Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
by Ralph T. H. Griffith | 1870 | 365,107 words | ISBN-13: 9788171101566
The "Ramayana" is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to Valmiki and is one of the major epics of Hinduism along with the "Mahabharata." It narrates the life and adventures of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, focusing on his ideals as a prince and a king. The epic describes Rama鈥檚 14-year exile, during which his wife Sita is ...
Chapter XXXVI: Sugriva鈥檚 Speech
She ceased: and Lakshman gave assent,
Won by her gentle argument.
So Tara's pleading, just and mild,
His softening heart had reconciled.
His altered mood Sugriva saw,
And cast aside the fear and awe
Like raiment heavy with the rain
Which on his troubled soul had lain.
Then quickly to the ground he threw
His flowery garland, bright of hue,
Which round his royal neck he wore,
And, sobered, was himself once more.
Then turning to the princely man
In soothing words the king began:
'My glory, wealth, and royal sway
To other hands had passed away:
But Rama to my rescue came,
And gave me back my power and fame.
O Lakshman, say, whose grateful heart
Could nurse the hope to pay in part,
By service of a life, the deed
Of Rama sprung of heavenly seed?
His foeman Ravan shall be slain,
And Sita shall be his again.
The hero鈥檚 side I will not leave,
But he the conquest shall achieve.
What need of help has he who drew
His bow, and one great arrow flew
Trough seven tall trees, a mountain rent,
And cleft the earth with force unspent?
What aid needs he who shook his bow,
And at the sound the earth below
With hill and wood and rooted rock
Quaked feverous with the thunder shock?
Yet all my legions will I bring.
And follow close the warrior king
Marching on his impetuous way
Fierce Ravan and his hosts to slay.
If I be guilty of offence,
Careless through love or negligence,
Let him his loyal slave forgive;
For error cleaves to all who live.'
聽聽 Thus king Sugriva, good and brave,
In humble words his answer gave,
Softened was Lakshman鈥檚 angry mood
Who thus his friendly speech renewed:
'My brother, Vanar King, will see
A champion and a friend in thee.
So strong art thou, so brave and bold,
So pure in thought, so humble-souled,
That thou deservest well to reign
And all a monarch鈥檚 bliss to gain.
Lend thou my brother aid, and all
His foes beneath his arm will fall.
Full well the words thou speakest suit
A chieftain wise and resolute.
With grateful heart that loves the right,
And foot that never yields in tight.
O come, and my sad brother cheer
Who mourns the wife he holds so dear.
O pardon, friend, my harsh address,
And Rama鈥檚 frantic bitterness.'