उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

Uttara-Râma-Charita. ENGLISH TRANSLATION Act I. (Verse 1)—Having made an obeisance to former poets, we pray for this that we may attain the immortal goddess Speech, that is a phase of the Supreme Soul. (After the benediction.) Manager—Enough of prolixity. I inform the dis- tinguished gentlemen (assembled) to-day on the festival held in honour of the adorable Kalapriyanatha. Let this be known to your honours—There is a worthy descendant of Kasyapa's race, having the title of 'Srikantha' by way of distinction, versed in the sciences of Grammar, Logic and Mimansa, Bhavabhuti by name and son of a woman who was sprung from Jatukarnya gotra. (Verse 2) Whom, a Brahmana, this goddess of speech follows like an obedient wife. Uttararamacharita, (a play) composed by him, will (now) be represented. Here do I become a sojourner in Ayodhya for the purpose in hand, as well as one living at the time (when Rama was crowned). (Looking around) How now, sirs! If this is the time of the coronation of the great and respected king Rama, who is the fire (destroyer) of the family of Paulastya when the joyful music is not to be discontinued either by day or night, why is it that the squares (public streets) are now without the singing of bards? Actor (entering)—The reason is, honoured sir, that the high souled monkeys and Rakshesas, who were Rama's allies in the war of Lanka, as well as the priestly sages and the royal sages that had come from various quarters to greet the great king and in whose honour festivities had continued for so many days, have been sent away by him from this place (Ayodhya) to their homes. Manager—Ah, this must be the reason. Actor—Moreover (Verse 3) The queens, the mothers of Rama, headed by Vasishtha and preceded by Arundhati, have gone to the hermitage of their son in law (in order to be present) at a sacrifice. Manager—I am a stranger (here) and so I ask—who is that son in law?