Arriving on the shores of the Pampa, Rama was ecstatic at its breath-taking beauty! An ecstasy mingled with a lingering sadness as he said, "Look at the Pampa, Lakshmana! Its surface shimmers like clusters of diamonds and its bank sport the most magnificent trees that soar up as if to surpass the very mountain peaks. But the joy that I feel amidst all this glory is whittled away to nothingness as memories of Bharata's sorrow and Sita's abduction swamp me. Wafting winds travel from grove to grove and from mountain to mountain laden with scents daringly robed while frolicking with the myriad flowers along their path! The fragrance of the lotus in them reminds me of Sita's breath and the scent of jasmine reminds me of my sorrow! Look at the splendor of nature Lakshmana! Its display of countless flowers in their myriad colors throws the bees in a quandary as to their choice! And as every bee tries to rest in the honeyed heart of every bloom, the speed of restless winds startles them. The symphony of rustling leaves humming bees and whistling winds seem to entice the trees into a dance. Watch their leafy pinnacles entwine and sway with gay abandon. On the mountain plateaus the peacocks followed by the peahens dance so gracefully their fanned out tails shimmer like crystal lattices and their clarion calls seem to mock my pain! "This festive spring is consuming me Saumitri! How can I live without Janaki and how can she survive without me? Stripped of their foliage the ravishing Karnikaras set the mountain ridges afire with the brilliance of their blooms. There seems to be no tree that does not adorn this glorious part of the earth and no bird that does not seek its captivating bliss. Flowers and petals descending from their lofty heights carpet this land where deer follows doe and birds flirt with each other. But I have not my lotus-eyed consort by my side! If only she were breathing this very same air, I would forever roam these celestial slopes coveting neither Indra's realm nor Ayodhya. No thought or desire would pry me away! What answer shall I give Janaka and Kausalya when they ask me of Sita? When will I see her again and when will I ever hear her? This anxiety is driving me insane". Trying to stem Rama's endless lament Lakshmana said to him, "Even if he hides himself in the womb of mother earth, Ravana cannot escape the consequences of his demonic deed. Courage and effort render the impossible, possible! Resolute men do not ever fail in their pursuits. Have you perhaps forgotten your true nature and of your sublime qualities that are without compare?" Brimming with love and loyalty for Rama, Lakshmana walked on serenely, with the one thought of protecting a brother who was dearer to him than his very life!
Summary
Arriving on the shores of the Pampa, Rama was ecstatic at its breath-taking beauty! An ecstasy mingled with a lingering sadness as he said, "Look at the Pampa, Lakshmana! Its surface shimmers like clusters of diamonds and its bank sport the most magnificent trees that soar up as if to surpass the very mountain peaks. But the joy that I feel amidst all this glory is whittled away to nothingness as memories of Bharata's sorrow and Sita's abduction swamp me. Wafting winds travel from grove to grove and from mountain to mountain laden with scents daringly robed while frolicking with the myriad flowers along their path! The fragrance of the lotus in them reminds me of Sita's breath and the scent of jasmine reminds me of my sorrow! Look at the splendor of nature Lakshmana! Its display of countless flowers in their myriad colors throws the bees in a quandary as to their choice! And as every bee tries to rest in the honeyed heart of every bloom, the speed of restless winds startles them. The symphony of rustling leaves humming bees and whistling winds seem to entice the trees into a dance. Watch their leafy pinnacles entwine and sway with gay abandon. On the mountain plateaus the peacocks followed by the peahens dance so gracefully their fanned out tails shimmer like crystal lattices and their clarion calls seem to mock my pain! "This festive spring is consuming me Saumitri! How can I live without Janaki and how can she survive without me? Stripped of their foliage the ravishing Karnikaras set the mountain ridges afire with the brilliance of their blooms. There seems to be no tree that does not adorn this glorious part of the earth and no bird that does not seek its captivating bliss. Flowers and petals descending from their lofty heights carpet this land where deer follows doe and birds flirt with each other. But I have not my lotus-eyed consort by my side! If only she were breathing this very same air, I would forever roam these celestial slopes coveting neither Indra's realm nor Ayodhya. No thought or desire would pry me away! What answer shall I give Janaka and Kausalya when they ask me of Sita? When will I see her again and when will I ever hear her? This anxiety is driving me insane". Trying to stem Rama's endless lament Lakshmana said to him, "Even if he hides himself in the womb of mother earth, Ravana cannot escape the consequences of his demonic deed. Courage and effort render the impossible, possible! Resolute men do not ever fail in their pursuits. Have you perhaps forgotten your true nature and of your sublime qualities that are without compare?" Brimming with love and loyalty for Rama, Lakshmana walked on serenely, with the one thought of protecting a brother who was dearer to him than his very life!