Sahasrabahu, Indra and Trishanku (father of Harishchandra) – which of these was not brought to disgrace by the intoxication of sovereign power? Bharata has devised this right expedient, so as not to leave himself an enemy or shadow of debt anywhere.

But in one point Bharata has not been quite so clever, in despising you as if you had no helper; and he will discover his mistake today with a vengeance when he beholds your indignant face on the battle-field’.

Thus bursting out, Lakshmana threw the sentiment of prudence (niti rasa) to the winds and thrilled with excitement as if the tree of the sentiment of heroism (rana rasa) had burst into flowers. Adoring the Lord’s feet and placing their dust upon his head, he spoke in tones of natural, sincere vehemence.

Pray do not take offence, my lord, if I tell you that Bharata has sorely provoked me (by separating us from our parents and kinsfolk and subjects); how long shall I endure, how long restrain my passion when my lord is with me and my bow in my hand?

A Kshatriya (warrior) by caste and born in the house of Raghu, I am known throughout the world as Rama’s faithful servant. What is so low as the dust (on a road)? Yet if stirred by a kick, it rises and falls upon the head’.

As he rose and with folded hands sought permission (to meet Bharata in an encounter), he looked like the heroic sentiment itself aroused from asleep. Binding up his matted locks in a knot and fastening the quiver to his waist with bow and arrows ready in his hands, he cried,

Let me distinguish myself as Rama’s servant today and teach Bharata a lesson in the battle. Both brothers shall reap the reward of their contempt for Rama and sleep on the couch of battle.