उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

190 TRANSLATION OF [ I 4— Actor —( Verse 4 ). The king Das'aratha begot a daughter, by name S'ântâ, whom he gave in adoption to king Romapâda. R'ish'yas'r'inga, the son of Vibhândaka, espoused her. He has now commenced a sacrifice which will last for twelve years. It is at his request that the elderly persons have gone thither, leaving Jânakî though far advanced in pregnancy. Manager —Then what is the use of this (to us)! Come. Let us wait at the royal gate itself in conformity with the practice of our caste (profession). Actor —If that be so, let your honour think (find out) of some very correct mode of panegyric proper for (the time of) waiting upon the king. Manager —Mârisha (good actor). (Verse 5) We should by all means be doing our duty, whence can there be escape from blame! Men are wicked as regards the chastity of women and speech. Actor —You should say very wicked. (Verse 6) For men speak evil even of the queen, the daughter of Videha's prince. (Her) Residence in the house of the demon is the root (of the scandal) but as regards her fire-ordeal there is distrust. Manager —If this scandal were to reach the great king, then it would be very painful. Actor —The sages and the gods will by all means bring about what is good. (Walking about) Halloo! where is His Majesty now! (Listening) This is what they say. (Verse 7) Janaka, who came through affection to congratu- late Râma, having spent these days in rejoicing, is to-day gone to Videha. The king, leaving the judgment seat, enters his residential palace to console the queen who is therefore despondent. (Exeunt both.) (Here ends the prelude). (Enter Râma seated and Sîtâ) Râma —Queen, daughter of the king of Videha, take comfort, for the elders (i.e. your father) cannot leave us. (Verse 8) But indeed the necessity of performing the prescribed rites takes away independence. The performance of the duties of a householder by persons who have kindled the sacred fires is beset with obstacles. Sîtâ —I know it, my lord! I know it. But separations from relations do cause anguish.