Lakshmana Asks Why One Old Bow Is So Dear
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 268
Doha 271 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ram answers with humility: whoever broke Shambhu's bow must be some servant of yours. Command me and say what should be done. Parashurama rejects the language. A servant performs service; one who behaves as an enemy must be fought.
He declares the breaker of Shiva's bow his foe, equal to Sahasrabahu, and commands him to leave the assembly or see every king slain. The threat lands among rulers suddenly dependent upon the prince they had threatened.
Lakshmana smiles. In childhood, he says, we broke many small bows, yet no master became so angry. Why this attachment to one weapon? Lightly spoken mockery touches the most guarded place in Parashurama's heart. The banner of Bhrigu's line turns upon him in fresh fury.
Ram offers service, Parashurama names an enemy, and Lakshmana answers with a smile.
Read the passage from the Manas
नाथ संभुधनु भंजनिहारा। होइहि केउ एक दास तुम्हारा।। आयसु काह कहिअ किन मोही। सुनि रिसाइ बोले मुनि कोही।। सेवकु सो जो करै सेवकाई। अरि करनी करि करिअ लराई।। सुनहु राम जेहिं सिवधनु तोरा। सहसबाहु सम सो रिपु मोरा।। सो बिलगाउ बिहाइ समाजा। न त मारे जैहहिं सब राजा।। सुनि मुनि बचन लखन मुसुकाने। बोले परसुधरहि अपमाने।। बहु धनुहीं तोरीं लरिकाईं। कबहुँ न असि रिस कीन्हि गोसाईं।। एहि धनु पर ममता केहि हेतू। सुनि रिसाइ कह भृगुकुलकेतू।।
'Lord, whoever broke Shambhu's bow must surely be some servant of yours. What is your command? Pray, tell me.' Hearing this, the wrathful sage spoke in anger: 'A servant is one who serves faithfully. One who acts like a foe must be fought as a foe. Hear me, Rama: whoever broke Shiva's bow is my enemy, the equal of Sahasrabahu. Let that person step forward from this assembly, or else all these kings shall be slain.' Hearing the sage's words, Lakshmana smiled and spoke, mocking the axe-bearer: 'We broke many a little bow in childhood play. Never did any master show such anger, my lord! Why such attachment to this one bow?' Hearing this, the pride of Bhrigu's clan spoke in fury: