So be not downcast at heart by the thought of what your mother has done. Kaikeyi is not to blame, my son, for it was the goddess of speech who stole away her reason.

But his judgement (that Kaikeyi is not to blame) will sound improper to many, for the wise accept as authorities both worldly opinion and the judgement of the Vedas. By singing of your unsullied glory, however, the world and the Vedas both will be exalted. (If I am holding Sarasvati, and not Kaikeyi, guilty, my authorities are the Vedas; the world will not exonerate Kaikeyi from the charge of exiling Rama. But neither the Vedas nor the world will hold you guilty.)

Everyone admits that this is in accord with both custom and the Vedas that of a king’s sons he alone gets the throne on whom his father bestows it. Had the king, who was above all true to his vow, summoned you and bestowed on you the sovereignty, it would have brought happiness, religious merit and glory.

But the root of all the mischief was Rama’s banishment to the forest and the whole world was grieved to hear of it. That was fate’s decree, and the queen has in the end repented of the ill she has done in her senseless folly.

But he who lays the least blame for it on you is vile, senseless and evil. Had you accepted the sovereignty, no blame would have attached to you, and Rama would have been well content to hear of it.

But now, Bharata, what you have done is still better; this proposal is worthy of you; for devotion to Rama’s feet is the root of all choice blessings in the world.

And that is your wealth and the very breath of your life. Who, then, is so highly blessed as you? Nor, my son, is this to be wondered at in your case, who are the son of Dasharath and Rama’s beloved brother.