The Ramayana: The Book of Ayodhya

in the world of men. And with that son of immeasurable energy, Kausalya The senior queen of King Dasharatha and mother of Rama. looked graceful, even as Aditi The ancient Hindu mother-goddess of the sky and mother of the deities., with that foremost of the celestials, the wielder of the thunder-bolt original: "vajra-pāṇi"—a reference to Indra, the king of the gods.. He was furnished with grace, and possessed of prowess; and he did not seek for defects in others in the midst of virtues. That son of Kausalya was incomparable on earth and in worth fully equal to Dasharatha The King of Ayodhya and Rama's father. himself. He was always of quiescent Peaceful or calm. soul; and always began his speech with an amiable phrase; and although he might be addressed in a harsh manner, yet he returned no corresponding reply. He was gratified even with a solitary instance of benefit; and from freedom of soul did not remember an hundred injuries. In the intervals of martial exercises, he always discoursed with persons of character, or wise men, or the aged, or the virtuous. He was intelligent, and sweet-speeched, and spoke first (to visitors,) and used grateful words, and was possessed of prowess, withal not proud of his mighty native virtue.

He never spoke an untruth; and he was learned; and he rendered homage unto the aged. He felt kindly towards the subjects; and the subjects on their part held him in dear regard. He was kind to the poor; and he had conquered his anger; and he regarded the Brahmins The priestly and scholarly class, traditional keepers of sacred knowledge.; and he commiserated the wretched; and was versed in morality; and always chastised the wicked; and was pure in spirit; and possessed the thoughts and sentiments of his race; and regarded highly his own Kshatriya The warrior and ruling class, whose religious duty was to protect the kingdom and fight justly. duties; and considered that heaven was to be attained through the glory acquired by performing them. He was never engaged in forbidden practices; and never relished improper talk; and argued in chain even like the Lord of Speech A reference to Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods, known for his unmatched eloquence. himself. And he was free from ailment; and of young years; and endued with eloquence; and of an excellent person; and versed in season and place; and discerned character—the one honest person ever created. Endowed with supreme excellence, that son of the monarch was by virtue of his merit dear unto