But it is not right for me today to have spoken thus; but you know sorrow and love leave one little judgement.’ On hearing these words, as purifying as Ganga’s stream, all the queens were beside themselves, deeply wounded with love.

Kausalya collected herself and continued; ‘Listen, O venerable queen of Mithila; who is able to advise you, the consort of king Janaka, who is an ocean of wisdom?

Having found an opportunity, O queen, speak to the king, as if on your own initiative, and suggest that Lakshmana should be detained at home and Bharata go to the forest. If the king agrees to this proposal,

- let him think it over carefully and do his beat to arrange it; for I am greatly disturbed about Bharata, for his love is so profound that if he stays at home I fear some tragic consequence.'

When they marked Kausalya’s pure intent and heard her guileless and eloquent appeal, all the queens were immersed in compassion. There was a shower of blossoms from heaven and shouts of applause. Adepts, ascetics and hermits were so immersed in affection that they became languid.

All the ladies of the gynaeceum were struck dumb when they saw it. Then, recovering herself, Sumitra interposed, ‘Madam, nearly an hour of the night has passed.’ At this Rama’s mother (Kausalya) affectionately got up -

- and said affectionately and with good intent, ‘Pray return at once to your tents. Our only refuge now is God and our only helper the king of Mithila.’