A Young Lion Faces the Maddened Elephants
Bala Kanda, Doha 267
Doha 267 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana's eyes redden and his brows draw into a sharp curve. He looks across the armed kings with open fury, every line of his youthful face declaring how little their numbers frighten him.
The assembly becomes a wilderness image. The boastful rulers are a herd of elephants crazed with intoxication, stamping and sounding their challenge. Lakshmana is the young lion watching them, eager rather than overwhelmed.
His restraint gives the sight greater force. No arrow leaves his bow because Ram has not commanded it. The fire remains contained within glance and posture. The kings see a younger brother standing still, but the verse reveals a predator whose obedience alone prevents the charge.
Before a forest of armoured kings, Lakshmana waits like a lion held only by love.
Read the passage from the Manas
अरुन नयन भृकुटी कुटिल चितवत नृपन्ह सकोप। मनहुँ मत्त गजगन निरखि सिंघकिसोरहि चोप।।267।।
His eyes burned red, his brows curved sharp. He glared at the kings with open fury, like a young lion cub beholding a herd of maddened elephants and itching for battle.