Then Bharat to Satrughna showed The spot, and eager onward strode, First bidding Saint Vasishtha bring The widowed consorts of the king. As by fraternal love impelled His onward course the hero held, Sumantra followed close behind Satrughna with an anxious mind: Not Bharat's self more fain could be To look on Rama's face than he. As, speeding on, the spot he neared, Amid the hermits' homes appeared His brother's cot with leaves o'erspread, And by its side a lowly shed. Before the shed great heaps were left Of gathered flowers and billets cleft, And on the trees hung grass and bark Rama and Lakshman's path to mark: And heaps of fuel to provide Against the cold stood ready dried. The long-armed chief, as on he went In glory's light preeminent, With joyous words like these addressed The brave Satrughna and the rest: "This is the place, I little doubt, Which Bharadvaja pointed out, Not far from where we stand must be The woodland stream, Mandakini. Here on the mountain's woody side Roam elephants in tusked pride, And ever with a roar and cry Each other, as they meet, defy. And see those smoke-wreaths thick and dark: The presence of the flame they mark, Which hermits in the forest strive By every art to keep alive. O happy me! my task is done, And I shall look on Raghu's son, Like some great saint, who loves to treat His elders with all reverence meet."Ramayana 2.504 · Ramayana · 2
Ramayana 2.504
Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
LoveNatureAnxietyChildrenCourageDoubtFamilyHumility
Love in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hellenism address it.
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.Luke 6:32 · Bible · Luke
From affection comes grief, from affection comes fear; he who is free from affection knows neither grief nor fear.Dhp 16.213 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.Quran 3:31 · Quran · The Family Of Imran
Then he: “O prince! allied in blood and fame, Dearer than all that own a brother’s name; Of all that Hecuba to Priam bore, Long tried, long loved: much loved, but honoured more! Since you, of all our numerous race alone Defend my life, regardless of your own.”Iliad 22.22 · Iliad · 22
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