STORM AND CALM

"Are these two shoulders merely for beauty? This bow, these arrows and this sword hanging on my side are they mere decorations? Or do you think they are theatrical equipment put on for show? I await your orders. Give me the word and test my prowess."

Raama gently pacified Lakshmana's rage which was flaming up into a conflagration. "As long as our parents are alive," said Raama, "it is our duty to obey them. I cannot dream of disobeying my father. It is our prime duty to do his bidding and enable him to fulfil his pledge. What joy is there in getting a kingship after insulting our parents and slaying Bharata, the embodiment of dharma?"

And he wiped with his hand the tears from Lakshmana's eyes. When Raama did this, Lakshmana grew calm. For the affectionate magic of Rama's hand could work wonders.

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