:03Earth, I have always been gracious to you all.
3:06:03–3:06:09At 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.
3:06:29–3:06:37How profound is the compassion of elders for those they regard as their children?
3:06:37–3:06:40Weeping with folded hands.
3:06:40–3:06:45Mother, take me to yourself and absorb me into your body.
3:06:45–3:06:49What more could she ask than that?
3:06:49–3:06:50Heaven 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-roof 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.
3:07:55–3:08:02Whose succession of masters was Kri Shash, Koshika and Rama are now appearing of their
3:08:02–3:08:03own accord.
3:08:03–3:08:04Voices offstage.
3:08:04–3:08:09Queen Sita, we bow before you.
3:08:09–3:08:15As the joy of Raghu's line declared in the picture gallery, our destiny from this
3:08:15–3:08:18day lies with your sons.
3:08:18–3:08:21What good fortune, the deities of the weapons.
3:08:21–3:08:26My husband, your act of grace is manifest even today.
3:08:26–3:08:32My 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.
3:08:35–3:08:39You have shown us grace, we are blessed.
3:08:39–3:08:45Whenever these boys remember you in their hearts, please appear and serve them.
3:08:45–3:08:46Rama
3:08:46–3:08:49A wave of compassion has risen.
3:08:49–3:08:53breaking upon a lake of wonder and joy
3:08:53–3:08:55and has brought me to a state
3:08:55–3:08:58that cannot be described.
3:08:58–3:09:01Both goddesses rejoice child.
3:09:01–3:09:06Your two little sons have now become the equals of dear Rama.
3:09:06–3:09:11Sita, divine lady, who will perform the kshatriya sacraments for them.
3:09:11–3:09:13Rama.
3:09:13–3:09:17Alas, Sita herself, the power of Raghu's line.
3:09:17–3:09:25ever guarded by Vasishtha and the family priests, can find no one to perform the sacraments of her sons.
3:09:26–3:09:32Bhagirthi, daughter, do not be anxious about that. After the two boys are weaned,
3:09:32–3:09:37we shall place them under Valmiki's protection and he will perform their Kshatriya sacraments.
3:09:38–3:09:42For the houses of Raghu and Janka alike, the son of Prachetas,
3:09:42–3:09:47Is no lesser preceptor than the sages Vasishtha and Angiras.
3:09:47–3:09:52Ex-sint Ganga, Earth and Sita.
3:09:52–3:09:55He feigns.
3:09:55–3:10:00Bhagyathi has considered every matter with the greatest care.
3:10:00–3:10:05Lakshmana, brother, I speak the truth.
3:10:05–3:10:11For many reasons I am fully convinced that those two boys are Kusha and Lava.
3:10:11–3:10:17They too command the weapons from birth.
3:10:17–3:10:24Both princes received their sacraments from the great sage, son of Prachetas.
3:10:24–3:10:27And both are twelve years old.
3:10:27–3:10:34Rama, dear brother, the mere thought throws my heart into turmoil and drives me out
3:10:34–3:10:35of my senses.
3:10:35–3:10:42Earth, child, come with me now and sanctify the netherworld.
3:10:42–3:10:49Sita, 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.
3:11:06–3:11:09After that, do as you wish.
3:11:09–3:11:13Bhagyartha, 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,
3:11:23–3:11:28have you resolved to depart for the other world?
3:11:28–3:11:29Looking
3:11:30–3:11:31Looking
3:11:33–3:11:35Enter Arunthati and Sita
3:11:36–3:11:38Valmiki, 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.
3:11:50–3:11:51Lakshmana
3:11:52–3:11:54The waters of the Ganges seem to be churning.
3:11:54–3:11:57And the sky is filled with divine sages.
3:11:57–3:11:59A miracle.
3:11:59–3:12:04Sita and the goddesses, Ganga and Earth, are rising from the depths.
3:12:04–3:12:06Voice offstage.
3:12:06–3:12:07World honored Arun Dadi.
3:12:07–3:12:10Look graciously upon us, Ganga and Earth.
3:12:10–3:12:13We entrust Sita to your protection.
3:12:13–3:12:16The ideal wife who has kept her sacred vows.
3:12:16–3:12:19Lakshmana, what happiness, what a miracle.
3:12:19–3:12:21Brother, look, look.
3:12:21–3:12:24Alas, my brother has still not regained consciousness.
3:12:24–3:12:25Arun Dadi.
3:12:25–3:12:29Child, this modest hesitation is unnecessary.
3:12:29–3:12:30Put it aside.
3:12:30–3:12:33Come quickly and with the touch of your beloved hand.
3:12:33–3:12:37Restore my child Rama to consciousness.
