In the forest I shall most easily join the hermits, which will be beneficial to me in every way. On top of that I have my father’s command and your approval, my mother.

Again, Bharata, who is dear to me as my own life, will get the sovereignty, God is altogether propitious to me today. If I go to the woods even under these circumstances, I should be reckoned foremost in any assembly of fools.

Even such as would desert the tree of Paradise to nurture a castor-oil plant, or refuse ambrosia and ask for poison, would not lose such an opportunity as this should they ever get it; see, mother, and ponder this in your mind.

Only one thing pains me most, mother; I am grieved to see the king so exceedingly distressed. That my father should be so overwhelmed with grief over such a trifling matter is more than I can believe, dear mother.

The king is stout-hearted and immeasurable ocean of virtue; I must have committed some great offence, which prevents him from speaking out his mind to me. I adjure you, tell me the truth.’

Though Raghunatha’s words were artless and straightforward, yet the evil-minded Kaikeyi gave them a perverse twist. A leech must always move crookedly, however smooth the water be.

The queen rejoiced to find Rama ready to obey her and said with a show of hypocritical affection, ‘I swear by yourself and Bharata, there is no other cause that I know of.