The life-breath of the king flickered at this mouth; he felt distressed like a serpent robbed of its jewel, and his senses were all as badly blighted as a cluster of lotuses in a pond that has been drained of its water.

When Kausalya saw the king in this sad state, she was inwardly aware that the sun of the Solar line was about to set. Summoning up courage, therefore, Rama’s mother spoke words appropriate to the occasion.

‘Ponder in your heart, my lord, and remember that separation from Rama is a boundless ocean, Ayodhya is the boat and yourself the helmsman, and all our dear ones form the travelling fraternity that has embarked.

We can hope to reach a shore only if you show courage; else will the whole family be drowned. If you take to heart my entreaty, dear lord, we are sure to see Rama, Lakshmana and Sita again.’

When he heard these tender words of his dear wife, the king opened his eyes and looked up like a writhing wretched fish when sprinkled with cold water.

Recovering himself, the king sat up and said, “Tell me, Sumantra, where is my gracious Rama? Where is Lakshmana and where my loving Rama? Where is my beloved daughter-in-law, Janaki?’

In many ways did the restless monarch wail in his sorrow; the night seemed as long as an age and would never end. He was reminded of the blind ascetic’s curse, and he related the whole story to Kausalya.