Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Sumantra
would be awake, awaiting news of the return of Rama or, at
least, any news about him. I cannot escape the humiliation and
the shame, whether I enter the city at night or during day. Well!
For me, who did not deserve the grace of Rama, this ill fate is the
proper mead. It is best I go through it and bear the burden of that
blame.” Thus, Sumantra wended his way slowly and haltingly,
spending time in framing questions to himself and presenting
answers to them.
Ayodhya’s reaction on his return:
At last, he reached the bank of the Thamasa River. So, he
decided to spend a few hours there, allowing the horses to graze
a bit and himself preparing for the entry into the City after
nightfall, when the people would not be about the streets, but
would be safe in bed. Finally, the chariot rolled into the gate of
the City and began to move through thoroughfares.
Sumantra took extra care to ensure silence from wheel and hoof.
The chariot moved at the pace of a snail. But who could silence
the agony of the horses They recognised the streets through
which they had taken Rama. They groaned aloud at their present
fate, when their dear Rama was far, far away.
The populace of the City heard this pathetic neigh. Their ears
were set to hear this piteous cry. They told each other that
Sumantra had returned with an empty chariot. They ran into the
streets and stood pathetically on both sides to witness the sad
spectacle.
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