Guha Asks His Warriors Not to Fail Him
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 191
Doha 191 · Movement 2 of 2
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Guha looks upon the armed company and speaks not as a distant ruler but as one whose heart is exposed before his brothers. Today's matter is immense to him.
He asks them to bring no deception into the hour and not to fail the trust placed in them. The appeal reveals how much his imagined defense of Ram depends upon the truth between companion and companion.
The warriors answer with heat and courage. They tell their hero not to lose patience. Around the brief exchange stands the pressure of an approaching army, but within it stands something quieter: mutual fidelity. Guha asks for sincerity, and his people return steadiness. Before any battle can begin, loyalty is tested first in speech.
At the guarded river, Guha asks for truth from his brothers, and their fierce answer tells him to stand firm.
Read the passage from the Manas
भाइहु लावहु धोख जनि आजु काज बड़ मोहि। सुनि सरोष बोले सुभट बीर अधीर न होहि।।191।।
"Brothers, do not deceive me today; this matter weighs heavy on my heart." Hearing this, the brave warriors spoke with passion: "O hero, do not lose patience."