3:12:37–3:12:40Touching him fearfully.
3:12:40–3:12:45Regaining consciousness joyfully.
3:12:45–3:12:49Looking with joy and wonder.
3:12:49–3:12:52Ashamed.
3:12:52–3:12:54He bows.
3:12:54–3:13:03My husband, please master yourself. Rama, ah, what is this? Queen. And Mother Orandotti,
3:13:03–3:13:09all my elders, and Rishi Shringha, and Shanta rejoicing with them. Orandotti, my child,
3:13:09–3:13:15over there is the goddess of Bajuratha's line, the gracious Gonga. Voice offstage, Lord
3:13:15–3:13:20of the world, dear Rama, remember the request I made during the viewing of the pictures,
3:13:20–3:13:26gracious to your daughter-in-law Sita, as Orandhoti is. Now I am discharged from that obligation.
3:13:27–3:13:34Orandhoti, and there is your mother-in-law, Earth. Voice offstage. Years ago, when you abandoned Sita,
3:13:34–3:13:38you made this request, may you live long, Earth, protect your honoured daughter, Johnaki.
3:13:39–3:13:43Great King, today I have fulfilled that request concerning my child.
3:13:44–3:13:49Rama, how is this possible? Though Rama is guilty of a terrible offence,
3:13:49–3:13:51Both goddesses have shown him compassion.
3:13:52–3:13:54Orondottie, people of town and countryside.
3:13:55–3:14:00This woman has been entrusted to Orondottie's protection, and Johnovie and earth have showered
3:14:00–3:14:07praise upon her. Formerly the god of fire, Vaishvanara, testified to her virtue. Gods and
3:14:07–3:14:12Brahmins have extolled her as a woman of savour trees lineage. Except once more queen Cita,
3:14:12–3:14:17born from the sacrificial ground. Tell me, good people, what is your judgment?
3:14:19–3:14:22How sternly Arun Dadi has rebuked the people.
3:14:22–3:14:24The whole living world bows before my sister-in-law,
3:14:24–3:14:29while the guardians of the quarters and the seven sages honor her with a shower of flowers.
3:14:29–3:14:34Lord of the world, dear Rama, in accordance with sacred law,
3:14:34–3:14:40entrust the duties of the sacrifice to your beloved partner in righteousness,
3:14:40–3:14:45the living holy original of the golden image.
3:14:45–3:14:47Aside!
3:14:47–3:14:51Does my husband know how to soothe Sita's sorrow?
3:14:51–3:14:55As the Divine Lady commands.
3:14:55–3:14:58Our purpose is fulfilled.
3:14:58–3:15:01I have received a new life.
3:15:01–3:15:06Sister-in-law, this shameless Lakshmana prostrates himself fully before you.
3:15:06–3:15:11My child, remain as you are and live long.
3:15:11–3:15:13Exit!
3:15:13–3:15:21Valmiki, please bring forward Kusha and Lava. Rama's two sons born from Sita's womb. Rama and Lakshmana.
3:15:21–3:15:25What happiness! Everything is true.
3:15:25–3:15:28Overcome with Dears.
3:15:28–3:15:33Enter Valmiki with Kusha and Lava.
3:15:33–3:15:36Where are my two little sons?
3:15:36–3:15:43Dear children Kusha and Lava, this Lord of Raghu's line is your father.
3:15:43–3:15:48This Lakshmana is your uncle. Queen Sita is your mother.
3:15:48–3:15:54And this Royal Sage Janaka is your maternal grandfather.
3:15:54–3:16:01Looking with joy, dendonis, and wonder.
3:16:01–3:16:04Is my father here too?
3:16:04–3:16:06Kusha and Lava, father.
3:16:06–3:16:09Mother. Grandfather.
3:16:10–3:16:13Embracing them joyfully.
3:16:14–3:16:20Surely it is only through accumulated merit that I have regained you, my two children.
3:16:22–3:16:23Doing so.
3:16:25–3:16:28Come, Kusha, my child, and you too, Lava.
3:16:28–3:16:32Give your mother a long embrace, as though she had been born again.
3:16:33–3:16:36Kusha and Lava, how fortunate we are.
3:16:36–3:16:40Holy Sage, I bow before you.
3:16:40–3:16:44And a prore offstage.
3:16:44–3:16:50Child, remain as you are and live long.
3:16:50–3:16:53Rising and looking about.
3:16:53–3:17:00The Lord of Mathura, having destroyed Lovanna, is approaching.
3:17:00–3:17:06When auspicious events come, they come like a flood.
3:17:06–3:17:09Accent all.
