उत्तररामचरितम् (महाकवि भवभूति - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी व्याख्या)

244 TRANSLATION OF [ V. 19—
will he say of me, if I thus turn back from the fight, though
weapons are uplifted? For the warrior's code of honour, be-
ing stern in its spirit, obstructs the course of affection
Sumantra —(Marking Lava, with tears to himself) My
heart, why dost thou become unsteady in a strange way?
(Verse 20) That which was the germ of my hopes was al-
ready taken away by fate, when the creeper has been already
cut down, whence can there be the advent of a flower?
Chandraketu —Venerable Sumantra, I get down from
the chariot
Sumantra —And for what purpose?
Chandraketu —In the first place this hero may be
honoured, secondly, worthy sir, I shall be thus observing
the custom of the warrior caste properly "Men in chariots do
not fight with men on foot," so say those that know the law
Sumantra —(To himself) Alas! I am brought into
a difficult situation (Verse 21) How can one like me forbid
a righteous proceeding or how can I approve an action of
which rashness is the only essence?
Chandraketu —When even the elders of my family
consult your worthy self, the dear friend of their father, on
doubtful questions, pray why does the noble one now
hesitate?
Sumantra —Long lived one, your sentiment is quite con-
sistent with the rules of duty (Verse 22) This is the law
of battle this is the everlasting code (of honour), for this is
the path of heroic action of the lions of the house of Raghu
Chandraketu —The words of the noble one are most
fitting (Verse 23) Thou knowest the chronicles and the
legends and the treatises of law, and the custom of the house
of Raghu
Sumantra —(Embracing him with tears of affection)
(Verse 24) Dear boy! How few indeed are these days
that have passed since thy dear father, the slayer of Indrajit,
was born! His son also follows his heroic conduct. For-
tunately the race of Dasaratha has obtained stability (by
worthy representatives)
Chandraketu —(with pain) (Verse 25) When the
eldest of Raghu's house is without an heir, how can there be
true stability of our race? Reflecting on this, the three other
elders of our family are tormented with grief