India's Epics and Tales World Literature

From the Mahbhrata

Arjuna says:

Thus, if we slay Kinsfolk and friends for love of earthly power, Ahovat! what an evil fault it were! Better I deem it, if my kinsmen strike, To face them weaponless, and bare my breast To shaft and spear, than answer blow with blow.

So speaking, in the face of those two hosts, Arjuna sank upon his chariot-seat, And let fall bow and arrows, sick at heart.

Krishna replies:

No man shall 'scape from act By shunning action; nay, and none shall come By mere renouncements unto perfectness. Nay, and no jot of time, at any time, Rests any actionless; his nature's law Compels him, even unwilling, into act; [For thought is act in fancy]. He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh, Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Plays the inept and guilty hypocrite: But he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work, Not seeking gain, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable. Do thine allotted task! Work is more excellent than idleness; The body's life proceeds not, lacking work. There is a task of holiness to do, Unlike world-binding toil, which bindeth not The faithful soul; such earthly duty do Free from desire, and thou shalt well perform                                                                                                                                Thy heavenly purpose.

 

From the Ramayana

Rama says

Calm and unmoved by threatened woe The noble conqueror of the foe Answered the cruel words she spoke, Nor quailed beneath the murderous stroke

Yea, for my father's promise sake I to the wood my way will take, And dwell a lonely exile there In hermit dress with matted hair. One thing alone I fain would learn, Why is the king this day so stern? Why is the scourge of foes so cold, Nor gives me greeting as of old? Now let not anger flush thy cheek: Before thy face the truth I speak, In hermit's coat with matted hair To the wild wood will I repair. How can I fail his will to do, Friend, master, grateful sovereign too? One only pang consumes my breast. That his own lips have not expressed His will, nor made his longing known That Bharat should ascend the throne.

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To Bharat I would yield my wife, My realm and wealth, mine own dear life, Unasked I fain would yield them all: More gladly at my father's call, More gladly when the gift may free His honour and bring joy to thee. Thus, lady, his sad heart release From the sore shame, and give him peace. But tell me, O, I pray thee, why The lord of men, with downcast eye, Lies prostrate thus, and one by one Down his pale cheek the tear-drops run. Let couriers to thy father speed On horses of the swiftest breed, And, by the mandate of the king, Thy Bharat to his presence bring. My father's words I will not stay To question, but this very day To Dandak's pathless wild will fare.

 

TEIRESIAS                                                 Creon is no threat.       You have made this trouble on your own.

OEDIPUS       O wealth and ruling power, skill after skill                                                    [380]       surpassing all in life’s rich rivalries,       how much envy you must carry with you,       if, for this kingly office—which the city                                              460       gave me, for I did not seek it out—       Creon, my old trusted family friend,       has secretly conspired to overthrow me       and paid off a double-dealing quack like this,       a crafty bogus priest, who can only see       his own advantage, who in his special art       is absolutely blind. Come on, tell me                                                              [390]       how you have ever given evidence       of your wise prophecy. When the Sphinx,       that singing bitch, was here, you said nothing                                   470       to set the people free. Why not? Her riddle       was not something the first man to stroll along       could solve—a prophet was required. And there       the people saw your knowledge was no use—       nothing from birds or picked up from the gods.       But then I came, Oedipus, who knew nothing.       Yet I finished her off, using my wits       rather than relying on birds. That’s the man       you want to overthrow, hoping, no doubt,       to stand up there with Creon, once he’s king.                                              480       [400]       But I think you and your conspirator in this       will regret trying to drive me from the state.       If you did not look so old, you’d find out       the punishment your arrogance deserves