3:17:09–3:17:15All this is truly happening to me, and yet I can scarcely believe it.
3:17:15–3:17:19But 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.
3:17:34–3:17:44May this story, which purifies from sin, and generously bestows every good, be at once
3:17:44–3:17:52auspicious and delightful, like the mother of the world and the Ganges.
3:17:52–3:17:59May learned people savor it embodied upon the stage, the literary art of an accomplished
3:17:59–3:18:01poet.
3:18:01–3:18:05Who knows the sacred mystery of speech?
3:18:05–3:18:08End of Act 7
3:18:08–3:18:11End of Bobbidi's play Rama's last act.

Plain text

प्रोलोग, 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 Calipria. You have surely heard of a certain Bababhuti, a learned Brahmin of the Kashiapa 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, Brahma'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 Rakshasas. The Brahmins and gods who came to honour him have also departed, sanctifying every region through which they passed. The devotees continued for so many days while these guests were entertained. And 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 Vibhandika, and he has now begun a sacrifice. That will continue for 12 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. You should say, by those worse than wicked. Four people are maligning quain. Vaidehi herself. Why? Because she lived in a Raksha's house, and because they doubt the ordeal by fire. If this rumor reaches the king's ears, the consequences will be terrible. Duns. Listenz. 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 tendrest 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. to me as you did before. Chamberlain, Ashtavakra has arrived from Rishishringas Hermitage. Sita, then wide-illy, good sir. Exit Chamberlain. Enter Ashtavakra. sitting. Bring him in at once. Ash Tavakra, 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 Then 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. Orendoti, 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. Said 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 Jhanaki 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 Ashdavakra 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. 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. See the, 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. Krishashiva 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, Rama 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, almost 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 top knot. Lakshmana, look here. Your father bows to his new kinsmen. Vasishtha and the others. And Shatnanda Gautama, the family priest. Of all the kings of Jannaka's line, Bose as well. This scene is truly worth seeing. Who would not welcome the union. Of the houses of Raghu and Jannaka. 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 Urmila. 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. Just 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 Jonagy 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 awaken such wonder in every part of me. Lakshmana, this is Manthara. Rama, Queen Vadehi. This is the Ingoody Tree at Sringavarapura, 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 Bhagyurthy, 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 Shama, the dark banyan, on the bank of the colony, along the road to Chitrakoota, where Bharadvaja 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. Rama. 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? She was crying 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 filled, 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 roxesses, 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 Janis Thanal a. empty. Could still make stone weep and split a heart of iron. See the, 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. your trembling lips and nostrils and your chest heaving beneath its weight. Make your anguish plain to all. Aside. 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? Lachmana, this part of the Dandaka forest west of Janasthana is called Chitrakunjavat. Here live the headless demon Kabanda. This is the hermitage of the great sage Mithinga on Mount Rishiyamukha, and here is the wondrous Shabara ascetic, the holy woman Sharmani. 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. 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 end 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. Its 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 Janaki 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 Bajarathi. 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? Exit. 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. Awakening 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. Renews 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. Whether 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 lax me 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 in her? Except the agony of separation. Doorkeeper, my lord, he is here. Who is here? Your Majesty's personal attendant, Dermaka. Aside. Allowed. Exit doorkeeper. Enter Durmukha. Aside. Dermaka, an attendant of the Inner Palace. I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and country palace. I appointed him to learn what the people of the city and countryside are saying. Admit him. Dermaca, 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 carresses 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. and 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 Rama 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 Rama's ear. 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? Through 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. Dermacca, tell Lachmana that the inexperienced King Rama has an order for him. The Queen, purified before the fire and made holy Astele by carrying the continuance of Ragu'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 Exvaku 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 took 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. Like 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 have 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 Vasishta and Vishvamitra, 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 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 a raakshasa still causing havoc. Chitrugna 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 God's 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? Dermaka, your majesty, Prince Lakshmana submits that the chariot is fully prepared and awaits you. She rises. Accent both. I am ready. The child in my womb keeps moving. I must walk slowly. Jumuqa, 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. to the holy lady, ascetic, ah! 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 all else are at your service. Ascetic. 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. Free from deceit and stain. Forest Goddess, may I know who my honoured guest is? Interlude to Act 2. Aesthetic, I am a trey. Forest Goddess, a trey, where have you come from, and for what purpose are you wandering through the Dandaka Forest? Atrei. 