Lakshmana Suggests Calling a Craftsman
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 275
Doha 278 · Movement 1 of 2
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Lakshmana calls himself the sage's servant and asks him to exchange anger for mercy. The bow is broken and fury will not join it. Standing here will only make Parashurama's feet ache.
If the weapon is so dear, summon a skilled craftsman and have it repaired. Janaka, terrified by the continuing speech, begs the prince to stop. Men and women tremble, convinced the youthful offence has grown immense.
Parashurama burns as the fearless words continue, and anger begins to consume the very strength it arouses. He tells Ram that only the bond of younger brother keeps Lakshmana alive. Such a beautiful body conceals a polluted mind, like a vessel of gold filled to the rim with poison.
Lakshmana offers a craftsman for the bow, and the practical jest drives Parashurama beyond endurance.
Read the passage from the Manas
मैं तुम्हार अनुचर मुनिराया। परिहरि कोपु करिअ अब दाया।। टूट चाप नहिं जुरहि रिसाने। बैठिअ होइहिं पाय पिराने।। जौ अति प्रिय तौ करिअ उपाई। जोरिअ कोउ बड़ गुनी बोलाई।। बोलत लखनहिं जनकु डेराहीं। मष्ट करहु अनुचित भल नाहीं।। थर थर कापहिं पुर नर नारी। छोट कुमार खोट बड़ भारी।। भृगुपति सुनि सुनि निरभय बानी। रिस तन जरइ होइ बल हानी।। बोले रामहि देइ निहोरा। बचउँ बिचारि बंधु लघु तोरा।। मनु मलीन तनु सुंदर कैसें। बिष रस भरा कनक घटु जैसैं।।
I am your servant, O great sage. Please set aside your anger and show mercy now. The bow is broken and will not be mended by growing angry. Sitting here will only tire your feet. If it is so dear to you, then find some remedy. Call a skilled craftsman and have it joined. Hearing Lakshmana speak, King Janaka grew frightened. 'Be gentle! This is not proper.' The men and women of the city trembled with fear. The young prince's offence seemed very grave. Hearing these fearless words again and again, the Lord of the Bhrigu (Bhrigu) line burned with anger, and his strength began to wane. He spoke, addressing Rama with a glance of reproach: 'I spare you only on account of your younger brother.' 'How can a beautiful body hold such a polluted mind? It is like a golden vessel filled with poison.'