Mb043. King Sibi Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

To the Mount Bhrigu Tunga,
Sage Romasa took Yudhishthira,
He briefed the King Sibi's story,
And all about his past glory.

Lord Indra in the kite's form
And fire-god in the dove's form
To test King Sibi they both came,
As day by day rose up his fame.

The dove chased by the kite,
It fell at the king's feet,
For its protection it prayed.
Under his care it stayed.

"Oh king, it's no good
For you to hold my food."
The kite in hunger said.
But the dove was afraid.

"The dove I shall protect,
That surrendered to my feet.
My flesh equal to its weight,
I'm willing to compensate."

So saying the king had cut,
His body flesh, bit by bit,
On the balance, the bits he put,
It showed always less weight.

He sat on the other scale,
And gave his body whole.
To keep up till last his word,
He protected the dove bird.

"To you this test we gave,
Just to see how you behave?
As a victor you came.
We lost our game."

Out came both the Gods.
Gone were the two birds.
Healed was his wound.
Rose his fame all around.