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 tray, 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 marvelous 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. Atrehi, it is said that the God Himself revealed their names, Kusha and Lava, and their powers. Interlude to Act 2. Forest Goddess, what powers? Atrehi, 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. Atreey, Valmiki undertook the work of a nurse and reared and cared for both boys. After their first tanchar, 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 trayee, 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. Suddenly the goddess of speech appeared to his mind's eye. Every sound was clear, measured in a meter of eight syllables. She found voice in this form. Hunter, through endless time. You shall win no honor. Because you killed one bird. Of this crown-chappere joined in love. Forest goddess, how wondrous, a new incarnation of meter, 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, Sage, you have attained 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. When the son of Prachetas composed the Ramayana, the first revelation in human society of the mystery of speech in the form of history. Interlude to Act 2. Forest Goddess, all life itself has been enriched. A Trai, that is why I spoke of a great impediment to study. Forest Goddess, naturally. A Trai, good lady, I have rested. Now tell me the road to Agustya's Hermitage. Goddess, enter Panchavati from here and continue along the bank of the Godavari. Atreyi, is this the celebrated sacred grove of Panchavati? Is this river the Godavari that mountain Prazirvana, and are you Vasanti, Goddess of Janasthana? Vasanti, every word you say is true. Atreyi, 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. Though now nothing remains but your name. Vasanti, nothing remains but her name, what does that mean? Noble lady, has some calamity befallen Queen Sita. A trai, not calamity alone, disgrace as well. Interlude to act too. Vasanti, ah. a cruel blow of fate. Atreyi, dear lady, take hold of yourself. Vasanti, oh 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 Rishi Shringer's Hermitage. The twelve-year sacrifice has now ended. Rishi Shringer was preparing to send them away with due honour when Orondottie said, Ye I will not return to Ierthire 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. Atreey, 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 ascetic 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 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, world of heaven. Filled with joy and happiness accumulated through merit. Be yours forever. Shambhuka, I attain 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. To 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 slew 14,000 fearsome roxas as in battle, and three more to Dashana, Kora and Trishiras. This Janastana became holy ground, where even timid people like me could move in safety. What? Not only Dandika, but Janastana too. Yes, certainly. The vast forest stretching south from Janastana, 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 heaths of enormous, dreadful snakes lying quietly asleep seems to kindle fire. Water is scarce, found only in deep fissures. Thirsty lizards drink the sweat from serpent's backs. walks around. His eyes fill with tears. As I gaze upon Janasthana, the dwelling place of Kara. Old events seem 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. Leave 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 and deep shade, where every kind of animal rests without fear. Here mountain streams run with clear to 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. Dark with ripe fruit. And father. There are caves in the mountains where bear cubs 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 take turns within the caves. His voice breaking with sobs. Good sir, may your journey be blessed. by the celestial path and attain the worlds of the virtuous. Exit Shambhuka. After going to the ancient Brahmashya Gestia, I shall enter the Itanolabod. He looks. In anguish. Re-enter Shambhuka. 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 and 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. Here lives Vasanthi, my beloved's friend. But what is happening to Rama? Now, light 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. But 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. Even 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 Panchavati is drawing me toward it by force. Here 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 sages command. Then let your majesty turn the Pushkaka this way. Panchavadi, forgive the momentary neglect Rama must show you in order to obey his elders command. Accent both. Enter to river goddesses. Look of my lord, Vluk. That is Mount Kronchavata. Where the harsh roar of wind through the bamboo forest. doubled by the cries of owls in liftoff's groves, silences flocks of crows, sapons hunting from branches of ancient sandalwood trees, riding fear at the calls of peacocks strutting proudly below. And father, there are the mountains of the south, in their caves the waters of the Godovari gaggle, and their summits are dark beneath clouds sacking 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 a friend Morala, to you seem troubled. Muralla T'Tamasa, Vlopamudra, wife of Agastya, 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 Panchuvati 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, to the 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. Hal. Listen. It is said that many years ago, immediately after Lakshmana abandoned her and returned from Valmiki's sacred grove, Queen Cita'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 great sage descended from Prashtas. 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. Queen Sita somehow consoled Dear Rama. To Mara, 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. Tomasa, 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. Jonaki 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 ketoki bud. Her pale, wasted body has withered. End of the interlude. Enter Sita, absorbed in gathering flowers. Hearing 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 shalaki leaves she had 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. Above the sight of Puntavati has brought those long familiar words back to my unfortunate lips. Ah, my lord! To Mara, daughter, please take hold of yourself. Noble chariot, halt here. Recovering 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? Over 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 Ashudra 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 our kin. Where 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. God 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 Jonaki. 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. 