. The literature of all nations and all ages; history, character, and incident. ue, is notless the object of the poets celebration. Indeed, this epicpictures in the midst of strife all the domestic virtues, and thehighest blessings are promised those who listen to and medi-tate upon it. THE WIFES DEVOTION. King Dasaratha had prom-ised his second wife, who had care-fully nursed liim when wounded,to grant her any two boons sheshould ask. She requested thatRama, the son of the first wife,should be banished to the forestfor fourteen years. Althoughdeeply grieved, the king felt him-self bound by hi
. The literature of all nations and all ages; history, character, and incident. ue, is notless the object of the poets celebration. Indeed, this epicpictures in the midst of strife all the domestic virtues, and thehighest blessings are promised those who listen to and medi-tate upon it. THE WIFES DEVOTION. King Dasaratha had prom-ised his second wife, who had care-fully nursed liim when wounded,to grant her any two boons sheshould ask. She requested thatRama, the son of the first wife,should be banished to the forestfor fourteen years. Althoughdeeply grieved, the king felt him-self bound by his promise. Ramasubmits and persuades his motherto submit to the decree. Butwhen he goes to bid his lovelywife Sita farewell, she refuses toleave him. Her reply and itseffect are seen in this extract,translated by R. T. H. Griffith. Master of weapons, lord ofdeadly strife,Hear thou the duty of a war-riors that the father, mother,brother, the lot their former deeds have wife alone her husbands fate must share,And in thy trouble I my part will THE LITERATURK OF INDIA. 97 For not on father, mother, sou, or friend, But on her husband, must the wife depend. And if thou seek the wood, thy wife hath sworn To smooth thy path, nor let thy feet be torn. No guile is in me: from thy bosom throw The dregs of doubt, and give me leave to go. I spurn the terrace and the pleasant seat. Mine be the joy to guard thy cherished feet. Obedient ever to my parents sway, I will not hearken if they bid me stay. I will go forth the lonely wood to roam, The lions dwelling and the tigers home. Happy and heedless, from all terror free. Careless of empire, caring but for thee. With thee delighted, will 1 w^ander where Blooms, dropping honey, scent the woodland air. Obeying thee and keeping still my vow, I will not tremble by thy side, for thouWouldst keep a stranger safe, and sure thine armWill guard thy Sita from all fear of will not be a charge to thee: sweet fruit
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