THE RAGHUVAMSA by Kavikula Guru Sri Kalidasa - 6

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

by Kavikula Guru

Sri Kalidasa

translated by

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

THE STORY

OF RAGHU'S LINE

BY KALIDASA

TRANSLATED BY

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

I

XIV.] DIVORCE OF SIta 130

The Kings of Apes and Demons home returned.

And Pushpaka, that Flower of Heaven, the Car

A thought could swift recall, which with his life

He wrested from His mighty foe,—no more

Required, back to Kailasa's Lord He sent.

Then Rama sat at last upon his throne, 80

Who first obeyed his Father's word, and spent

Long years in banishment ;—and now maintained

'Midst Virtue, Wealth, and Love unswerving course.

And ruled his Brothers with an equal love.

In equal honour too, as duty claimed,

The Queens,—his own dear mother and the rest,

—

He held, as He who leads the hosts of Heaven

His Foster-mothers six loves equally.

A happy world he ruled, that generous King,

Whose arm prevailing curbed ignoble fears : 90

As father he corrected, like a son

He smoothed all griefs away. The people's weal,

Unwearied, first he sought, and love's delight

At fitting season he with Sita took :

—

So fair the Queen, it seemed that Lakshmi's self

Had ta'en her form to know pure marriage-bliss.

And as they tasted all the joys of love

Whene'er they would in gorgeous palaces,

The memory of hardship past, endured

In Dandaka's dark shades, enhanced delight. 100

Then Sita, softly smiling, now with face

140 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Pale as the yellow reed, all silently

Put forth the signs of fruitfulness, and gave

Her Lord new happiness. He longingly

Pressed to his heart her slender form, and marked

How her ripe breasts assumed a deeper tinge,

And joyfully in whispers craved to know

If aught she longed for. Blushingly she owned

Her strong desire to seek the Hermits' huts

On pure Godavari's banks, where Ku^a grass no

Luxuriant waves, and roaming cattle crop

Unchecked the growing rice, where Saintly maids

Bound in close friendship dwell. The noble King

Consented to her prayer. Then with a squire

He sought the palace-roof, which soared to heaven.

To feast his eyes on fair Ayodhya's streets.

He marked the thronged highway, the busy mart,

Saraytl ploughed by keels, and where the parks,

—

Gay with rejoicing crowds,—spread round the walls.

Enraptured at the sight. Then, stainless King, 120

Most noble Conqueror, most eloquent,

Whose mighty frame vied with the Serpent-King's,

He asked his faithful squire the general mind

And sentence on his life. Reluctantly,

At length that squire made answer :—" O my Lord !

All that thou doest all thy people praise.

Save this one thing,—that thou receivedst back

Thy Queen from Ravan's palace, where she dwelt."

That slanderous word, imputing foul disgrace

xiv] DIVORCE OF s!tA 141

To Sita, smote his heart with crushing force, 130

As falls the smashing weight of iron sledge

On anvil tough. Then doubtfully he mused,

—

"Shall I despise this slanderous talk? or yield.

My blameless Spouse divorcing ? " Unresolved

He wavered long, his mind in helpless gloom

Swayed like a swing. Deep pondering he resolved

To end the slander in the only way,

Dismissing his pure Queen : exalted souls

Prize Fame above their lives,—far, far beyond

All earthly pleasures. So, his joy eclipsed, 140

He called his Brethren : they with sorrow marked

The gloom that marred his features, as He told

The stain upon his honour, ending thus :

—

" Behold how dark a blot my act has brought

On all the Sun-descended race, so pure.

So flawless in its virtue,—stock of Kings

And famous Saints,—till now by me 'tis soiled,

As zephyrs moist bedim the polished steel.

Such slander spreading wide among my folk.

As spreads a drop of oil o'er troubled waves, 150

I could not bear,—so hates the elephant

The post and chain that bind him. Therefore I,

Though seeming careless of the seed she bears

Now in her fertile womb, must put away

My well-loved Queen,—as at my Father's word

I sternly put from me sea-girdled Earth.

" The Queen I know is stainless, yet I dread

My people's blaming :—Earth's dark shadow cast

U2 R A G H U V A N C A [caxto

Across the spotless Moon, by vulgar minds

Is held to stain her. So my glorious deeds, i6o

In slaying Giant Ravan, would be vain :

Not only so, my triumph would itself

Let loose^resh springs of hate : not unprovoked

A deadly snake bites at the heel that strikes.

My purpose then is fixed, nor can be swayed

By aught your pitying hearts might urge,—my life

Would wither soon, exposed to slanderous tongues !

