Having thus affectionately described Bharata’s glory, the king, who knew his queen’s mind, continued: ‘If Lakshmana returns to Ayodhya and Bharata goes to the forest, it may be well for all, and that is what all desire.

But, O good lady, the mutual affection and trust of Bharata and Rama are beyond one’s conception. Even though Rama is a model of even-mindedness, Bharata is the pattern of love and devoted attachment.

Bharata never even dreamt of turning his mind’s eye towards the joys of this world or the next, for devotion to Rama’s feet is his goal and his endeavour. To my mind, this is the single article of Bharata’s creed.

Never would Bharata even think of flouting Rama’s will. Do not then in your affection give way to sorrow.’ So spoke the king in choked accents.

As the royal pair (Janaka and Sunayana) were thus fondly recounting the virtues of Rama and Bharata, the night passed like a moment. At dawn both the royal companies awoke and after bathing, worshipped the gods.

Having bathed, Raghunatha called on his guru and adoring his feet spoke with his permission: ‘Holy sir, Bharata, the citizens and the queens are all stricken with grief and wearied by their stay in the woods.

The king of Mithila, too, and his retinue have been enduring hardships for many days; be pleased to do, my lord, what seems most proper to you, for the well-being of all is in your hands.’