उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

244 TRANSLATION OF [ V. 19— will he say of me, if I thus turn back from the fight, though weapons are uplifted? For the warrior's code of honour, be- ing stern in its spirit, obstructs the course of affection Sumantra —(Marking Lava, with tears to himself) My heart, why dost thou become unsteady in a strange way? (Verse 20) That which was the germ of my hopes was al- ready taken away by fate, when the creeper has been already cut down, whence can there be the advent of a flower? Chandraketu —Venerable Sumantra, I get down from the chariot Sumantra —And for what purpose? Chandraketu —In the first place this hero may be honoured, secondly, worthy sir, I shall be thus observing the custom of the warrior caste properly "Men in chariots do not fight with men on foot," so say those that know the law Sumantra —(To himself) Alas! I am brought into a difficult situation (Verse 21) How can one like me forbid a righteous proceeding or how can I approve an action of which rashness is the only essence? Chandraketu —When even the elders of my family consult your worthy self, the dear friend of their father, on doubtful questions, pray why does the noble one now hesitate? Sumantra —Long lived one, your sentiment is quite con- sistent with the rules of duty (Verse 22) This is the law of battle this is the everlasting code (of honour), for this is the path of heroic action of the lions of the house of Raghu Chandraketu —The words of the noble one are most fitting (Verse 23) Thou knowest the chronicles and the legends and the treatises of law, and the custom of the house of Raghu Sumantra —(Embracing him with tears of affection) (Verse 24) Dear boy! How few indeed are these days that have passed since thy dear father, the slayer of Indrajit, was born! His son also follows his heroic conduct. For- tunately the race of Dasaratha has obtained stability (by worthy representatives) Chandraketu —(with pain) (Verse 25) When the eldest of Raghu's house is without an heir, how can there be true stability of our race? Reflecting on this, the three other elders of our family are tormented with grief