Bharata Asks Where His Beloved Brothers Are
Bala Kanda, Doha 290
Doha 290 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata's first concern is not the bow, the marriage, or the royal honour contained in the letter. Are both brothers well? In what land are the two who are dearer than life?
His words are soaked in affection. Separation has made geography itself urgent, and the younger prince needs to place Ram and Lakshmana somewhere within the world before hearing anything more.
Dasharatha receives the question and reads the letter again. Written news becomes repeated darshan for father and sons, each line capable of being entered more than once. The court listens anew, now through Bharata's love, and the message from Mithila gains another depth.
Before asking what Ram has done, Bharata asks where Ram is and whether he is well.
Read the passage from the Manas
कुसल प्रानप्रिय बंधु दोउ अहहिं कहहु केहिं देस। सुनि सनेह साने बचन बाची बहुरि नरेस।।290।।
Are both my beloved sons well? Tell me, in which land do they dwell. Hearing these words, soaked in love, the king read the letter once more.