Having spent the night on the banks of Kesini, the mighty car-warrior
Lakshmana got up early in the morning and again proceeded on his journey
(home). And reached in the noon the city of Ayodhyā, filled with various
jewels and delighted and plump citizens. But the high-souled Lakshmana
became greatly sorry stricken with the thought as to what he should
relate on approaching the feet of Rāma. Whilst proceeding with this
thought he saw the highly picturesque palace of Rāma resembling the rays
of the moon. Having descended from his car at the palace-gate,
Lakshmana, the foremost of men, with his face downwards and a distressed
heart, unobstructed, entered the palace. Having entered there he saw his
elder brother Rāma seated poorly on an excellent seat with his eyes full
of tears. Being greatly pained at the sight, Saumitri touched his feet
and with folded palms said:—"O worshipful sir, having obeyed thy behests
I have left the daughter of Janaka at the holy hermitage of Vālmiki near
the banks of the Ganges. Having left that illustrious pure lady at the
skirt of the hermitage I have again dome to serve thy feet. Do thou not
grieve, O foremost of men, for such is the course of time. The
intelligent people like thee do not grieve. Where there is growth there
is decay, where there is prosperity there is ruin, and where there is
birth there is death. Therefore attachment unto wife, sons, friends and
riches is not proper, for surely shall be brought about separation with
them. Whilst thou canst control thyself and thy mind, shouldst thou not
be able to bear this trifling pain of separation? Leading men like
thyself are never overwhelmed by all these things. O Rāghava, thou shalt
again be blamed by the people. In fear of this calumny, O sing that thou
hast renounced Maithili. And if dost thou grieve for that spouse thy
calumny shall undoubtedly be deep-rooted in the kingdom. Therefore do
thou restore thyself patiently, O foremost of men. Do thou give up this
weakness and be not sorry." The intelligent Lakshmana, the son of
Sumitrā, having said this, Rāma, the descendant of Kākutstha and fond of
friends, with great delight said:—"Thou hast spoken the truth, O
Lakshmana, O foremost of men. I have been greatly delighted, O hero for
thy carrying out my orders. O gentle Saumitri, my grief and sorrow have
been removed for those pleasant words of thine."