Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

"O""""Rama sSonswould have given them wealth, they answered : We aredwellers in the forest: what use would money be to us ?And when he asked who had composed that song, theyanswered :Valmlki, who is our teacher. And, O king,if the story of thy feats delights thee, do thou hear it all atleisure."So Rama hearkened to the story day by day, and from ithe learnt that Kusha and Lava were the sons of Slta.Then Rama mentioned Slta s name before the assembly,and sent a messenger to inquire from the hermits iftheywould vouch for her faithfulness and to ask herself if s 1 ^Askwere willing to give proof of her innocence again."her,"he said, if she will swear before the people to estab-lish her own purity and mine." The hermits sent back themessage that she would come, and Rama was glad thereof,and appointed the next day for the taking of the oath.When the appointed time had come, and all were seated inthe assembly, immovable as mountains, Valmlki cameforward, and Slta followed him with downcast glance andfolded hands and falling tears; and there rose a cry ofwelcome and a murmuring in the assembly when they sawSlta following Valmlki thus, like the Vedas followingBrahma. Then Valmlki spoke before the people and saidto Rama : son of Dasharatha, albeit Slta is pure anddoth follow the path of righteousness, thou didst renounceher near my hermitage because of the people s censure.Do thou now permit her to give testimony of her purity.And, O Rama, I myself, who follow truth, tell thee thatthese twin children are thy sons. Also I swear beforethee that ifany sin be found in Slta I will forgothe fruitof all austerities I have practised for many thousand years."Then Rama, seeing Slta standing before the assemblylike a goddess, with folded hands, replied: "Ogreat one,H 113