66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

it. It was so huge that no one could comprehend it at one
glance. “Is this a bow or that mountain called Meru, which
churned the Ocean of Milk in ancient times?” people
marvelled. “What target is there to receive the arrow shot out
of this bow, even if someone lifts and strings it?” wondered
some. “If Janaka meant seriously to find a son-in-law, he
should have waived this condition. How unwise of him!”
Rama looked at his master. Viswamithra nodded as if to
say, “Try it.” As Rama approached the bow with slow dignity,
the onlookers held their breath and watched. Some prayed
silently for him. Some commented, “How cruel! This
supposed sage is not ashamed to put the delicate,
marvellous youth to this harsh trial!” “The King is perverse
and cruel to place this godlike youth in this predicament… . If
he was serious about it, he should have just placed Sita’s
hand in his instead of demanding this acrobatic feat… .”
“The King’s aim is to keep Sita with him for ever—this is one
way of never facing separation!” “If this man fails, we will all
jump into fire,” commented some young women who were
love-stricken at the sight of Rama. “If he fails, Sita is sure to
immolate herself and we will all follow her example.”
While they were speculating thus, Rama approached the
bow. Some of the onlookers, unable to bear the suspense,
closed their eyes and prayed for his success, saying, “If he
fails to bring the ends of this bow together, what is to happen
to the maiden?” What they missed, because they had shut