It is laid down in the Vedas, and has the sanction of all the scriptures, that the crown goes to him on whom the father confers it. Reign, then, and yield not to remorse, but look upon my advice as salutary and follow it.

Rama and Sita will rejoice when they hear of it, and no one versed in sacred love will call it wrong. Kausalya and all the other queens too will be happy in the happiness of your people.

He who knows the supreme affinity between you and Rama will take your action in good part. When Rama returns home, you can deliver up the kingdom to him and serve him with ideal affection.’

With folded hands the ministers submitted, ‘Be sure to obey your guru’s command; and when Rama comes back, you may then do what is right and fitting.’

Mustering up her courage, Kausalya said, ‘Salutary, my son, is your guru’s command; honour it, then, as such and carry it out, considering that it is conducive to your good; know all this to be the will of fate and cease to lament.

Raghunatha is in the forest and the king in heaven, and you, my son, are giving way to faintheartedness! But you are now the sole refuge of your family and subjects, your ministers and all the queens, my son.

Seeing the antipathy of God and the relentlessness of fate, be of good courage – I, your mother, adjure you – reverently comply with your guru’s command, cherish your subjects and relieve the affliction of your kinsfolk.’