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 cooled a 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 Janaki. 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. around, desolate. No. There is no one here. Tamasa, 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. 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? 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 shalaki 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. Who will protect him now? He rises. Enter Vasanthi in alarm. Where is the villain who dared attack my beloved's little son and his mate? Vasanthi, is this King Ragan and Dana? Ah, this is my dear friend Vasanthi. Victory to the King. Looking. Why, this is Vasanthi, the queen's dear friend. Quickly, my lord, quickly! From here, go beyond Jatayu peak and descend toward the Godavari by Caesar's Ford, though 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, Mandekeen'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. Seater, may he live long, and from this day never be separated from his tender-hearted mate. Rammer, look, friend for Santi, look, the boy has nearly learned the art of honoring his beloved. While chewing a mouthful of lotus stork, a pruted in play. He pours these to spray into her mouth with his water-beaded 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. Tamesa, 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 son's 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 cadamber tree, calling to his mate. Having just completed his incomparable festive tandaver dance, he has spread the soft feathers of his tail. Harise Phil 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. Wear you and your beloved wife used to rest. Cedar fed the foreons so much grass that they would not let her leave. He sits elsewhere and weeps. I cannot bear to look at this. Friend Vasanti, what are you doing to my lord, and to me, by showing all this? God above, here is my lord, the same husband, the same forest of Puntavarti, 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 for Santi. Shall we sit here? For Santy, your Majesty, I hope Prince Lakshmana is well. Rama. May Thelia 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 Santy, but your Majesty, I asked whether Prince Lakshmana is well. Rama, are, a your Majesty, a, how cold the address. She asks only after Cermitri's welfare, yet her voice is choked with sobs. She must know what happened to Cetir. Yes, the prince as well. She fiends. Our, my lord, why did you become so cruel in the end? Cetir, 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 drug speechless, even driven nearly mad. Rammer, friend, please take hold of yourself. Recovering. But why did your Majesty perform that inspeakable deed? Cedar, 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. Tamasa, 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, are, beloved Jonarchy, 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. 4. 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. days. 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 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. You 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. Tomasa, 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. A sighed. A loud. Vassanti, 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. Every 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 sand bank 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. Vasanti, his condition is dreadful. I must try to distract him. Would your Majesty now like to see the old familiar regions of Janasthana? 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, Basanti, 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 Jhanaki, 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. Thusanti, 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? Consol 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. Friend 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. Vasanti, 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. 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 dendily. 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? But 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? My lord, by your extraordinary strength, please put an end to this complete delusion. How could my dear friend be here? Rammer, 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 Rammer now? Surely that holy mental illusion, repeatedly produced by imagination, has closed around me again. again. Cedar, no! Crew me, I have confused my lord. For Santi, my lord, look! The black iron chariot of the son of Pulastyr, 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. 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? will 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 Jambavans wisdom shows no path. nor 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 Somethry's arrows? Sita, how dear the first separation seems now? started distraught clinging to thamasa. Friend Vasanti, 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. happens, we must now go to Bhagyarthi to perform the rites for the birth anniversary of Kusha and Lava, 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. Enter 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 rice. Prepared for his mate, who has just given birth. The smell of greens cooking with jujupe 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. First ascetic, Soda 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. You surely know that this is Vasishta, who has come from Rishesh Ringer's hermitage protecting King Dashrath's wives with Orundati leading them. Why ask such a foolish question? Interlude to act 4. Soda Taki, what? Vasishta. Bandayana, yes, of course. So 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 yelling 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. Excent 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 Shandrit Vipa. Interlude to act four. Sothataki, then why has he come here? Bandayana, to see his lifelong friend, the son of Prachettas. Sothataki, has he met his relatives? Bandayana, Vasishta has just sent Arundati to Queen Kosalia, so that she may meet the king of Videha. Sothataki, 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 Jannaka. 