While entering the city the minister wavered like one who had slain a guru, killed a Brahman or butchered a cow. He passed the day sitting under a tree, and then in the evening took the opportunity (to enter the city).

He entered Ayodhya in the dark and slunk into the palace, leaving the chariot at the gate. All who heard the news flocked to the entrance of the royal palace to look at the chariot

When they recognized the chariot and observed the distress of the horses, their bodies melted away like hailstones in the sun. the citizens, both men and women, were as sore distressed as fish when the water sinks now.

As soon as they heard of the minister’s arrival, all the ladies of the court were agitated. To him the palace seemed a place of dread, as though it were an abode of spirits.

In deep agony all the queens questioned him; but no reply came from Sumantra; his voice was all choked. His ears could not hear, nor could his eyes see; he asked whomsoever he met: ‘Tell me, where is the king?’

Seeing his confusion, the handmaidens conducted him to Kausalya’s apartments. On entering, Sumantra found the king looking as pale and lustreless as the moon without its nectar.

Bereft of his throne or couch or ornaments, he lay on the ground in utter wretchedness, heaving deep sighs and grieving like Yayati when he fell from heaven