"

When thus the King declared his stern resolve

Against fair Sita,—silence held them bound,

^^'ho durst not hinder, nor could praise his will. 170

Then called he Lakshman, famous through the

worlds.

To all his will obedient, telUng him

In secret conference, wise and eloquent,

His weighty purpose, saying :—" Brother dear.

My Spouse, my Sitd, coyly has made known

Her strong desire to seek the penance-groves :

Now therefore, this pretending, drive with her

In thy swift chariot to Valmiki's home.

And leave her there ! " Devoted Lakshman knew

That at his Sire's command dread Bhrigu's son 180

Had slain his mother : Rama's high behests

Unquestioning, though reluctant, he received :

A Monarch's mandates must be aye obeyed.

Fair Sita, much rejoiced to have her wish,

He lifted to the car, by staunch steeds drawn,

XIV.] DIV j'TE OF StTA 143

And driven by Sumantra. Sal praised

The pleasing prospects by the way, and thought

Within her loving heart, " My dearest Lord

Does all to please me !

" Knowing not the truth,

—

Her Tree of Life to deadly Upas turned. 190

Yet as she journeyed, though kind Lakshman hid

The heavy grief appointed,—banishment

For ever from her husband's face, a chill

Ran through her as she felt her right eye throb,

—

Dread omen of ill fate, In fear and doubt,

At once her lotus-face grew deadly pale,

And to herself she murmured loving prayers

Both for her Lord and for his Brethren three.

But when, fulfilling his high King's command.

He thought to leave chaste Sita, Ganga's self

—

200

The Holy River—raised protesting waves,

And stayed his course. Yet faithful to his vow.

He checked the car, then helped the Queen to alight,

And in a shallop crossed the mighty stream :

No barrier stops a trusty envoy's way

!

Then scarce his voice controlling for the sobs

That choked his utterance, Lakshman—like a cloud

That looses from its womb a rain of stones,

Portentous,—told her Rama's fatal will.

With sudden terror smitten, Sita fell 210

To Earth, her own dear Mother,—fell, as falls

A creeper torn by rushing blast of wind

From its supporting trunk, and shed her gauds

(

1 44 R A G H UV ik'N C A [caxto

Like withered blossoms. But 'ooon Earth denied

Her Daughter refuge, nor believed it true,

—

That, save for some dark stain, her Hero-lord,

The Glory of his race, had put away

His darling Queen. She for a moment's space

Swooned, and forgot her woes ; but sense returned.

And with it gnawing grief, when Lakshman's care 220

To life recalled her, bitterer far than death.

Yet no reproachful word that noble Queen

Breathed 'gainst her Lord, who so unjustly drove

Her sinless from him : all the guilt she laid

Upon herself, foredoomed to endless grief

For sins of former lives. With tender words

ConsoUng her, pure Wife, great Lakshman led

To where Valmiki dwelt ; then humbly sued

For pardon, pleading,—"O my Queen ! forgive

The wrong I do thee. 'Tis thy Lord's command, 230

I but his minister ! " She raised him up,

With gracious answer :—" Brother, Sita's heart

Is glad that so thou servest her dear Lord,

As Vishnu's self served Indra, elder-born,

Unquestioning : live many happy years !

Greet well the Queens from me, and say to them,

Each in her order,—Sita bids you pray

For Rama's seed, which in her womb she bears.

Next to the King my message thus convey :

' Thyself hast seen me purified by Fire, 240

Yet now forsakest, fearing scandal's breath,

—

Pi

c

-.] DIVORCE OF SIT A 145

Mere words : does this beseem Thy noble race ?

Or shall I think it was no willing deed,

But forced upon thee, O most glorious King,

—

A fate inexorable, by my sins

Drawn down from former lives ? It must be so :

For once, Beloved ! thou didst rather choose

Exile with me than Lakshmi's offered charms :

I ousted her, abiding in thy home :

Her jealous fury triumphs o'er me now ! 250

"

' Befits it me, who through thy favour late

Myself was styled Protectress of my sex.

When Demons plagued their husbands, now forlorn

To seek protection at a stranger's hand,

While Thou still reignest glorious ? Thinkest Thou

That I would longer bear this maimed life,

All empty now that Thou hast cast me off,

Did not I bear in me thy precious seed,

—

Which bids me live? But, once Thy son is born.

Unswerving I shall fix my weary eyes 260

On yon bright Sun, and by severest modes

Of penance strive that in some future life

Thou only be my Lord,—my Lord for aye

!

And since all ranks and classes claim the care

(For so the Law ordains) of virtuous Kings,

So in my banishment I claim Thy care,

No less than Holy men with whom I dwell !

