Chapter CXXIV: Section XLIX

THAT best of men, Rama, remembering his father's command cleared a large tract of country before the night terminated. And as he went on, the auspicious night was spent. And then having offered up his devotions unto the beneficent Sandhya, Rama entered into another country. And seeing villages having ploughed fields on their skirts, and flowering woods, he by means of those excellent horses, proceeded very fast although seeming to go slowly. And as Rama proceeded,[147] he heard the villagers speaking to each other, saying,--"Fie on king Dacaratha, who has yielded himself up unto lust! Ah! the rebutless, fell and sinful Kaikeyi intent upon impiety, having put by her honor, has resolved upon an exceedingly atrocious deed--she that exiles into the woods such a virtuous son of the monarch, endowed with high wisdom, kind, and having his senses under control.[148] Alas! king Dacaratha has no affection for his own son, since he wishes to dismiss from hence Rama sinless and dear unto the subjects." Hearing these words of the villagers, that hero, the lord of Kocala, left Kocala behind him. Then crossing the river Vedacruti of sacred waters, Rama went in the direction of the quarter in which Agastya resided. (South)

Then proceeding for a good while, he crossed the coolflowing stream Gomati running in the direction of the ocean, with its banks filled with kine and inundating its edge. Having passed the Gomati, Raghava by means of fleet-coursing horses next crossed over the river Sandika resounding with the cries of cranes and peacocks. Here Rama showed unto Vaidehi those flourishing regions that had formerly been conferred by king Manu on Ikshwaku, and which teemed with populous tracts. Then frequently addressing the charioteer, saying, "O Suta", that best of men furnished with grace and endowed with a voice like that of a mad swan, spoke,--"When shall I coming back, range ahunting the blossoming groves of the Sarayu, along with my father and mother? I do not so much long for hunting in the woods of the Sarayu; but a relish (for the pastime) is considered as beyond compare being held in esteem by the Rajarshis. Hunting in the forest was introduced for the recreation of Raghavas. Yet do I not take beyond measure to the chase which has been followed in season by the descendants of Manu and which is ever coveted by bowmen. Taking this subject, the descendant of Ikshwaku passed the way, addressing sweet words unto the charioteer.

[147] The N. W. P. text has an additional couplet:--_How will that
exalted lady, Janaka's daughter, ever engaged in enjoyment, bear
misery?_--T.

[148] The N. W. P. text has an additional line:--_And of the
reprehensible Kaikeyi intent upon cruel deeds_.--T.