उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

—I 43 ] UTTARARÂMACHARITA. 201 ungenerously towards the queen who was then purified by 'fire and in whose womb is lodged pure progeny (of the race of Raghu). Rama —Peace How can the people of the town and the country be wicked? (Verse 44) The race of Ikshvaku is loved by the people, but unfortunately there has sprung a germ of slander and as for that miracle at the time of her purification who could believe if it happened at a remote place? Go then Dur —Alas queen (Exit) Rama —Alas! how woeful I have become a wicked man, the perpetrator of a very execrable deed (Verse 45) Under a pretext I am handing over to death one, whom I have brought up from childhood by giving whatever things she liked and who has never dwelt apart from me through affection, just as a butcher does a domestic bird Why then do I, a sinner, not fit to be touched, defile the queen? (So slowly raises the head of Sita and withdraws his arm) (Verse 46) Leave me, O innocent one, who am a chandala by my atrocious deeds. You are clinging to a deadly poisonous tree taking it for a sandal tree (Rising) Alas! The world of living beings is now turned upside down, the purpose of Rama's life is at an end to-day The earth is now a sterile withered wilderness, worldly life is with out interest, full of worry is the body I have no refuge left What can I do? What course is open to me? Or alas, mother, (Verse 47) Life was put in Rama simply that he should experience pain My life is like a nail of adamant driven into the heart piercing it into its vital parts (and not wrung out) Oh mother Arundhati, O venerable Vasishtha and Vis'vamitra, O divine Fire, Oh goddess, the supporter of all creatures, Oh father Janaka, Oh father, Oh mother, Oh dear friend Sugriva, O gentle Hanuman, O my great benefactor Bibhishana, lord of Lanka, O friend Trijata, you have been robbed, you have been insulted by cursed Rama Or who am I to call on them now? (Verse 48) For the high-souled persons are, I think, as it were, polluted with sin when named by me, an ungrateful villain. I, who, (Verse 49) Having discarded my beloved wife, the ornament of my house, who went to sleep having reclined on my bosom without any misgivings and heavy with