Song of a Dom of Mithila — Pada 153
“With such care I raised Siaji, and now Raghubara is taking her away from us.
The happy elephants weep in their stalls and the horses in their stables; the queens weep within the inner palace.
Come together, dear friends, embrace her one last time; Sia is departing for a foreign land.
Ramachandra goes in front, the palanquin follows, and Lakshmana walks behind it.
A cry of lamentation rises through Janaka’s city, while songs of congratulation resound in Ayodhya.
Lakshmipati sings this samdaun: what has been written by destiny cannot be erased.”
Pada 154
Dear Rama, beloved Raghunatha, may you always remain happy— remain happy, ever laughing and joyful.
The women of Mithila, adorned in all sixteen ornaments, are singing; listen to our petition, O prince.
Hear our plea attentively, bridegroom Sri Rama: from this day onward, perform one task for us.
Morning, noon, and evening, keep remembering us, dear one.
All the sakhis are overcome with tears; remain here a few more days, Raghuraya.
We cannot live without seeing you. I fear to insist too much, lest you become displeased; I am only a simple woman, while you are the wise king of Raghu’s line.
Bow at the feet of Mother Kausalya on our behalf.
Bring Janaki with you to Mithila, Raghunatha; keep returning here often.
We shall feed our sons-in-law bright white rice—