'

"

So Lakshman promised to fulfil her best,

K

146 RAGHUVANCA [canto

And left her presence : then, by grief o'erborne,

With straining throat she wailed like stricken hind. 270

In sympathy gay peacocks ceased their dance,

Trees shed their blossoms, deer the fragrant grass

They scaTce had cropped : through all the forest passed

A moan unending. Guided by the sound,

The Poet-Saint, whose sympathetic grief

—

When he beheld the bird so ruthlessly

Slain by a huntsman,—found heroic verse,

Came to her from his quest of fragrant grass

And altar-fuel. Sita reverently

Saluted him, restraining her lament, 280

And driving back hot tears that dimmed her eyes :

To whom the Saint, who marked her fruitful womb,

Gave blessing for her offspring :—then he spake :

—

"By Holy intuition well I know,

My daughter, that thy Lord, by slander moved.

Put thee away though guiltless : grieve not then,

Fair Princess of Videha ! Thou shalt reach *

Thy father's home, not distant from these groves.

Thy glorious Husband, well I know, has drawn

The barb of sorrow from this Triple World, 290

Is faithful to his word, all boasting hates,

—

Yet for his cruel dealing with thee. Queen,

I greatly blame him ! His renowned Sire

Claimed me as friend ; thy father saves from tears

All pious Hermits ; 'midst true, loyal wives

Thou hast chief place :—all this my heart constrains

XIV.] DIVORCE OF SIT A 147

To pity and to shield thee. Dwell secure

Here in the Sacred grove, where savage beasts

With us consorting milder moods assume !

Here shall thy cleansing be, when thou shalt bear 300

Unblemished offspring. Here in Tamasa,

Whose waves dispel the gloom of ignorance,

Whose banks with Hermits' huts are thronged, whose isles

Smoke ever with the fragrant sacrifice,

Thou day by day shall bathe, till peace return

To bless thy spirit. Munis' daughters here,

With offerings in their time of flowers or fruit,

Soft-voiced, who for the altar gather grain

From land untilled,—will charm thy grief away.

And, fostering the nurslings of the grove 310

With slender water-jars, as suits thy strength,

Doubt not that, ere thine own dear Son be born.

Thou 'It know a mother's joy !

"

Most gratefully

His kindness she received : the Poet-Sage,

Whose heart for pity melted, led her home

To where around his hut-door tamed wild beasts

And timid deer were clustered. There the Queen,

Bowed down with sorrow^ he to the Saints' pure wives

Gave in strict trust, well-pleased that she was come :

—

So, when the Moon's sweet essence has been drunk 320

By Saints Divine, she to the moon-plants yields

Her latest light,—and straight begins to wax.

When night drew on, to crown his welcoming,

148 RAGHUVANgA [canto

They gave a hut to dwell in, where was spread

A couch of hallowed skins ; and light shone soft

From well-trimmed lamp, with fragrant oil new-filled.

There dwelt She, set apart by holy chrism,

By all who came high-honoured, clad in bark,

—

And throve on rustic fare, till at full time

She bore her noble Husband offspring pure. 330

But Lakshman bore her message to the King,

—

And hoped that when He heard her sad reproach

Remorse might move him to recall the doom.

Then Rama fell a-weeping, as the Moon

In winter showers down snow ;—by slander stung.

He thrust his Sita from his home, yet still

Alone she ruled his heart. By strength of will

And wisdom's lessons He restrained his grief.

Gave all his mind to guard the tribes of men,

And—freed from passion's sway—his people ruled, 340

Not more enriched than others. Brighter shone

The Kingdom's Fortune, reigning now sole Queen,

Sole mistress of the King, who, moved by fear

Of slanderous tongues, had banished his dear Wife.

But Sita, when she knew her mig]jty Lord,

Dread Ravan's victor, took no second spouse,

But—worshipping her image—spent his days

In sacrifice, was greatly comforted.

And much endured, nor sank beneath the weight

Of grief for severance from her loyal Lord. 350

or THE '^

I^N/VERSITY

,. or

RAMA'S COURT

JUlk

XV.] THE PASSING OF KAMA 149

CANTO XV

The slaying of Lavaiia : Riuna vanqtiishes Death : SitCi bears

twin Sons, and at a Sacrifice is restored, and vanishes : the

passing of Rihna.

So, Sita banished, Rama took delight

No more with any, save sea-girdled Earth.

Then came the Ascetics, who by Jamna dwelt,

And sought from him, the World's Protector, help.

For that the Demon Lavana destroyed

Their Holy rites. On Rama they relied,

And so refrained their hands, nor smote the foe

With those tremendous weapons which they owned,

—

Those awful curses which to use destroys

The meed of holy penance. Sure reHef lo

From every hindrance Rama vowed to send,

For surely Vishnu's life on earth below

Had this one object,—virtue to uphold.