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. The wrong committed against my daughter, a vast and dreadful wrong, broke me and pierced my heart, and kindled a torrent of rage that, though old, remains forever new, cutting the vital core like the edge of a saw and never ceasing. How terrible! This wretched body, stripped by old age and unimaginable grief of every support, drained of substance and vitality by many austerities, month-long fasts, and mortification still refuses to prepare for death. It is unbelievable. Yet the sages say, those who take their own lives go to worlds of darkness where no sun shines. Even after so many years, the blows of my acute grief, openly manifested and filled with unceasing thought, are still fresh and do not diminish. Mother! Sita, born from the sacrificial altar, is this what life brought you? Such a reversal that one feels shame even to weep to the heart's content. Ah, daughter! I remember your childhood face. Laughing and crying for no reason. Two or three milk teeth shining like jasmine buds. Your first words stumbling and indistinct. Earth, you truly are hard as stone. She whose greatness should have been acknowledged by you yourself. And likewise by fire, the sages, Vasishtha's wife, Gonga, even by the sun god, teacher of Raghu's line. The whom you yourself gave birth to, a speech gives birth to true knowledge. Cruel earth, how could you endure the killing of your only daughter? Voice offstage, this way, holy lady and your majesty. Janaka, ah, Grishtin is showing Arun dottie the way. whom did he call your majesty? Ah, can this be my dear friend, the lawful wife of King Dasharata, Korsalya? Who would believe it? She who in Dasharata's palace was like royal fortune. Why save like? She was royal fortune herself. been utterly transformed by the force of fate. A rare creature made of pure grief. Ah, what a reversal! Here is another terrible reversal in my own condition. Those who once were for me. A festival embodied. Are now unbearable even to behold. As 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. Arundhati Suryaadvaja, 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. Arindati, may your supreme radiance remain fierce and may the God who burns beyond all does purify you. Janaka, Krishnan is the mother of the protector of the people well? Asaid, Allowed, Sain, She Faints and Falls This is mockery of us, merciless and sharp mockery. Royal Sage, the Queen is already plunged in profound sorrow because she has so long been unable to see dear Rama's moon-like face. Please do not increase her suffering with your anger. A terrible calamity befell Rama too. He was told that a malicious scandal was spreading among the citizens and because people of little understanding did not believe in the purification of the ordeal by fire, he was forced to take the harshest measure. Janka, God's 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. Awakens such affection in my heart. Whether one is a girl or a woman is irrelevant. You have won the praise of the whole world. It is worthy qualities in a good person that deserve honour. Not sex or age. Kausalaya, ah, my wound is splitting open again. God above, what has happened now? Royal sage, what else could happen? That king, that happiness, that pride in her children. Those days gone by. The instant she saw you, her friend, all memory surged up again. You can see how deeply this terrible event has shaken her. Even an aged mother's heart can be as tender as a flower. He sprinkles water from his water pot over her. Recovering. How base I have become. After seeing her again after so long, I could not even cast a loving glance upon my dear friend's beloved wife. Honoured kinsman, dear friend, my heart. My joy embodied the whole essence of life. My body's life breath and whatever was dearer still. What was the illustrious King Dasharata not to me? Ah, is this truly causalia? If husband and wife ever quarreled in private, she would leave him and bring her complaint only to me, and whether she should remain angry or forgive him. The decision rested with me. But enough of such memories. They attack my heart and burn it. Orendoti, ah, sigh suppressed within for so long have hardened his heart. Janaka, ah, my dear friend's wife. Chamberlain At first fate was like a favorable friend. each of her wishes. Then came its sudden and merciless transformation, leaving her only anguish of heart. Corsair, Jonachie, my daughter, where are you? How clearly I remember that innocent lotus face, adorned only by the radiant 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 Jinnaka 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 Dushrat. That is why in every way you were my equal. How can I forget you? They say the father of a bride must honour the bridegroom's family. But in my case it was exactly the reverse. You were always the one who pleased me. Fate took from me both a man such as you. And the foundation of our kinship. Shame upon me. I must be a sinner. To remain alive in this dreadful, hell-like world. Kausalya, Janki, my child, what shall I do? My unfortunate life seems permanently fastened by some unbreakable mortar. It will not leave this wretched body. Arunthati, compose yourself, you are a king's daughter. For now, do your best to restrain your psalms. 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. Never 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 Kusho 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 The boy is a cretria student of sacred learning. Janaka, surely so, for he? Where's two quivers upon his back? The arrows touching his top-knot. Upon his chest are the marks of his lineage, lines of sacred ash, and a black antelope skin. His lower garment is dyed with madder, and bound by a cord of merver grass. In one hand he carries a bow and rosary, in the other a staff of sacred fig wood. Orendotti, where do you suppose this boy has come from? Orendotti, but I myself am newly arrived here. Janaka, Grishtyn, my curiosity knows no bounds. Goa wants 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 he will come when summoned? Will not his conduct be as courteous as his appearance? What is this? Having listened respectfully to Ghrishan, 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 man atort by the elders in which there can be no fault. Lava bows his head in turn at the feet of each of you. Karandhati 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 jen and looks, with tears and wonder. Come child, how beautiful my fortune is. Not only is my lap filled. But last my dream has been fulfilled. Kaussoya, child come into my lap for a moment too. 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. 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 syllable sounds sweet as drops of nectar in my ears. Sir, who is this person named Shankar Ketu? Have you heard the names of Dasharata's sons Rama and Lakshmana? They are the heroes of the Ramayana. Laughing Certainly. Lavva, then how could I not have heard their names? Janaka, this Chandraketu is Lokshman our son. Lavva, then he must be Amila's son and the grandson of the king of Matilla. Orondotti, clearly the boy knows the story well. Janaka, since you know the story so thoroughly, answer some questions. What are the names of the children of Dasharata's other sons, and which wives bore them? Lava, neither I nor anyone else has heard that part of the story. Janaka, has the poet not composed it? Lava he has, but it has not yet been made public. One portion, newly enriched with dramatic flavour, has been prepared for performance. The great sage wrote the manuscript with his own hand and sent it to Bharata, author of the treatise on the threefold art of music. Janaka, for what purpose? It is said that Barata will have it performed by the apps races. Janaka, all this