The Princes Steal the Eyes of the World
Bala Kanda, Doha 242
Doha 242 · Movement 2 of 2
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Amid the tiered splendour of the royal assembly, the youthful princes of Kosala shine with an authority no throne has bestowed. Ram's dark body and Lakshmana's fair one form a living harmony beneath the embroidered canopy.
Crowns, banners, gold railings, jewelled weapons, and the pale mass of Shiva's bow remain in their places, yet attention deserts them. Faces turn toward the brothers and do not turn away.
They are called thieves of the world's eyes because nothing is taken by force. Vision offers itself willingly. Every gaze that reaches the platform seems to forget the road back, held by the meeting of dark and fair beauty in the middle of Janaka's hall.
The royal pavilion holds the princes, but the eyes of the world now belong to them.
Read the passage from the Manas
राजत राज समाज महुँ कोसलराज किसोर। सुंदर स्यामल गौर तन बिस्व बिलोचन चोर।।242।।
Radiant amidst the royal assembly shines the youthful prince of Kosala. Beautiful, dark and fair of body, He steals the eyes of all the world.