RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 14 PART THREE

RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 14, PART THREE

Sumantara continued; “The Lord of Waters overflows with joy. This happens when he sees his friends, the Sun and the Moon, rise on the horizon. Please, you may rise and gladden our hearts. Matali is the charioteer of Indra. He lauded his master, Indra. And he inspired Indra with joy and energy to triumph over Danavas; even so do I venture to sing your praises. Let me thus rouse you to joy and victory. The Vedas and Vedangas, Sciences and Arts rouse Brahma to his duties. And I announce to your Majesty the dawn of a new day. You have to attend to your duties. The Sun and the Moon gently break upon the slumbers of the tired Earth; even so do I call you back from the realms of sweet sleep. May it please your Majesty to come forth. Please come forth in gorgeous dress befitting the occasion of Rama’s coronation. Sail into our horizon in all your glory and splendour. You should come as the Sun over the golden mount Meru. May the Sun, the Moon, Siva, Kubera, Varuna, Agni, Indra and the other Lords crown your arms with success! The happy night has come to an end. It has ushered in the happier day. All beings will rejoice to see Rama adorned in the crown. For the crown of the Ikshvakus is unique. Your commands have been carried out to the letter. And it behoves you to brighten us with your presence. Everything is ready towards the coronation rite. Citizens, provincials, merchants, Brahmanas and all others await your presence. And I came to announce the saintly Vasishtha. I pray you to give assent for the starting of the function. Your people yearn for your presence.” Sumantra sang eagerly to please his Monarch. But his words fell like the drops of molten lead on Dasaratha’s heart. The righteous king was a pitiable sight. His eyes were swollen and red with weeping. “Sumantra! Your words lacerate my heart. It has been already tortured beyond words.” Dasaratha cried plaintively in answer to Sumantra’s words.

Sumantra stood aghast. He saw the wan face of his friend and master. He bowed with reverence. He withdrew in silence. But Kaikeyi was furious with Dasaratha. She had thought Dasaratha would order Rama into his presence. She called back Sumantra. “Sumantra, His Majesty has passed a sleepless night talking over the happy event of coronation. He was sleeping even as you came in. You go to Rama’s place and bring him here as soon as possible.” But Sumantra replied respectfully. “But I cannot go without the King’s order.” Then Dasaratha spoke. He said, “Sumantra, I will see Rama as soon as I can. Fetch him here!” Sumantra was beside himself with joy. How fortunate he was to serve as a messenger to Rama! He hurried on towards the mansion of the prince. He emerged from the place of Dasaratha. And he found himself in the midst of many groups of kings. They all were bearing costly and rare presents for the Monarch!