Tears of Love Gather in Sita's Eyes
Bala Kanda, Doha 257
Doha 257 · Movement 2 of 2
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Sita looks again and again upon Raghubira's form. Each glance renews both courage and fear, for the same tender beauty that fills her with love is moving toward the ancient weapon.
She steadies her heart and continues her silent appeals to the gods. No outward cry crosses the decorum of the royal assembly. Prayer moves beneath her breath while Ram moves across the open ground.
Love-water fills her eyes, held within them by modesty, and rows of ecstatic tremors pass over her body. The whole drama of the bow is reflected in these quiet signs. Around her stand kings and crowds, but within Sita the moment has narrowed to one form, one prayer, and one approaching touch.
Her lips remain still, while tears and trembling continue the prayer.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखि देखि रघुबीर तन सुर मनाव धरि धीर।। भरे बिलोचन प्रेम जल पुलकावली सरीर।।257।।
Beholding again and again the form of Raghubira, the gods steady their hearts and offer silent prayers. Their eyes brim with tears of love, and waves of ecstasy ripple across their bodies.