THE RÁMÁYAN OF VÁLMÍKI, VOL. III - Gujarat Knowledge Centre

Canto Xri. THE R^MJ^YAN. 77
And cleaves to thee with heart and mind.
Thus by the deeds that he has done
A home in heaven has Bharat won,
For in his life he follows yet "
Thy steps, O banished anchoret.
Thus faithful Bharat, nobly wise,
The proverb of the world belies :
' No men, by mothers' guidance led,
The footsteps of their fathers tread.'
How could Kaikeyi, blest to be
Spouse of the king our sire, and see
A son like virtuous Bharat, blot
Her glory with so foul a plot !
Thxis in fraternal love he spoke,
And from his lips reproaches broke
But RSma grieved to hear him chide
The absent mother, and replied :
' Cease, beloved, cease to blame
Our royal father's second dame.
Still speak of Bharat first in place
Of old Ikshvaku's princely race.
My heart, so %rmly bent but now
To dwell in woods and keep my vow.
Half melting as I hear thee speak
Of Bharat's love, grows soft and weak,
With tender joy T bring to mind
His speeches ever sweet and kind,
That dear as Amrit took the sense
With most enchanting influence.
Ah, when shall I, no more to part.
Meet Bharat of the mighty heart ?
When, my brother, when shall we
The good and brave Satrughna see ?
Thus as he poured his fond lament