When Shibi, Dadhichi and Bali made a promise, they kept their word even at the cost of life and wealth.’ Such was Kaikeyi’s speech that stung the king as though she were rubbing salt into a burn.

A champion of righteousness, the king took courage and opened his eyes, and beating his head gasped out, ‘She has smitten me in the most vital part!

There she stood before him, burning with wrath, as if it were Fury’s own sword drawn from the sheath, with her perverted mind for its hilt and relentlessness for its edge, sharpened on the whetstone that was humpback (Manthara).

The monarch saw the sword was dreadful and inflexible, and said to himself, ‘Is it really going to take my life?’ Then the king steeled his heart and spoke to her in suppliant tones designed to mollify her:

‘My darling, why should you utter such unbecoming words, casting all fear, confidence and affection to the winds? Bharata and Rama are my two eyes; I vouch for it and call Shankara as my witness.

I will not fail to despatch a messenger at daybreak, and the two brothers (Bharata and Shatrughna) will immediately arrive on hearing the news. Then I shall fix an auspicious day and with all due pomp and beat of drum solemnly bestow the kingdom on Bharata.

Rama has no desire to reign nor has his affectionate attachment to Bharata any parallel. I was only observing the rule of royal succession and considering their difference in age.