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The Terrible War
101
tied to Shri Ram's chariot pounced upon Ravan's chariot and tore it off to pieces. Ravan leaped into another chariot. The lions tore off that chariot also to pieces. Thus Ravan changed five chariots and Shri Ram broke all the five into pieces with his mighty strokes. Ravan's anger, agitation and fear knew no bounds. He thought; “Ram will naturally die of the anguish caused by the separation from his brother. When that is so, why should I fight against him ?"
Thinking thus, Ravan drove his chariot towards Lanka at a great speed. After Ravan thus ran away from the battle-field, Ram returned to the place where Lakshman was lying unconscious. Seeing Lakshman lying unconscious, Shri Ram also collapsed on the ground and swooned.
Sugriv and the other Vanara heroes were in great grief and agitation. The Vanara soldiers stood stupefied and speechless. The faces of the commanders and the warriors of Shri Ram's armies were covered with gloom and despair. In accordance with the advice of the doctors, the attendants smeared cool sandal-paste to Shri Ram : sprinkled cool water in his face and fanned him. As soon as Shri Ram recovered his consciousness he embraced Lakshman; and began lamenting aloud.
"Dear child! What has happened to you! Why are you thus lying unconscious ? Tell me what your agony is. Why are you silent? Why don't you say anything? I am your elder brother. I am your brother and dear friend. You may not be able to speak. Well! At least try to convey your meaning by means of some signs. Look here! Sugriv, Bhamandal, Hanuman and the other friends of ours are here looking upon you. Oh dear Lakshman! Open your eyes; and look up a little ! Are you ashamed of opening your eyes ? Ah! Ravan, the mean fellow ran away from the battle-field. I think you are ashamed of this event. Oh ! Lakshman! Open your eyes at least once. I will do what pleases you. Look here! I will set off and bring back Ravan dead or alive.”
Shri Ram made a terrible noise by pulling the string of his bow and rushed towards Lanka.
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