Sarga 70: Sarga 70

In the clear light of dawn, the lotus-eyed Rama performed the morning rites and took his seat in the council chamber on the royal throne in the company of the brahmins and citizens engaged in affairs of state. And the Priest Vasishtha with the Sage Kashyapa and others well versed in the rules of government, ministers conversant with the law, scriptures and ethics were of the assembly, which resembled Indra’s Hall of Justice or Yama’s or Kuvera’s.

Then Rama said to Lakshmana, who was endowed with auspicious marks:—

“O Saumitri, O Long-armed Warrior, do you go out to the city gate and summon those who have come here as petitioners.”

Thereupon, according to Rama’s command, Lakshmana, endowed with auspicious marks, went to the gate and called upon those who had come as complainants, but no one presented himself, for, under the rule of Ramacandra, there was neither poverty nor disease and the earth was filled with grain and herbs. Neither children nor the young nor those of middle age met with death, the kingdom was ruled with equity and there was no adversity. Thus during Rama’s administration none was to be seen who was in need of justice.

Then Lakshmana, with joined palms, said to Rama:—“None has come as complainant,” whereupon Rama, with a delighted heart, answered:—

“Do you go once more, O Saumitri, and see if any presents himself! Under royal decree, unrighteousness must not prevail. Though laws inaugurated by me protect my subjects from harm, like the arrows I discharge, yet, O Long-armed One, do you engage thyself in vigilance on their behalf.”

Thus addressed, Lakshmana went forth from the palace and observed a dog sitting at the gate. Fixing its gaze steadfastly upon him, that dog was howling unceasingly and the valiant Lakshmana, beholding it in that plight, said:—

“0 Fortunate One, what has brought you hither, speak without fear?”

Hearing the words of Lakshmana, the dog replied:—

“I wish to communicate something to Rama of imperishable exploits, who is the refuge of all beings and who confers fearlessness on all.”

Hearing the dog’s words, Lakshmana entered the beautiful palace to inform Rama and, having reported the matter to Ramacandra, he went out and said to the dog:—

“If you have anything true to say then come and inform the king!”

Hearing the words of Lakshmana, the dog said:—

“Since we are vilely born, we may not enter the temple of a God, the palace of a king or the abode of a brahmin, nor may we go where there is fire, Indra, the sun or the wind! The king is the personification of virtue; Shri Ramacandra is truthful, well versed in the science of warfare and is ever engaged in the welfare of all beings; he is perfectly cognisant of the time and place to exercise the six qualities, a master of ethics, omniscient, all-seeing and is the delight of his subjects. He is the moon, the sun, Agni, Yama, Indra, Kuvera and Varuna. O Saumitri, do you go and communicate to the king, the protector of his subjects, that without his permission I may not enter.”

Thereupon the highly effulgent and noble-minded Lakshmana went into the palace and said to Rama:—

“O Long-armed One, the enhancer of Kaushalya’s joy, I have carried out your behests and shall relate everything to you, hear me! As a petitioner, a dog is at the gate awaiting your pleasure.”

Then Rama answered, saying:—

“Whosoever it may be, speedily bring him in!”