Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
Listening to his importunities, Dasaratha could not restrain the
outbursts of his grief. He wept aloud, and spoke to the Minister
between sobs thus: “Sumantra! Your adulation pierces my
heart.” Sumantra could not take a step forward, nor could he
move a step backward. He stood transfixed, where he was. He
prayed with folded hands, “Maharaja! Why this turn of events
At a time when you have to be immersed in ananda, why this
grief, this piteous weeping What is the reason behind all this It
is beyond my understanding.”
Kaikeyi sends Sumantra to bring Rama:
When Sumantra stood hopeless, sunk in sorrow, Kaikeyi
intervened and said, “Oh best of ministers! The Emperor spent
the entire night without sleep, in anxiety about Rama. If you can
go immediately and bring Rama with you here, the mystery will
be unravelled. I am telling you this. Do not misunderstand me
but bring Rama here quickly.”
Sumantra took her instructions as the commands of the
Sovereign. He hastened to the Residence of Rama. At the
entrance of that palace, he saw on both sides long lines of
attendants and maids, carrying huge plates containing gifts of
silk, brocade, jewels and gems, garlands and bouquets, scents
and sweets. It was a delight of the eye, but Sumantra did not stop
to cast a look at them. When he hurried into the palace, he felt
something precious lacking in all this festivity. He was
overwhelmed and nonplussed. The joy that he had felt earlier had
turned into sorrow.
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