उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

238 TRANSLATION OF [ IV. 25— Boys —(entering in a state of excitement) Friend, we have heard of a certain creature which they call a horse in the country and we have seen the beast to-day with our own eyes Lava —They speak of the 'horse" in treatises on animals and warfare, tell me then how it looks. Boys —Listen. ( Verse 26 ) Behind he carries a flowing tail, and that he waves continually, he has a long neck, his hoofs are full four in number, he eats grass, he sheds lumps of dung of the size of a mango, but what is the use of description ? He is going far off, come, come, let us go after him (They drag him by his deer skin and his hands ) Lava —( With a face expressing interest, consciousness of offending and modesty ) Noble people, look, I am carried off by these boys ( he runs about quickly ) Arund. and Jana. —Satiate thy curiosity, dear child Kausalya —I as well you feel gratified by the speech and form of one who has the forest in him Revered lady, when I do not behold him, I feel as if I were robbed, therefore let us advance and follow with our eyes for a time that boy of long life, as he runs. Arun. —How canst thou keep in sight that active fellow who must have gone a great distance by this time ? Kanchuki —( Entering) The revered Valmiki saith— "In due time you will know all this." Janaka —This is of very grave import Revered Arun dhati, friend Kausalya, worthy Grishti! We will ourselves go and see the revered Valmiki (exeunt all the old people). Boys (entering )—Let our friend look at the wonderful sight. Lava —I see and understand Surely this is a sacrificial horse Boys —How do you know that! Lava —Surely, you fools you must have read the section devoted to it Do you not see ? 'For such a horse there are guards armed with corslet, staves and quivers one hundred of each sort" This force is evidently composed of soldiers so armed. If you do not believe all this go and ask Boys —Ho ! Ho ! For what reason does this horse roam about guarded!