Scene 49
Part 2: The Ramayan of Valmiki · Act 6: Book 6
Rama's Lament
Scene 49Visible text2 paragraphs
Ranged round the spot where Rama fell Each Vanar chief stood sentinel. At length the mighty hero broke The trance that held him, and awoke. He saw his senseless brother, dyed With blood from head to foot, and cried: "What have I now to do with life Or rescue of my prisoned wife, When thus before my weeping eyes, Slain in the fight, my brother lies? A queen like Sita I may find Among the best of womankind, But never such a brother, tried In war, my guardian, friend, and guide. If he be dead, the brave and true, I will not live but perish too. How, reft of Lakshman, shall I meet My mother, and Kaikeyi greet? My brother's eager question brook, And fond Sumitra's longing look? What shall I say, o'erwhelmed with shame To cheer the miserable dame? How, when she hears her son is dead, Will her sad heart be comforted? Ah me, for longer life unfit This mortal body will I quit; For Lakshman slaughtered for my sake, From sleep of death will never wake. Ah when I sank oppressed with care, Thy gentle voice could soothe despair. And art thou, O my brother, killed? Is that dear voice for ever stilled?
Bedewed with tears was every cheek As thus the Vanars heard him speak. Vibhishan on the field had stayed The Vanar hosts who fled dismayed. Now lifting up his mace on high With martial step the chief drew nigh. The hosts who watched by Rama's side Beheld his shape and giant stride. 'Tis he, 'tis Ravan's son, they thought: And all in flight their safety sought.