Yes, Bharata, you have thought out a good plan: by all means let us set out to seek Rama in the woods. You have held out a helping hand to us all as we were sinking in the ocean of grief.

Everyone felt as great a joy as when the cuckoo or the peacock hears the rumble of a thunder-could. When the people knew Bharata’s welcome resolve to start the very next morning, they all began to love him as they loved themselves.

After making obeisance to the sage and bowing their heads to Bharata, they all took leave and went to their servant homes, praising as they went his loving-kindness and exclaiming, ‘Blessed indeed is Bharata’s life in this world!’

They said to one another, ‘A great object has been achieved!’ and began to make ready for the journey. Whomsoever they left behind, saying, ‘You should stay behind to keep watch at home,’ he felt as if he had been smitten on the neck.

Some said, ‘Bid no one stay; who in this world would not have the reward of his life?

Perish that property, home and happiness and those friends, parents and brothers that do not gladly help one turn one’s face towards Rama’s feet!’

In every house they were getting ready carriages of all descriptions, rejoicing at the thought of starting early next morning. On reaching his own apartments Bharata thought to himself: ‘The city, the horses and elephants, the palace and the treasury,