‘Blessed is his life upon this earth,’ he said, ‘whose father is pleased to hear of his doings. The four rewards of life, (viz. Religious merit, material riches, sensuous gratification and final beatitude), are within his grasp who loves his parents as he loves his own life.

After obeying your orders and accomplishing the purpose of my life, I shall come back soon; so be pleased to grant me your permission. In the meantime I shall take leave of my mother and return forthwith; then I shall set out for the forest after throwing myself once more at your feet.’

So spoke Rama and then departed; but the king was so overpowered with grief that he made no reply. The unwelcome news spread through the city, like the sting of a scorpion that at once fills the whole body with poison.

Every man and woman who heard this was distressed like creepers and trees that shrivel at the very sight of the forest fire. Whoever heard it beat his head wherever he happened to be, and the grief was too great to be endured.

Their faces grew pale, their eyes streamed, and their hearts could not contain their sorrow; it seemed as though the army of Pathos had marched into Ayodhya with beat of drum.

‘It was all well-contrived,’ they cried, ‘but God has upset the whole plan!’ Everywhere people were abusing Kaikeyi: ‘What could this wicked woman mean by thus setting fire to a new-thatched house?

She tears out her eyes with her own hands and yet expects to see; she throws away nectar and prefers to taste poison! This crooked, hard-hearted and evil-minded wretch has appeared as fire to burn up the bamboo grove of Raghu’s line!