Ayodhya Kaanda
95 - Sitas dream; the Kolas and Kiratas bring news of Bharataís arrival to Sri Rama; Sri Rama's concern at the report; Laksmana's outburst of passion
Chaupais
Description
The world was seized with terror and a voice was heard in the air extolling the enormous strength of Laksmana's arm: "Who can tell, dear child, nay, who even knows your might and glory? But before doing anything one must judge whether it is right or wrong; then everyone would approve of it. They who act impulsively and repent afterwards are anything but wise: so declare the Vedas and the sages." On hearing this voice from heaven Laksmana felt abashed; but both Sri Rama and Sita addressed him kindly and politely: "What you have said, dear Laksmana, is sound wisdom; the intoxication of kingly power is the worst of all. But of those rulers who have tasted it they alone lose their head who have never waited on an assembly of saints. As for Bharata, I tell you, Laksmana, in the whole of God's creation I have never seen or heard of anyone so good as he."