And then the intelligent Bharata surveyed that assembly filled with
noble, and worthy personages, resembling the night of the full moon. And
that august assembly was ablaze with the brilliant hues proceeding from
the attires of the honorable persons seated according to rank. And that
splendid assembly filled with learned people looked like the night of
the full moon after the clouds have dispersed. And seeing all the
subjects of the sovereign gathered together the priest cognizant of
virtue soflty spoke unto Bharata, "My child, leaving unto thee this
prosperous earth abounding in corn and wealth, king Dacaratha having
performed his duties, hath gone to heaven. And Rama of truthful
character observing the virtue of the righteous hath not set aside his
father's commands, even as the risen moon doth not renounce the
moonlight. Loved by the courtiers, do thou, having been installed, enjoy
this kingdom conferred on thee by thy father and mother, rid of its
thorn. Let princes throned as well as those without thrones, from east,
and west, north and south, and also persons ranging the sea, procure
countless gems for presenting them unto thee." Hearing this speech,
Bharata cognizant of virtue, filled with sorrow, mentally repaired to
Rama desirous of reaping merit. Then in words choked with the melodious
voice of a swan, lamented and taxed the priest, in the midst of the
assembly, "Who like myself ever deprives one that hath led a
Brahmacharyya mode of life, that is endowed with understanding and
performed his bath after having acquired learning, and that is always
intent on righteousness, of one's kingdom? How begot of Dacaratha, shall
I deprive Rama of his kingdom. It behoveth thee to speak righteousness
before this assembly. First-born, and foremost in merit,
righteous-souled, and comparable unto Dilipa and Nahusha, Kakutstha
deserves the kingdom, just as Dacaratha did. If I commit myself to this
sin dishonorable and calculated to bring me to perdition, I shall in
this world bring disgrace on the race of the Ikshwakus. I do not at all
relish the sin that has been committed by my mother. Remaining here with
joined hands I bow down unto Rama gone to the forest fastness. I will
follow Rama. That best of men is the king. Raghava deserves the dominion
of the three worlds themselves." Hearing those words informed with
righteousness, the entire assembly with their minds intent upon Rama,
from joy shed tears. "If I fail to bring back the noble one from the
forest, I will like the exalted Lakshmana remain even in that forest, I
will in presence of this mixed assembly of pious and honorable persons
following every perfection, adopt every expedient to bring back Rama. I
have already despatched beforehand persons serving for love as well as
those for money, and layers of roads and their keepers; and I intend
setting out now." Having said this, the virtuous Bharata attached unto
his brother spoke to Sumantra skilled in counsel, who was by, saying,
"Up, and go, O Sumantra, at my command. Do thou make known this journey
and bring the forces." Thus accosted by the magnanimous Bharata,
Sumantra with a cheerful heart issued orders concerning everything
desirable as he was ordered. Hearing that the army had been ordered to
march forth for bringing back Rama, the subjects as well as the generals
of the forces became exceedingly delighted. Hearing of the journey to
Rama, for bringing him back the wives of the soldiers apprised of the
order that had been issued to the latter, being exceedingly delighted,
hurried on. And the generals expeditiously despatched their forces with
warriors by means of horses and carts and cars fleet as the mind. Seeing
those forces marshalled, Bharata staying near his preceptor, said unto
Sumantra who was at his side, "Do thou speedily bring my car." In
obedience to the mandate of Bharata, Sumantra exceedingly rejoiced,
appeared with the car yoked with superb steeds. Then that powerful
descendant of Raghu of truthful character, and having unswerving truth
for his prowess, Bharata, having said what was fit, spoke words
calculated to gladden his illustrious superior gone to the mighty
forest, "0 Sumantra, arise thou speedily and, thy desire fully attained,
go by my command, and tell the chiefs of the army, and our principal
adherents to array the forces." Thereat rising, Rayanyas and Vaicyas,
and Vrishalas; and Vipras in every house began to yoke camels and cars
and mules and elephants and excellent steeds.