They told the Hero how this Demon-foe

Was to be slain,—"For," said they, ''once he's armed

With his dread spear, he scarce can be o'ercome

:

Fall on him then when 'tis not in his hand !

"

150 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Then sent the King as champion ^atrughna,

That he might quell the foe, and justify

The name he bore. Each Prince of Raghu's stock 20

Foes well could smite,—as in the rules of speech

Exceptions test a law. Him Rama blessed :

The Prince undaunted mounted his swift car,

And drove adown the scented forest-glade

That blazed with blossom. That well-ordered host,

AVhich Rama's care sent with him as his aid,

Served but as ornament, superfluous.

He, flower of mighty warriors, held the way

Which guiding Hermits showed ; his outriders

Proclaimed his glory, ev'n as far-shot rays 3°

The Sun's great majesty. Now on the march,

So long his journey was, one night he stayed

Where dwelt Valmiki sage, whose deer looked up

At rattling of his car. With special grace,

Won by his rites austere, the noble Saint

Received the Prince, and bade his tired steeds rest.

While there he tarried, even that same night.

The Queen, great Rama's spouse, gave birth to twins,

—

Two perfect sons, as fruitful Earth two hosts

Might bear for some great King. With pure delight 40

The noble Prince heard of the happy birth

Of Rama's sons ; then at first dawn, the Saint

First reverently saluting, he his car

Made quickly re^dy, thence unwearied passed.

Soon reached he Lavan's stronghold, where oppressed

XV.] THE PASSING OF RAMA 151

By Demon-power the woods their tribute paid,

Great herds of cattle,—and the Rakshas came

To meet his foe. All sooty-black he strode.

With hair aflame, besmeared with fetid oils.

Like some great funeral-pyre that stalked the plain, 50

By Demon-hosts attended. Catrughna

Straightway attacked him, caught without his spear :

—

Who take their foes unharnessed win the fight

!

With boastful words the Demon fell advanced :

—

"Sure the Creator saw my daily meal

To-day was scanty : so in fear he sent

Thee to complete it." Threatening thus, and keen

To swallow down his foe, a lofty tree,

As 'twere a corn-stalk, fiercely he tore up

And hurled it. In mid-flisrht Catrucrhna's shaft 60

Split the great trunk—which, as a shower of dust.

Not solid block, his body struck. Forthwith,

When so the tree was shattered, a great rock,

—

Huge as Death's fist, detached and firmly clenched,

The Giant cast ; that too, with Indra's bolt

The Hero smote, and ground to pieces small,

Less than sand-grains. Then, raising his right hand,

The Demon hurled himself upon his foe,

A very mountain crested with one tree,

Dashed to the plain by awful whirlwind-blast. 70

But Krishna's arrow cleft his heart : he fell

:

And falling shook the earth, but by his fall

Took fear and trembling from all Hermit-hearts.

152 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Down on his carcase swooped the vulture-hosts,

But on the Victor's head rained flowers from Heaven.

O'er Lavan slain in this he most rejoiced,

He now was worthy shown of brotherhood

With Lakshman, far-renowned for overthrow

Of Indrajit. And, as the Hermits poured

Their thanks for aid vouchsafed upon his head, 80

He bowed it meekly, heightening so the worth

Of valour with the grace of modesty.

Then, clothed in manhood, free from low desires,

In form all lovely—on pure Jamna's banks

He founded Mathura, in days to come

For happy folk renowned, and nobly ruled,

And from the first with Heaven's best blessings dowered.

There from his palace-roof he looked, and saw

Well-pleased the course of Jamna, gleaming white

With flocks of Chakravdkas,—like a braid 90

Of golden tresses, kissing Earth's fair cheek.

Now, sage Valmiki, who bore equal love.

To Dagaratha and to Janaka,

Himself with solemn rites gave Sita's sons

The second, higher birth ; and named the twins

Kuga and Lava, since with fragrant grass

And hair of kine their mother had been cleansed.

First they the Word were taught, and Sacred Lore

;

Next, children still, they gathered from his lips

And sang the Hero-song himself had made. 100

XV.] THE PASSING OF RAMA 153

They sang the Life of Rama, grand and sweet,

And singing charmed their mother's grief away,

—

Her deep-set mourning o'er her banished state.

Now to the younger sons of Raghu's line

Who blazed like steady fires—fair sons were born.

To each one two, from loving, faithful wives.

