I sear a hundred oaths by Rama and declare in all sincerity that his mother (Kausalya) never said a word to me. I arranged everything without asking you, and that is why my desires have been frustrated.

Now put away your displeasure and put on a festal garb; in a few days Bharata shall become Prince Regent. There was only one matter that pained me – your second petition was not reasonable.

Even now the flame of it is burning my bosom; is it anger or jest, or is it all really true? Be no more angry, and tell me Rama’s offence; everyone says that Rama is the pattern of saintliness itself.

Why, you yourself spoke well of him and loved him. Hearing now what you have asked, I have begun to suspect (whether your profession of love was genuine). How could one whose nature was congenial even to an enemy do anything to displease his own mother?

No more of wrath or jesting, my beloved; make a reasonable and thoughtful request, that I may now regale my eyes on the sight of Bharata installed as regent.

Rather might a fish live out of water, or a serpent drag on a miserable and wretched existence without its jewel – I tell you the simple truth with a guileless heart – but there is no life for me apart from Rama.

Be assured in your mind, my dear, my prudent wife that my very life depends upon my seeing Rama! On hearing these soft words the evil-minded queen blazed up like the fire on which have fallen oblations of ghi.