When having been ministered unto and when his senses had returned after
the swoon, the king summoned Sumantra for hearing tidings of Rama.
Thereupon the charitoteer with joined hands spoke unto the mighty
monarch, lamenting for Rama, influenced by grief and sorrow, aged,
burning in grief, like a newly-taken elephant, sighing heavily, plunged
in thought, and resembling an elephant that is indisposed. Then the king
like one exceedingly distressed, spoke unto the charioteer, who had
presented himself, covered over with dust, with tears starting from his
eyes, and in pitiable guise, "Where stayeth that righteous one, taking
refuge under a tree? Lapped in luxury, what, O charioteer, will Raghava
feed on? Unworthy of privations, and worthy of excellent beds, how, O
Sumantra, a king's son, he is sleeping on the ground like one forlorn?
How is Rama passing his days in the lone forest--he who when he went out
used to be followed by foot-men and elephants? How are the princes in
company with Vaidehi, living in the woods, ranged by serpents and beasts
and inhabited by black snakes? How, O Sumantra, having descended from
the car, the princes along with the tender and unfortunate Sita are
proceeding on foot? O charioteer, surely thou art blessed, for thou hast
beheld my sons enter the forest, like the Acwins entering the Mandara
hill. And what did Rama say? And what did Lakshmana? And, O Sumantra,
arriving at the forest what did Mithila's daughter? Do thou, O
charioteer, describe unto me what Rama lives on and where he lies down.
Hearing this, I shall live, like Yayati in the midst of saints." Thus
urged by the king, the charioteer spoke unto the king with his voice
faltering and suppressed with the vapour of grief, "O mighty monarch
observing morality, Raghava with joined hands and bowing down his head,
said, 'O charioteer, do thou in my name salute with thy head the feet of
my high-soulded sire worthy of being saluted, and famed (in the world).
And, O charioteer, do thou in my name as each deserves salute the ladies
of the inner apartment and communicate to them tidings of my health. And
having saluted my mother Kaucalya and conveyed unto her news of my
welfare, as well as of my unswerving adherence to morality, do thou tell
her the words,-- Do you remaining steady in virtue, at the proper hour
bestir yourself in behalf of the chamber of sacrificial fire. And, O
revered one, do you minister unto the feet of that worshipful one, (the
king), as if they were very deities. And banishing pride and self-love,
do you bear yourself towards my mothers. And, O mother, do you show
respect unto Kaikeyi, who is followed by the king himself. And you
should behave towards Bharata as one should towards one's king. Kings
(although juvenile), are really senior by virtue of their royalty; and
do you remember the duties touching sovereigns.'--Do thou communicate
unto Bharata news of my welfare and say in my name,--Do you behave
properly with all your mothers.--And unto that delight of the Ikswhaku
line do thou further say,--Having been installed as the heir-apparent,
be you, looking upon the king as the supreme authority in the state,
obedient to him. Do you not deprive the king of authority, as he has
grown old. O Prince, do you grant him satisfaction in the kingdom and do
you proclaim his mandates.-- And shedding copious tears, he again
addressed me, saying,--Do thou look upon my mother as on thy own proud
of her son.--Having said this, the mighty-armed and illustrious Rama
furnished with eyes resembling lotus-petals, shed plenteous tears.
Thereupon Lakshmana waxing wroth, breathing hard, said,--For what fault
of his has the Prince been banished? Observing the worthless command of
Kaikeyi, whether the king has done well or ill, we have been exceedingly
pained thereby. Whether Rama has been exiled through Kaikeyi's lust for
dominion or through the exigencies of the bestowal of the boon, there
cannot be any doubt that the king has acted most unrighteously. Even if
this hath been done in harmony with the wish of the Lord, I do not
perceive any reason for the banishment of Rama. The king through lack of
sense has done heedlessly what is opposed to morality; and this
banishment of Rama will but bring upon him woe here and hereafter.
Fatherhood find I none in the monarch. My brother and feeder and friend
and father is even Raghava. Renouncing one that is universally dear, and
that is ever engaged in the good of all, how by such an act will the
king please the people? And how by banishing the righteous Rama dear
unto all the subjects, and thus withstanding the wishes of all, will he
retain his royalty?--And, O mighty monarch, Janaki also, unfortunate
that she is, sighing heavily, stood wildered like one that had been
possessed. And not having experienced any calamity before, the famed
princess weeping because of this misfortune, told me nothing. And
looking up to her lord with a blank countenance, she suddenly let fail
tears, perceiving the destruction of the subjects. And thus said Rama
ministered unto by Lakshmana, with a tearful countenance; and thus stood
the unfortunate and weeping Sita beholding the royal car and myself."