Then ^atrughna, whom Rama loved, to his

—

To ^atrughdtin and Subahu famed

—

Gave each a city, Mathura the bright

To one, and to his brother Vidiga. no

Then, fearing further to disturb the Sage,

And check his pious course, he left the groves

Where deer unmoving stood to hear the songs

Of Sita's boys. Thence, self-subdued, he turned

To fair Ayodhya, gay with bannered streets.

Whose townsfolk bore him infinite regard

For slaying Lavan. There amid his court,

With all his senate round him, Rama sat,

Now (since his Sita was divorced) by Earth

Claimed only hers. He, as the victor bowed, 120

With joy received him : even as Indra hailed

Great Vishnu, Kalanemi's vanquisher.

He told him all his story, nought concealed,

But of the birth of Sita's sons told not

:

For so the Poet-Sage required, who thought

Himself to bring them when the time was ripe.

One day a Brahman came, and brought his son

—

154 R A G H U V A N C A [canto

A child untimely dead, thus making moan

Before the palace-gate :—" O wretched Earth !

What fate is thine, that from his Father's grasp 130

Thou 'rt fallen to Rama's hand,—bad changed for worse !

"

His plaint heard Rama, learned the cause, and grieved

That now fell Death remorseless smote his realm,

—

A thing which shamed him. First with pitying words

He soothed the father's grief, then bade him stay

Awhile his guest :—" For I will seek out Death,

And bring thy child again ! " The Magic Car

By thought he summoned, seized his warlike bow,

And straight the Pride of Raghu's line went forth

To smite the Lord of life. But suddenly

—

140

He scarce had started !—came a warning Voice

From form unseen :—"Grave sin,'"' it said, "defiles

Thy land, O King ! Search, root it out !—this done,

Thou shalt obtain thy wish !

" This heard, the King

Flew through wide Heaven to take away the sin

Which plagued his people : sped the flying Car,

Its pennon motionless, till soon he came

To where, red-eyed from smoke, with head hung down,

He saw one self-tormented on a tree.

Then Rama asked his name, and whence he sprang, 150

Who answered him :—" Cambuka, Ctidra, I

Thus seek high place in Heaven." But Rama knew

'Twas sin he practised, who transgressed the Law

Forbidding him to aspire ;—He grasped his sword

To slay the sinner, and cut off his head.

XV.] THE PASSING OF RAMA 155

Whose beard fierce sparks had singed, like frost-bit flower

Of lotus from the stalk. The slave, so slain

By Royal hands, then rose to Perfect Bliss,

His foul transgression washed away by death.

Then came the Saint Agastya, on the road i6o

Greeting great Rama :—so the placid Moon

Is met by Autumn :—gem of price he gave,

A God might covet, which to win his grace

The Sea bestowed when he had drunk it up.

This on his arm he bound, which now no more

Clasped Sita's neck, then took the homeward way

;

And found the Brahman's son restored to life.

Appeased the Saint blessed where he cursed before,

—

"Who else," he cried, "can rescue ev'n the dead?"

Thereafter Rama loosed for Sacrifice 170

A perfect Horse : then showered their choicest gifts,

As clouds pour water on the thirsty fields.

The Kings of Apes, of men, of Rakshasas.

Next, at his bidding, all the mighty Saints

From every quarter came, in Heaven or Earth,

To grace the Rite. They camping through the groves

Around Ayodhya made her glorious,

—

With four great gates for mouths, like Brahma's self

Fresh from Creation's work. The Monarch's throne

In right was fixed : nay, Sita's banishment i8o

Itself enhanced his glory, since he took

No second wife, but lived in lonely state.

While still her golden image ruled his house.

156 RAGHUVANCA [caxto

The solemn Sacrifice began, with state

More splendid far than Sacred Law requires,

For Demons, loyal grown, no more disturbed,

But guarded it from harm. Then Sita's sons,

At bidding of their great Preceptor, sang

In many places to the attentive throngs

Valmiki's Song of Rama ; to their depths 190

They stirred the souls of men with Rama's deeds,

Valmiki's matchless strains, their own sweet tones

Like Heaven's minstrelsy. With strange delight,

Throned 'midst his brothers, Rama marked their forms

That charmed all eyes, and heard their soft, sweet song.

The assembled crowd, attent to hear their strain,

Dissolved in tears, as when a forest-glade

In early morning stillness drips with dew.

Amazed they saw, with fixed unwinking eyes,

How like the minstrel-boys were to the King,

—

200

By age and dress distinguished, only so.

Nor moved their skill such wonder in men's hearts

As when they saw them carelessly put by

The King's rich, loving gifts, ^\^lereat the King

Asked who had taught them ? Who had framed the song ?

But when they named Valmiki, Rama went

To meet the Sage, his brothers following.

And at his feet the Kingdom and Himself

Laid freely down. The Bard, all-pitiful.

