महावीरचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - वीररस-प्रधान रामकथा नाटक सम्पूर्ण ७ अङ्क सटीक)

77] Act V, Princes in Combat — Translation [—v. 21¹ unknown by the power of Fate, and inexplicable?—[I know not why, but] as I look upon him my heart becomes all attention.¹ 16 Sumantra—This, as a rule, is the way of all living beings, that some one should feel a spontaneous love for some one else. This popularly is known as ‘astral friendship’² or ‘love at sight’. And this love has been declared to be incomprehensible, one for the motives of which it is vain to seek: When there is an attachment with no [apparent] cause there is no counteracting it; for, it is a thread of cordiality that knits together the inmost vitals. 17 The two Princes, the one to the other¹— Upon this form lovely like a polished jewel how can I let my arrows descend?—a form which, as it draws near, my body bristles all over with horripilations in my longing to embrace it. 18 But when he has displayed such fiery spirit, what alternative can there be but a weapon? And to what use can a weapon serve if such as he is not to be its target? And what will he himself say if I be averse to fight when the weapon is already taken in hand? [Oh,] the warriors’ code of honour is indeed relentless and thwarts the [natural] course of affection. 19 Sumantra, observing Lava attentively, with tears, to himself—Why dost thou, my heart, thus wander astray? What was the germ of our hopes, that by Fate has already been robbed³: upon a creeper cut at its root how can flowers appear? 20 Chandraketu—I would descend, worthy Sumantra, from my chariot. Sumantra—Wherefore? Chandraketu—Because, in the first place, this young hero will thereby have received the deference [due]; and further, worthy Sir, it will be in obedience to Kshatriya law. ‘Men in chariots do not engage in fight men on foot’—such is the ruling of those that know the Shastras. Sumantra, to himself—Ah! I am [now] really placed in a trying situation: This course that is but just, how can a man like me object to it? And how likewise can he permit this deed that is rashness pure and simple? 21 Chandraketu—When, upon any dubious matter religious or secular, even my sires seek your advice—you, worthy Sir, who were the dear friend ¹ For the joint speeches see the Notes. ³ In other words, Sītā, on whom rested the ² An affinity due to a certain astrological hopes of the continuance of the elder line conjunction of the stars of their nativity. of the Raghus, is no more. Cp. p. 62, n. 4.