A Polite Apology Sharpens the Insult
Bala Kanda, Doha 273
Doha 273 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana ends with the form of courtesy. If anything he has said after seeing the weapons is improper, let the great and patient sage forgive him.
The words lower themselves, but their meaning continues to provoke. Patience is praised precisely when Parashurama has displayed none, and apology arrives only after the axe has been called useless beside his thunderous speech.
The jewel of Bhrigu's lineage hears every edge beneath the softness. Anger deepens his voice and gives it the weight of a storm moving closer. Around them, the assembly recognizes that polished language has not ended the quarrel. Lakshmana has sheathed mockery inside respect, and Parashurama has felt the blade.
Lakshmana asks forgiveness with folded courtesy, and Parashurama hears only the challenge within it.
Read the passage from the Manas
जो बिलोकि अनुचित कहेउँ छमहु महामुनि धीर। सुनि सरोष भृगुबंसमनि बोले गिरा गभीर।।273।।
If, upon seeing all this, I have spoken anything improper, forgive me, O great and patient sage. Hearing this, the jewel of Bhrigu's lineage spoke in anger, his voice deep and grave: