Dasharatha Begs That Sita at Least Be Returned
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 82
Doha 82 · Movement 1 of 2
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If Ram and Lakshmana refuse to return, as their truth and firmness make likely, Sumantra must plead for Sita. Speak when the forest frightens her and carry the message of both parents in law.
Daughter, return. Live sometimes with Janaka and sometimes in Ayodhya, wherever the heart finds peace. Try every means to bring her home.
Dasharatha imagines Sita's return as support for his failing life. If even she remains away, death is certain. Fate has stripped his power until only delegated persuasion remains. After giving the order, he falls unconscious again.
When he cannot recover his sons, Dasharatha reaches desperately for the hope of one daughter returning.
Read the passage from the Manas
जौ नहिं फिरहिं धीर दोउ भाई। सत्यसंध दृढ़ब्रत रघुराई।। तौ तुम्ह बिनय करेहु कर जोरी। फेरिअ प्रभु मिथिलेसकिसोरी।। जब सिय कानन देखि डेराई। कहेहु मोरि सिख अवसरु पाई।। सासु ससुर अस कहेउ सँदेसू। पुत्रि फिरिअ बन बहुत कलेसू।। पितृगृह कबहुँ कबहुँ ससुरारी। रहेहु जहाँ रुचि होइ तुम्हारी।। एहि बिधि करेहु उपाय कदंबा। फिरइ त होइ प्रान अवलंबा।। नाहिं त मोर मरनु परिनामा। कछु न बसाइ भएँ बिधि बामा।। अस कहि मुरुछि परा महि राऊ। रामु लखनु सिय आनि देखाऊ।।
If those two steadfast brothers do not return, for Raghurai is truthful and firm in his vows, then with folded hands you should humbly entreat the Lord to send back Mithilesh-Kishori. When Sita becomes frightened at the sight of the forest, speak my counsel to her when you find the right moment. Her mother-in-law and father-in-law have sent this message: Daughter, please return. The forest holds much suffering. Stay sometimes at your father's house, sometimes at your in-laws'. Remain wherever your heart finds peace. In this way, try every means you can. If she returns, then my life will have its support. Otherwise, death will be my end. Nothing remains in my power once fate has turned against me. Saying this, the king fell unconscious to the ground. Bring Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita so he may see them.