Presenting Sita's boys, the King's own sons, 21c

Chose as his boon that She should be called home.

XV.] THE PASSING OF RAMA 157

The King, rejoicing yet perplexed, replied :

—

" Thou knowest, Father, how thy Child, my Spouse,

By Fire's ordeal proved herself to me

A stainless wife; but, wiled by Demon-craft,

The people held her soiled. Bid Sita then

Convince them too ; so will I, at thy word.

Receive her back, pure mother of my sons !

"

Thus Rama pledged his faith : forthwith the Saint

By trusty messengers bade Sita come,

—

220

As pious deeds call blessings from the Gods.

Then on the morrow Rama summoned all

Ayodhya's citizens, and bade the Saint

Fulfil his promise : who led Sita up

With her two sons to where the Monarch sat,

As when with Hymn of consecrated verse

Men hail the blessed Sun. Her very mien,

Unruffled, clad in red, with eyes cast down.

Proclaimed her pure. The people, deep abashed.

Scarce raised their heads, like rice-blades bowed with

grain, 230

And shunned her quiet gaze. With aspect grave

The Saint assumed his seat, and solemn spake :

—

" Now, Daughter, show the people thou art pure

Beyond all cavil : here thy husband sits

To mark the trial ! " Then an acolyte

Brought her clear water, which she drank, then spake

These words sincere :—"All-fostering Goddess Earth !

If I in word, in thought, in deed have still

158 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Held to my Lord, nor strayed from duty's path

One hair's-breadth,—hide me in thy loving arms !

"

240

So spake the unsullied Wife ;—the plain was rent,

And from, the gulf rose as a thunderbolt.

With shining halo crowned ; then Earth was seen,

Enthroned high above a serpent's crest.

And girdled with the Sea. She strongly drew

Fair Sita to her breast, though still her eyes

Were fixed on Rama, who in anguish cried,

—

" Forbear, forbear ! " yet all in vain he prayed,

For with his Spouse Earth vanished from men's eyes.

Then Rama rose, to snatch his Sita back, 250

Enraged with Earth,—until Va^ishtha sage.

Who saw in all the hand of Fate, restrained

The furious Hero. Then, the Rite being o'er,

The King with feasting and with noble gifts

The high Saints honoured and his friends, when all

Went home well-pleased :—and to his Sita s sons

He gave the perfect love that had been hers.

So, being blessed with heirs, by sage advice

Of Yudhajit, as Kingly appanage

He gave to Bharat all the Sindhu land

:

260

Who vanquished in fierce fight Gandharva hosts,

Forbade them use of arms, and them restrained

Henceforth to minstrel-craft ; his noble sons,

Taksha and Pushkala, he crowned as chiefs,

Each in a city named from him ; and straight

XV.] THE PASSING OF RAMA 159

Himself went back to Rama. Lakshmana,

At Rama's bidding, in Karapatha

Set up as Kings his sons,—great Angada

And famous Chandraketu. Those three Kings,

Their sons thus settled, stately obsequies 270

Paid to their mothers, who had lately passed

To meet their Lord in Heaven's unfading bowers.

Then Death in Muni's semblance came, and thus

Addressed the King :—" Bid all withdraw, that so

Our conference may be secret ! " and 'twas done.

Death told his name, and said :—" By God's command

I bid thee mount to Heaven ! " Now Lakshmana

Stood at the door, and—though he knew 'twas sin

—

Broke in upon their secret talk ; for more

He feared Durvasa's curse, who urgently 280

Desired to see the King. Then, to atone

For having made his Brother break his word,

In deep devotion on SarayA's banks

He shed his earthy vesture. Rama now,

One quarter of his essence so being gone

To Heaven before him, staggered,—as on Earth

Fair Virtue scarce can stand, one foothold lost.

Then in Kugavati he Ku^a placed.

Sharp goad to all his foes ;—(^aravati

To Lava he assigned, whose tender words 290

Could move men's hearts to tears. Then steadfast-souled

With Bharata he mounted up to Heaven,

160 RAGHUVANgA [canto

The God of Fire preceding, while behind

(In fealty to her Lord) Ayodhya came,

Her buildings only left. The Monkey-hosts

And Rakshasas, who knew the King's desire,

Came after on the path his people's tears,

—

Big as Xadaml>a-h\ossoms,—had marked out.

Yet, though in Car Celestial He had passed

To highest Heaven, in mercy to his folk

He made Sarayll's stream a watery way

For them to follow. To its holy banks

Men thronged thenceforward, as when herds of kine

Crowd thirsting to cool streams,—and gave the name

Gopratana, now famous through the Worlds.

