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BALAKANDA
 
23
 
I know Rama, of exalted soul and
unfailing prowess. The mighty Vasishtha
also knows him, and indeed others too
who are steadfast in their penances. Do
as requested. Good betide you. Do not
give way to grief."
 
तच्छ्रुत्वा राजशार्दूलो विश्वामित्रस्य भाषितम् ॥
मुहूर्तमिव निस्संशः संशावानिदमब्रवीत् ॥
 
Hearing these words of Visvamitra, the
great king was, as it were, unconscious for
a time. Then, becoming conscious, he
spoke thus :
 
ऊनषोडशवर्षो मे रामो राजीवलोचनः ।
न युद्धयोग्यतामस्य पश्यामि सह राक्षसैः ॥
"My lotus-eyed Rama is less than
sixteen years in age. I do not see his
capacity to fight the Rakshasas.
 
इयमक्षौहिणी पूर्णा यस्याहं पतिरीश्वरः ।
योग्या रक्षोगणैर्योद्धुं न रामं नेतुमर्हसि ॥
 
This entire Akshauhini (army) of which
I am the lord, is certainly fit to fight the
Rakshasa hosts. It is not meet that you
should take away Rama.
 
बालो राष्ट्रविर न च वेत्ति बलाबलम् ।
न चात्रबलसंयुक्तो न च युद्धविशारदः