Scene 127
Part 2: The Ramayan of Valmiki · Act 6: Book 6
Rama's Message
Scene 127Visible text2 paragraphs
But Rama, when he first looked down And saw afar Ayodhya's town, Had called Hanuman to his side, The chief on whom his heart relied, And said: "Brave Vanar, good at need, Haste onward, to Ayodhya speed, And learn, I pray, if all be well With those who in the palace dwell. But as thou speedest on thy way Awhile at Sringavera stay. Tell Guha the Nishadas' lord, That victor, with my queen restored, In health and strength with many a friend Homeward again my steps I bend. Thence by the road that he will show On to Ayodhya swiftly go. There with my love my brother greet, And all our wondrous tale repeat. Say that victorious in the strife I come with Lakshman and my wife, Then mark with keenest eye each trace Of joy or grief on Bharat's face. Be all his gestures closely viewed, Each change of look and attitude. Where breathes the man who will not cling To all that glorifies a king? Where beats the heart that can resign An ancient kingdom, nor repine To lose a land renowned for breeds Of elephants and warrior steeds? If, won by custom day by day, My brother Bharat thirsts for sway, Still let him rule the nations, still The throne of old Ikshvaku fill. Go, mark him well: his feelings learn, And, ere we yet be near return."
He ceased: and, garbed in human form, Forth sped Hanuman swift as storm. Sublime in air he rose, and through The region of his father flew. He saw far far beneath his feet Where Ganga's flood and Jumna meet. Descending from the upper air He entered Sringavera, where King Guha's heart was well content To hear the message Rama sent. Then, with his mighty strength renewed, The Vanar chief his way pursued, Valukini was far behind, And Gomati with forests lined, And golden fields and pastures gay With flocks and herds beneath him lay. Then Nandigrama charmed his eye Where flowers were bright with every dye, And trees of lovely foliage made With meeting boughs delightful shade, Where women watched in trim array Their little sons' and grandsons' play. His eager eye on Bharat fell Who sat before his lonely cell. In hermit weed, with tangled hair, Pale, weak, and worn with ceaseless care. His royal pomp and state resigned For Rama still he watched and pined, Still to his dreary vows adhered, And royal Rama's shoes revered. Yet still the terror of his arm Preserved the land from fear and harm.