उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

258 TRANSLATION OF [ VII. 1— Act. VII (Enter Lakshmana) Lak.—Well! well! To-day the revered Valmiki, having summoned together with us the people including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, citizens and country people, by his power has placed here the whole world of creatures movable and immor- able, consisting of the host of the chiefs of the gods, demons, animals and serpents. I also have received a command from my noble brother in these words:—'Dear Lakshmana! we are invited by the revered Valmiki to behold his own composition being acted by Apsarases, therefore go to the theatre on the bank of the Ganges and seat the spectators. And I have seated the whole assemblage of mortals and immortals in their proper places. But here (Verse 1) comes my noble brother, in this very direction, out of respect for Valmiki, he who has undertaken the difficult vow of a hermit, though still in- habiting a kingdom for a hermitage. (Enters Rama) Rama—Dear Lakshmans, have the distinguished spec- tators taken their seats. Lak.—Yes. Rama—But these two boys Kusa and Lava should receive as much respect as may be shown to dear Chandraketu. Lak.—I have already acted accordingly knowing full well your Majesty's love towards them. But here is the royal seat spread out, let my noble brother sit down on it. Rama—(Sits down). Lak.—Ho, let the play begin. Sutradhara—(Entering) Hear, hear! the revered Valmiki, who speaketh the truth, thus commands the animate and the inanimate world. Here is that sanctifying and sweet composition which I, perceiving with the prophetic eye of a sage, composed full of the sentiments of pathos and wonder, you should be attentive to it on account of the importance of the matter. Rama—This is the meaning of what has been said: Sages have an intuitive perception of duty. The knowledge of these revered men is unaffected by passion and is a receptacle of truth, is in no case baffled, therefore it should never be doubted.