Satyawati -32

32. Vanaprastha- Retiring to the Forests Retiring to the forests Is a practice followed In the old age by members Of the royal family. Some people welcome death By totally abstaining from food Living just on water alone, While others await a natural death. When I took the decision Ambika and Ambalika confided They had already decided To join me on Vanaprastha. Devabrata, Dhritarashtra The ministers and citizens Even the young princes Wanted us to stay back. Vidura, with his eyes moist Accepted whole-heartedly His mother having joined us Asked his wife to accompany. He was privy to the conflict Betwixt the Dhartarashtrans And the Pandavas; the fire His wisdom could not douse. Renouncing all royal comforts Devoid of the coterie of servants Living on roots, fruit and leaves We now await the inevitable, Totally distanced from this world And the horrible war in the offing Without disturbing the peace, Sanity and sanctity of the forest.