Setubandha

Author(s): Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 17

Martial reputation radiates enthusiasm, and its
appreciated by those who lack ardour for war. it departs, tarnished by disgrace.
value cannot be It is hard to regain, once
The valiant, who welcome the advent of war, and preserve their equanimity in weal and woe, remain steadfast even in danger, faced with a calamity brought by fate. vv. 18-20
Death is preferable to the loss of self-respect.
Death, not long life, is preferable for one that hath lost his pride, even if he takes possession of the enemy's wealth, maintains the renown of his family, and upholds the moral law. v. 45
He tries to evoke the sympathies of the Vanaras by an impassioned appeal in which he gives utterance to his loyalty and devotion to Rama.
While Rama's heart is full of sorrow, and afflicted with delusion, and is like the moon, the mainstay of the night, when obscured by the clouds;...let none pity the lot of Sita, suffering like a day lotus plant wilted by the cold-rayed moon! While Rama's heart, pining with love, is distraught with grief, what craving can one have for one's fading life? ov. 47, 48
ever.
Sugrīva is vexed at the failure of his speech to produce any visible effect on the Vanaras who remain as stolid as a wild He now changes his tone, and breaks out into exaggeration of his own powers, declaring that he will alone traverse the ocean and ravage Lanka and slay Ravana without waiting for assistance from such unreliable followers.
Canto IV. The Vanaras are warmed up by Sugrīva's provocative speech. He is criticized by Jambavat, who begins his speech with a colourful reference to his miraculous longevity going back to primordial times. He counsels patience, and cautions Sugrīva against rash and precipitate action and reckless initiative, and reminds him of his responsibility as the leader of the army. Rama, however, reiterates his confidence in Sugrīva; and Jambavat suggests that they should