Scene 121
Part 2: The Ramayan of Valmiki · Act 6: Book 6
Dasaratha
Scene 121Visible text2 paragraphs
To him Mahesvar thus replied: "O strong-armed hero, lotus-eyed, Thou, best of those who love the right, Hast nobly fought the wondrous fight. Dispelled by thee the doom that spread Through trembling earth and heaven is fled. The worlds exult in light and bliss, And praise thy name, O chief, for this. Now peace to Bharat's heart restore, And bid Kausalya weep no more. Thy face let Queen Kaikeyi see, Let fond Sumitra gaze on thee. The longing of thy friends relieve, The kingdom of thy sires receive. Let sons of gentle Sita born Ikshvaku's ancient line adorn. Then from all care and foemen freed Perform the offering of the steed. In pious gifts thy wealth expend, Then to the home of Gods ascend, Thy sire, this glorious king, behold, Among the blest in heaven enrolled. He comes from where the Immortals dwell: Salute him, for he loves thee well."
His mandate Raghu's sons obeyed, And to their sire obeisance made, Where high he stood above the car In wondrous light that shone afar, His limbs in radiant garments dressed Whereon no spot of dust might rest. When on the son he loved so well The eyes of Dasaratha fell, He strained the hero to his breast And thus with gentle words addressed: "No joy to me is heavenly bliss, For there these eyes my Rama miss. Enrolled on high with saint and sage, Thy woes, dear son, my thoughts engage. Kaikeyi's guile I ne'er forget: Her cruel words will haunt me yet, Which sent thee forth, my son, to roam The forest far from me and home. Now when I look on each dear face, And hold you both in fond embrace, My heart is full of joy to see The sons I love from danger free. Now know I what the Gods designed, And how in Rama's form enshrined The might of Purushottam lay, The tyrant of the worlds to slay. Ah, how Kausalya will rejoice To hear again her darling's voice, And, all thy weary wanderings o'er, To gaze upon thy face once more. Ah blest, for ever blest are they Whose eyes shall see the glorious day Of thy return in joy at last, Thy term of toil and exile past. Ayodhya's lord, begin thy reign, And day by day new glory gain."