उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

—I 43 ] UTTARARÂMACHARITA. 201
ungenerously towards the queen who was then purified by
'fire and in whose womb is lodged pure progeny (of the
race of Raghu).
Rama —Peace How can the people of the town and the
country be wicked? (Verse 44) The race of Ikshvaku
is loved by the people, but unfortunately there has sprung
a germ of slander and as for that miracle at the time of her
purification who could believe if it happened at a remote
place? Go then
Dur —Alas queen (Exit)
Rama —Alas! how woeful I have become a wicked
man, the perpetrator of a very execrable deed (Verse 45)
Under a pretext I am handing over to death one, whom I
have brought up from childhood by giving whatever things
she liked and who has never dwelt apart from me through
affection, just as a butcher does a domestic bird Why then
do I, a sinner, not fit to be touched, defile the queen?
(So slowly raises the head of Sita and withdraws his arm)
(Verse 46) Leave me, O innocent one, who am a chandala
by my atrocious deeds. You are clinging to a deadly
poisonous tree taking it for a sandal tree (Rising)
Alas! The world of living beings is now turned upside
down, the purpose of Rama's life is at an end to-day The
earth is now a sterile withered wilderness, worldly life is with
out interest, full of worry is the body I have no refuge left
What can I do? What course is open to me? Or alas, mother,
(Verse 47) Life was put in Rama simply that he should
experience pain My life is like a nail of adamant driven into
the heart piercing it into its vital parts (and not wrung out)
Oh mother Arundhati, O venerable Vasishtha and Vis'vamitra,
O divine Fire, Oh goddess, the supporter of all creatures, Oh
father Janaka, Oh father, Oh mother, Oh dear friend Sugriva,
O gentle Hanuman, O my great benefactor Bibhishana, lord of
Lanka, O friend Trijata, you have been robbed, you have been
insulted by cursed Rama Or who am I to call on them now?
(Verse 48) For the high-souled persons are, I think, as it
were, polluted with sin when named by me, an ungrateful
villain. I, who, (Verse 49) Having discarded my beloved
wife, the ornament of my house, who went to sleep having
reclined on my bosom without any misgivings and heavy with