Raama had listened in silence to Lakshmana's outburst, for it was wise to let the
pent up passion find outlet in words. Then, turning to Kausalya he said: "Mother, let
there be no talk of anyone going with me to the forest. It is your duty to stay here
serving the King and sharing the sorrow that has come to him in his old age. How can the
crowned Queen of an Emperor wander with me like a widow in the forest? This cannot be. I
shall return after my term of forest life.
"It is my duty to fulfil my father's
word. It is all the same to me, whether it is just or unjust, spontaneous or extorted by
force or fraud. If I fail in this primary duty, I can gain no satisfaction or good name
through any amount of wealth or power. Lakshmana, your proposals are quite wrong. I know
your great strength and I have no doubt that you can vanquish and destroy all opponents
and secure for me the kingdom. I know also your affection for me. |