only increases my curiosity. Valmiki is extremely careful about it. To ensure that no mishap befalls the pupils carrying the manuscript to Barata's hermitage, he has sent my brother with him, armed with bow and arrows. Kosselia, 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. Jannaka, tell me, how does the main story end? Distressed by the citizen's malicious scandal, the king banished Queen Sita, born from the sacrificial ground, to the forest. When her labor pains began, Lakshmana left her alone in a desolate wilderness and returned. Kausalia, my innocent moon-faced daughter, what dreadful reversal of fate suddenly fell upon your flower-soft body when you were all alone. Jannaka, 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 to 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 How depraved the citizens were and how thoughtless King Rama as I consider the terrible blood 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 The unfortunate citizens are entitled to protection. Enter a noisy group of school boys. They crowd around Lava, seize his hands and antelope skin and pull him. With curiosity, reluctance and 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. And 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 mangoes. But enough description. It is running away. Quick. Come. Lava, my elders can see that I am being dragged away. Orendoti and Jnaka, go. Child, satisfy your curiosity. Korsaea, holy lady, if we do not watch him, may he live forever. I shall feel cheated. Come. 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 Grishtan, come let us go in person to see the son of Prachatas. So, O Bole, young master, look at this marvelous object. Lava, at first sight I understand, it is the horse of the Ashvamedha 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. S.D.H.O.L.B.O.Y.S. Soldiers, 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. one. Lava, ah, that is a challenge to battle. Schoolboys, what can we say? The young master truly is very learned. Lava, soldiers, you boast as though no kshatriya remained anywhere on earth. Voice off stage, 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, rainclods of earth upon them, and drag the horse here. Let the poor creature roam freely with the deer of the hermitage. Officer, shame on you, villain. What did you say? The king's army is ruthless and severe. It will not tolerate insolent words even from a child. Before Prince Chandraketu, destroyer of enemies, arrives in his eagerness to visit this famous forest, flee quickly through that grove of trees. Schoolboys, 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 cloud. While its tongue, the bow string, 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 and disgust to see so many. Attack 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 ica. 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. His bowstring's thunder, swelled by the deep roar of war drums, 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, miming 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 Exhvaka House. And in these circumstances, what other cause remains? Chondroketu, oh! My army 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, Lava, Chondroketu, Lava, what 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. Enter lava, advancing swiftly and fearlessly. Look, Prince, look. At your challenge the Bawaria 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? Villains, like the seas flood struck by the wind of dissolution. Roaring so terribly that it burst the year. They're 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 Chandraket to himself. Turning stirred and apprehensive, the tremendous uproar continues offstage, with anger and contempt. He moves towards Chandraketu. 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. Symmetra, 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. 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 Drimbaka weapon. Sumuntra, why has the uproar of our army suddenly ceased. Lava, at last that insolent fellow is in sight. Sumatra, my child, I believe the prince has employed. The Jumbaka 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 the 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 Tonylite from within by lightning issuing through masses of cloud. But how did he obtain the Jimbukka weapon? Presumably from the son of Prashaytas. My child, weapons such as this, the Jimbukka above all, are not acquired in that way. Four. These weapons are, as it were, the offspring of Krishoshva. From him they came to Kashiqa. from Kashika to Dea 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 Lava, 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? Chondroketu 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 lions of Raghu's house. Embracing him with tears of affection. Sadly. Your words are beyond praise. History and legend, the teachings of duty. 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 are delighted. 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 Kokutstas. 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 Sopana. 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-wellers 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 Ishvakus, 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. Chondroquetu, are you offended even by the splendour of my father's a measurable 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 field, 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 wish-fulfilling 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 gallous 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 Ikshvokos in the list. Please abandon this obstinacy now. By destroying the soldiers you have certainly displayed your strength. But it is unwise to fight 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 lies in speech. Whereas a Kshatriya's strength lies in his arm, Jamadagnya was a Brahmin who took up the sword. What glory does the king gain by defeating such a man? not 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. Exint all. A Vidyadhar and his wife appear in a chariot moving through the sky. Reflecting. He does so. Looking. Exint 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? Simuntra, 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. Or 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. Vidyatera, 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 heavy 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. For 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 6. Vidyadhara, what can be happening now? Has the third eye of the darkened red god opened fully? Blazing like sunlight spun upon T'Vashtar's lave? Ah, I understand. Prince Chandraketu has released. The weapon 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 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 Verna 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 senses closed, in the yogic sleep at the end of an age. Well done, Prince Chenaketu. 