And Vishnu, when his scattered particles

Again were gathered in the Soul Supreme,

Framed a new Heaven, that there might dwell for aye

Those souls of men, at once immortal grown.

300

Thus by his incarnation having wrought

Deliv'rance for the Gods, and slain their foe,

—

Ten-headed Ravana,—the God resumed

That all-embracing, formless State, in which

All worlds at last are merged, and left on Earth,

To spread His glory through the realms of men.

The Wind-god's son to rule the North : the South

Vibhishan ruled from Lanka's scented isle.

310

XVI.] KUgAS GLORY 161

CANTO XVI

The Reign of Kuca :—ho7v he returned to Ayodhyd, and

wedded Kunnidvatt.

Now did the heroes seven of Raghu's line

Raise Kuga, eldest-born and most renowned

Of all their race for virtue, to the throne

Of sovereign power ;—for, ever in their house

Ruled love fraternal. All alike far-famed

For commerce and bridge-building, skilled to tame

The mighty elephant, they wisely ruled

;

Nor sought to overstep their mutual bounds,

As Ocean's waves encroach not on the shore.

So smoothly flowed the current of their blood, lo

Eight-fold divided, sprung from Vishnu's heart,

—

The God four-armed,—who showered on men their gifts

Ungrudging, like the Guardian Elephants,

Sprung from the Sama-Veda's holy verse.

One dark midnight, while burned with steady flame

The chamber-lamps, and all the palace slept

Save only he, to Kuga there appeared

A woman's form, unknown before, and robed

L

162 R A G H U V A N g A [canto

As one who mourns a husband far away.

So stood that shape before him, mighty Prince, 20

As Indra splendid, victor o'er his foes.

Dear to his friends, not prizing Kingly state

Beyond its worth,—then, clasping suppliant hands,

She hailed him, " King ! " Whereat, half-starting up

From where he lay, the Prince, amazed to see

How, like a shadow falling on a glass,

Through bolted doors she passed,—now questioned thus :

" How, Lady, couldst thou to my chamber come

Through fast-barred doors ? no Hermit-dame thou seem'st,

But rather wearest garb of those that mourn, 30

Like lotus-clusters withered by the frost.

Who art thou, Fair one ? who thy Lord ? to me

Why com'st thou thus ? Speak freely : yet beware,

For Raghu's noble race, self-disciplined,

Abhors all thought of sin !

" She gravely spake :

—

" I am, my Lord, that mourning City's Queen,

Blameless, deserted, since thy Father passed.

And took His subjects to the home above.

So I, more splendid once than Alaka

For Royal festival, now in thy days, 40

Prince of the high Sun-race ! lie desolate.

By thee neglected. Myriad empty homes,

With halls all silent, couches bare, are seen

Like sunset-skies, when at the death of day

Winds rend the clouds. Now jackals fiery-mouthed

Haunt the roads howling, seeking prey,—where girls

XVI.] KUCA'S GLORY 163

With gleam of tuneful anklets lately thronged.

Once did the water of my lakelets, struck

By dainty fingers, mock the lute's deep tone :

Now, wounded by the buffalo's sharp horn, 50

It shrinks sore hUrt. And where pet peacocks homed

The trees are broken, silent is the lute

;

They, terrified, scarce 'scaping forest-fires.

Have turned to wildness. Blood-stained tigers couch,

And mark with traces of late-slaughtered deer

Stairways once painted by fair ladies' feet.

Bound for the bath. And pictured elephants,

That haunt the lotus-groves, and by their mates

Are fed with tender blossoms, lions tear

With crooked claws ; the marble forms of sylphs, 60

Grey through the loss of paint, wear squalid robes

Of slimy cobra-sloughs. The fair Moon's beams.

Though pure as virgin-pearl, get back no ray

From tiles time-blackened of the palace-roof,

Now flecked with grass-tufts. Where sweet women plucked

With careful hands the gardefi-creeper flowers.

Foul apes and savage tear the boughs. At night

Unlighted now the windows, nor by day

Shine they with fairy faces ; spiders' webs

Defile the chambers, and the hearths are cold. 70

" All scentless flows Sarayll : tender forms

Bathe there no longer, nor do altars rise

Upon its islets,—nay, the hermits' huts

Deserted fall to ruin. Oh, my King

!

164 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Return, revive thy City's old renown !

Here is no home for thee : in me thy Sire

His mortal form resigned, and soared to Heaven !

"

So prayed the City : then the gracious King,

Well-pleased, consented : she with lightened heart

Departed. Soon as morning dawned, the King 80

Told to his Brahman councillors what passed

In that strange nightly vision : when they knew

His stately Capital had sought his love,

They blessed him highly. When a day was come

Auspicious for his march, to holy Priests

He gave Kugavati : then with his Queens

He sought Ayodhya, followed by his hosts,

As showers of rain attend a cooling breeze.

