Shloka 2.69.19
भरतस्य दुःस्वप्नदर्शनम् — Bharata’s Ominous Dream
एतन्निमित्तं दीनोऽहं तन्नवः प्रतिपूजये।शुष्यतीव च मे कण्ठः न स्वस्थमिव मे मनः।।।।
etan nimittaṃ dīno 'haṃ tan na vaḥ pratipūjaye | śuṣyatīva ca me kaṇṭho na svastham iva me manaḥ ||
Because of this, I am despondent and cannot properly respond to you. My throat feels as if it is drying up, and my mind seems as though it is not at ease.
So it is for this reason that I am desolate and cannot respond well to your conversation. It appears as if my throat is getting parched up and my mind is ill-disposed.
Dharma includes truthful speech about one’s capacity: Bharata admits he cannot offer proper courtesies because of inner distress. The verse teaches integrity—acknowledging one’s state honestly rather than performing empty politeness.
After explaining the ominous dream, Bharata describes its immediate effect on him—physical dryness and mental unease—explaining why he seems withdrawn from conversation.
Honesty and humility: Bharata does not pretend composure; he openly shares his weakness and fear.