When he heard this plaint, the Nishada chief lovingly comforted him: ‘Why make these vain laments, my lord? Rama is dear to you and you to Rama. Certain it is that the blame rests with an adverse fate.

“Cruel indeed are the doings of an adverse fate that drove Kaikeyi mad! That night the Lord reverently praised you again and again. There is no one, says Tulasidasa, so supremely dear to Rama as you are: I declare this on oath. Be assured that all will turn out well in the end, and take courage in your heart.

Rama knows the hearts of all; in him dwell meekness, affection and compassion. With this assurance firmly fixed in your mind come, take rest.

Bharata took comfort at the words of his companion and went to his tent with his thoughts directed towards Rama. On receiving this news the men and women of Shringaverapura sallied forth with intense eagerness and woe to see Rama’s resting-place.

They made obeisance to the spot and circled it with ceremonial paces and heaped reproaches on Kaikeyi to their heart’s content. Tears rushed to their eyes again and again as they reproached the hostility of fate.

Some would praise Bharata’s love, while others said the king had proved his affection to the full. They would reproach themselves and paise the Nishada chief; who can describe their confusion and distress?

In this manner they all kept vigil through the night, and at daybreak began to cross the river. The guru was embarked upon a fine handsome boat and all the queens on another newly-built one.