Then thronging round, the woodland deer Gazed on his form with wondering fear; A while they followed where he led, Then snuffed the tainted gale and fled. The giant, though he longed to slay The startled quarry, spared the prey, And mindful of the shape he wore To veil his nature, still forbore. Then Sita of the glorious eye, Returning from her task drew nigh; For she had sought the wood to bring Each loveliest flower of early spring. Now would the bright-eyed lady choose Some gorgeous bud with blending hues, Now plucked the mango's spray, and now The bloom from an Asoka bough. She with her beauteous form, unmeet For woodland life and lone retreat, That wondrous dappled deer beheld Gemmed with rich pearls, unparalleled, His silver hair the lady saw, His radiant teeth and lips and jaw, And gazed with rapture as her eyes Expanded in their glad surprise. And when the false deer's glances fell On her whom Rama loved so well, He wandered here and there, and cast A luminous beauty as he passed; And Janak's child with strange delight Kept gazing on the unwonted sight.Ramayana 3.252b · Ramayana · 3
Ramayana 3.252b
Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
JoyWealthChildrenFearLoveMeditation
Joy in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hellenism address it.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.Luke 1:14 · Bible · Luke
Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end.Quran 13:29 · Quran
Forests are delightful; where the world finds no delight, there the passionless will find delight, for they look not for pleasures.Dhp 7.99 · Dhammapada · The Venerable (Arhat)
He said, and placed the goblet at his side; With joy the venerable king replied:Iliad 23.46 · Iliad · 23
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