Janaka's Words Fall Like Arrows
Bala Kanda, Doha 252
Doha 252 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana cannot answer at once. Ram is present, and reverence for his elder brother holds the younger prince more firmly than anger urges him forward.
Still, Janaka's declaration that the earth is empty of heroes has entered like a flight of arrows. Every word wounds the honour of the Raghu line while its jewel sits within hearing.
Lakshmana masters the first surge of fury. He bends his head to Ram's lotus feet, asking permission through the gesture before giving sound to his reply. Only then does the wise prince speak. The hall that had endured the straining of ten thousand kings now waits upon the controlled force inside one younger brother's voice.
Anger bows first at Ram's feet, then rises as measured speech.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहि न सकत रघुबीर डर लगे बचन जनु बान। नाइ राम पद कमल सिरु बोले गिरा प्रमान।।252।।
Unable to speak openly for fear of Raghuvir, Janaka's words struck like arrows all the same. Bowing his head at the lotus feet of Ram, the wise Lakshmana spoke.