After that I will not mind whether this body of mine lingers or departs, so that I may not have anything to regret afterwards.’ When the sage heard Dasharath’s noble words, the very fountain of felicity and joy, he was pleased.

‘Listen, O king,’ he said; ‘he whose enemies rue their folly, he without whose worship the agony of heart is not soothed, has been born your son, the Lord Rama, servant of selfless devotion.

Quick, O king, and delay not; make every preparation at once. Happy and auspicious indeed the day when Rama is proclaimed regent!’

Happily the king proceeded to his palace and summoned his servants and his minister, Sumantra. They bowed their heads saying, ‘Long live the king!’ and the king then declared to them the glad news.

‘Today to my great joy,’ he said, ‘the guru has charged me to install Rama as heir to the throne. If this proposal finds favour with my counsellors, then be pleased to impress the royal mark on Rama’s brow.’

The counsellors rejoiced to hear these agreeable words, which fell like a shower of rain on the seedling of their desire. The ministers prayed with folded hands: ‘May you live for millions of years, O sovereign of the world!

The deed you propose is a source of good fortune to the whole world; therefore, lord, make haste and lose no time!’ The king was as pleased to hear the encouraging words of the ministers as a fast-climbing creeper that has obtained the support of a strong, beautiful bough.