The marching host a moving city seemed.

Its banners waving groves that spread around, 90

Its elephants like mounds for pleasure formed,

Like palaces its stately chariots.

The mighty army, sent to clear the way

To his ancestral home by that great King,

O'er whom alone Imperial ensigns waved.

Seemed like majestic Ocean urged to shore

By lunar impulses. The solid earth.

Unfit to bear the chariots' crushing weight.

As on he marched, fled in a cloud of dust

And filled the sky. Complete that army showed, 100

Where'er 'twas seen,—preparing for the march,

XVI.] KUgA'S GLORY 165

Or moving stately on, or when encamped,

Not lacking aught. As on the Monarch swept,

So mighty was the trampling of his steeds,

Such plenteous ichor-streams his elephants

Rained from their brows,—that dust was turned to mud,

And mud to dust again. That host of men,

To thread its way through Vindhya's strait defiles,

Divided into bands, which, with their shouts

Like loudly-roaring Reva, taught the caves no

Resounding music. Through the Vindhya chain

The Monarch passed : crushed metal gilt his wheels,

His trumpets mingled with the myriad shouts

Of trampling hosts, and graciously he touched

The hillmen's offerings. Ganga's sacred stream

At its most holy place he bridged, and crossed

With mighty elephants : the conscious waves

In awe flowed backward, while the snowy swans

Swift gliding through the air were royal fans.

The Triple River's waters he adored, 120

Now thronged with stately ships, on whose bright waves

Of yore his Fathers passed to Heavenly seats,

When Kapila in fury burnt them up,

—

And those pure waters cleansed them from all stain.

At length the King reached clear Sarayti's bank

By rapid marches, marked by monuments

Set up in hundreds by his mighty Sires,

In memory of continuous Sacrifice.

Now, as with wearied hosts he neared his goal.

166 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Forth came to welcome them reviving airs, 130

Fresh from green groves round his ancestral home,

With pollen laden of bright-blossoming trees,

Cooled by Sarayu's waves. The mighty King,

His people's darling, chief of all his race,

His foes all humbled, made the bannered hosts

Camp in his City's outskirts :—that fair town,

So captured, swarms of workmen from the King

Renewed in splendour, as with plenteous rain

Clouds cheer the earth, long parched by summer heat.

By his command the craftsmen skilled to build 140

First fasted, then did sacrifice, and paid

Due honour to the City, far-renowned

As home of sacred images. Himself

Thereafter occupied the palace-home

Ancestral, as a bridegroom claims his bride,

And gave his followers, as beseemed their rank.

To each a noble dwelling. So the town,

Its stables filled with steeds, great elephants

Tied in its courts, its market-places thronged,

Shone glorious as a bride whose every limb 150

With gems is laden. In his Father's home,

Its olden splendour all revived, the King

—

Pure Sita's son,—dwelt happy, nor desired

The state of Swarga's Lord or Alaka's !

Now Summer's heat came on,—and taught the fair

To don fine, jewel-studded robes, while hung

XVI.] KUgA'S GLORY 167

On radiant breasts their necklets, over stufT

So thin it yielded to the softest sigh.

When from the region which Canopus rules

The Sun returned, the North a shower of snow i6o

Sent from Himalaya, like rain of tears

—

Cool from a joyful heart. The days were long,

As swoln by heat, night like a shadow seemed.

Or both like spouses showed, whom angry words

Had parted, now relenting. Pleasure-ponds,

^Vhose waters daily shrinking left the steps

With moss and lichen clothed, while lotus-stems

Waved on the surface, like a fair one's waist.

Now through the groves of scented MalUkds

Bees, lighting with a flutter on the blooms 170

That opening flung their sweets abroad,— one bee

To every blossom,—numbered them. Now dropped

From amorous maidens' ears Qirhha flowers,

Yet slowly fell to earth adown their cheeks,

Fresh-marked with scars of love and damp with sweat,

To which the petals clung. The rich, reclined

On marble couches, safe in darkened halls.

Where cooling streams were forced and scented spray

Thrown on them, shunned the heat. Love gathered

strength,

Relaxed when Spring went by, in ringlets hid 180

That after bathing hung down limp, or twined

(To charm the eye) with flowers of Mallikd.

The Arjun-txet's long shoot, with pollen grey.

Om Tat Sat

(Continued ..)

(My humble salutations to Kavikula Guruh Kalidasa and  greatfulness to Sreeman C H Tawney

 for the collection)