Ayodhya. 297 world knows it was through your blessing that they triumphed over sorrow and attained complete prosperity; whatever the course of fate that you, sir, marked out for them, none could alter it; it was fixed immovably, Doha 245. And yet now yon ask advice of me: such is my ill fate." When the guru heard this affectionate speech, love sprung up in his heart. Chaupdi, ^^ My son, this is a true saying, it is all R&ma^s mercjr; without B&ma no one can ever dream of happiness. There is one way, my son, though I am ashamed to propose it ; but a wise man will sacrifice the half when he sees the whole going; do you two brothers go into exile, then Lakshman, Sita and Il4ma will come bac^" On hearing this favourable speech, the two brothers Tojoiced and their whole body thrilled with excitement ; they were as pleased at heart and as radiant all over as if king Dasarath had been restored to life and Bdma were already enthroned. The people gained much and sacrificed little i l)ut the queens all wept, for their pain was equal to their joy.^ Said Bharat : ^^ What the saint has proposed is already as good as done; he has granted me the one thing above all others that I most desired. I will stay all my life in •the forest^ there is nothing I should like better. Dohd 246. B&ma and Sfta know my heart and you are ftdl of knowledge and wis*- •dom ; if, my lord, you mean what you say, make your word good." Chaupdu Hearing Bharat^s words and seeing his love, the saint and the whole as- sembly were transported oat of themselves. Bharat^s vast generosity was like a sheet of water and the saint's proposal like a woman standing on its brink, anxious to cross and trying different ways, but unable to find either ship, boat or raft. Who can describe Bharat's magnanimity? Can the ocean be contained in a river-shell ? The saint was inwardly at heart charmed with Bharat, and accompanied by the assembly went to B&ma. The lord saluted him and led him to a seat of honour; and on receiving the saint's permission all sat down. Then spoke Yasishtha in well-considered words, according to the circumstances t>f the place and time: " Hearken, B&ma ; you ate omniscient and wise, a store- liouse of piety, prudence, virtue and intelligence;
- for, ihoagh tbejr recorered two of their lont^ tbej lott the olher two.
75
