(harichandran) 10 Left The City Ayodhya (I)

Harichandran had to leave Ayodhya, once he gave All his wealth to the Sage To cool him from his rage He gave up his throne, Took his wife and son, Moved out of the palace To an unknown place. Aloud the people wept, Beating their faces, chests, To show their distress, As they were helpless. The three went in bear foot, On the route that was hot. The people couldn’t bear it, And felt very much hurt. “The King was liberal In giving charity to all. Why a noble soul is driven To this sad situation? ” “The Sage is so merciless Not even a small house He gave to this family To stay here comfortably.” “Can we believe the Sage, Who’s ever in a fit of rage, That he’ll take care of us In the King’s absence.” Like this, people were talking, As the three were walking, With their heads down To a destination unknown. In the west the sun set, As if it was quite upset With their bear foot Minding not its heat. What all people said, Secretly the Sage heard, To know their reaction On his cunning action. Tears the ministers shed When the King said, “Here I’ll never return To the land that is given.” Openly some shouted out, “We’ll throw the Sage out. Oh King, we want you here.” They said this with tears. “How can a Sage handle A spear in a battle? As he cannot fight, He’s fit to live in forest.” From the hiding spot, The Sage came out, The King fell on his feet With due humble respect. The Sage said, “I’ll give Back what all you gave. If you don’t take them You’ll cause me harm.” He replied, “Once given, The kingdom is not mine. Oh Sage, I’ll never take, Even if you give it back.” For all the tricks played The King never yielded. Yet, the sage did his best And continued his test. The Sage said, “I doubt How you’ll now treat Your previous tall promise Of help for my fire sacrifice? ” The King fell at his feet And said, “I’ll send it Thro’ your messenger. I’ll cheat you never.” The Sage sent Sukran Behind Harichandran, To collect the dues In the next few days. He also told Sukran “You take your commission From this Harichandran Besides the dues of mine.” “If he fails within time You just make him Tell a lie, at least one, And leave him then.” Saying this, the Sage left. The King made a request To the guards and ministers, “Don’t fail in your duties.” “You serve the Sage well. Take care of the people. Now, go to your place And live in peace.” Tears Minister Sathyakeerthi shed. With folded hands he said, “Let me also come with you And serve as I served you.” Saying this, he fainted. His loyalty, it showed. The King felt for him And agreed to take him. Chandramathi shed tears Before leaving the borders Of the great Ayodhya City While the people felt pity. Their life became tough. The paths were rough. The heat of the desert Scorched their bare foot. On the way, rain or sun, They had to run For shelter in caves Or under giant trees. Sathyakeerthi carried the son O’er his shoulders in the sun When walking in desert That burnt his tender foot. Chandramathi refused When the King offered Just to carry her O’er his shoulder. She said, “It is a sin, To cause you pain, And when you suffer Let me also suffer.” Poisonous Cobras Besides scorpions Crossed their paths Nights and days. For Chandramathi, It was so uneasy To see them on the way Almost every day. River Gomathi, they crossed. In the sands they rested. Sathyakeerthi brought Some fresh fruits to eat. For the dues, Sukran asked. To go further, he refused. The King then promised Soon, the dues would be paid.