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, Vidyallari, my lord, who is this descending in terror between the two princes, in his celestial chariot, wading the end of his robe with uplifted hand, and from far away striving with gentle words to stop the battle? Intolud to Aksix. Vidyadhara, it is the lord of Raghu's line, returning from the slaying of Shambhuka. At the great man's words, both honor him and cease their battle. Lava falls silent while Chandrakya to Bose profoundly. May the kings meeting with his own son's bear an auspicious fruit. Come, let us go now. End of the Intolud. 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 Race, come to me at once and embrace me tightly. Your limbs are cool as blocks of ice, able to sooth 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, look 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 signs 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 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? But the very sight of him I have fallen under his power, why? Yet great men, 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 some inward 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 due 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 proclaim 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 Drumbaka weapon and held the soldiers utterly motionless. Rama, Child Lava, withdraw the weapon. And Chandraketu. You too go and reassure the humbled, helpless soldiers. Chandra Kedu, 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 Krishashiva imparted the complete secret law 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-ning. 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. It is my elder brother Kusha returning from Bharata's hermitage. Eagaly. Child, call your brother. May he live long. He goes. Enter Kusha. Certainly. With anger, curiosity, eagerness and resolution, sounding his bow string. He advances with long strides. Coming near. Since the age of Manu, son of Viva's van, 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, its 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. For 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. 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. While fittingly the poet of the Ramayana transformed the goddess's speech into visible form. Father, Kusha, disciple of the son of Prachatas, 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, and when I embrace his limbs, why does he in turn drench me in a true flood of nectar? Father, the sun is scorching my head. My father sit for a moment. Beneath the shade of the saltry, 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 kitchen, sloping shoulders like a bowl's, steady He 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, has the command I gave the weapons in the picture gallery. Now born fruit. For I have heard that even a 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 reign of tears has made your face. The source of the world's welfare, like a night load is drenched, in the dew of dawn. Aside. Allowed. My child, without Queen Sita, what is there, that is not a source of sorrow to the Lord of Regue? that when one is separated from the beloved, the whole world becomes a wilderness. Such was his love, and this separation is endless. How can you ask such a question? As though you knew nothing of the Ramayana? Rama? Alas, their manner of speaking shows that they are only outside observers. Then I shall not ask. Foolish heart, why this sudden frenzy in you? I expose the wound of my heart so openly that even children take pity on me. Well, it will be best to change the subject. Children, I have heard, of a Ramayana through which the goddess's speech flows as the sacred stream. Of Sarasvati 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. With a shy smile, affection and grief, he stands as though 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. Where shall such happiness be found again? In that perfect trust which made it grow, that solicitied 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 depart. 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. One 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 eye 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. 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, Dasharata's queens, Jinnaka, 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. Their 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. Alas, 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. End 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 Lakshmana, 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 mandakini. Aside How dreadful this is, far worse than I had imagined. Exit Stun 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, Lokshmono is here. Lokshmono, 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. Hold me, both goddesses. Beautiful Vadahi, master yourself. By good fortune your travail has succeeded. In the river you have born two sons. Who will sustain the line of Raghu? recovering 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 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. Boggurthi, 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 Exvaka house is to keep the whole world content. In such a crisis, a truly terrible crisis. What could our child have done? Vajmana, the goddess's inner light shines unobstructed in all beings. Bhadgupi, even so, I bow before you with folded hands. Rama, mother, you have also shown grace to the line of Bajratha. 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-roof 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, Koshika 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. Ex-sint 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 received 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 Arunthati 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. Arun Dadi. 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 Orandotti, all my elders, and Rishi Shringha, and Shanta rejoicing with them. Orandotti, 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, 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, Johnaki. 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. Orondottie, people of town and countryside. This woman has been entrusted to Orondottie's protection, and Johnovie 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 Cita, 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 Sita's 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. This Lakshmana is your uncle. Queen Sita is your mother. And this Royal Sage Janaka is your maternal grandfather. Looking with joy, dendonis, 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 prore offstage. 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. Accent all. 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 learned people savor it embodied upon the stage, the literary art of an accomplished poet. Who knows the sacred mystery of speech? End of Act 7 End of Bobbidi's play Rama's last act.

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