Ayodhya Kaanda
82 - Sumantra returns to Ayodhya and finds the city a picture of grief
Chaupais
Description
When all the helpless and afflicted mothers question me, good God, what shall I say to them? When Laksmana's mother (Sumitra) puts questions to me, what glad tidings shall I convey to her? And when Rama's mother (Kausalya) comes running like a cow that has recently borne a calf and has her thoughts fixed on it," the only answer I can make to her queries will be "Rama, Laksmana and Sita (Videha's Daughter) have left for the woods." Whosoever question me must be answered; this is the treat I shall have on reaching Ayodhya. Again, when the king who is oppressed by grief and whose life hangs on Rama, puts questions to me, with what face shall I tell him in reply that having safely escorted the princes I have come back? The moment he hears the news of Laksmana, Sita and Rama the king will drop his body like a piece of straw.