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आख यन् मुनिस्तस्य शिवं समाविध्नन्ति रक्षांसि वने ऋतूंश्च। |
19. The sage told him, ‘‘(There is) welfare for my meditation. But the demons destroy the sacrifices in the forest. Along with Laksmana, let Rama, capable of destroying the prowess of the enemykill them.'
20. Unable to bear separation from his sonsthe King who heard that speech fainted . That protector of the earth (the King) who possessed good fortune was then addressed these words by the eminent sage possessed of egotism.
21. You have been approached by me as a protector in calamities; we also have been approached by you for the prosperity of Dharma. The Ksatriya race and the Brahmana raceare for each other. Do not enterain any fear. Send (your) son.
22. By him, who will stand at the vanguard in the battlefield, (even a) great adversary will be killed. Oh high-souled one, do not disregard me. One like me does not lay the supreme burden upon an unworthy (person). "
23. ‘‘The raging fire in the form of the brahmin's will burn out my race. By going, (my) son will torment only my grief-striken self." Thus did the king reflect first and then permit the departure of his son.
