Having arrived at (the neighbourhood of) Bharadwaja, asylum, that
foremost of men while it was a _kroca_ (to the destination), left his
forces behind and went thither, accompanied by his counsellors alone.
And leaving his attire and arms, and clad in a silk cloth, that pious
one placing the priest in front, went on foot. Then with the view of
seeing Bharadwaja, that descendent of Raghu leaving behind the
counsellors also, went in the wake of the priest. As soon as Bharadwaja
of rigid austerities saw Vasishtha, he at once rose from his seat,
saying unto his disciples "Arghya!" On being called upon by Vasishtha,
that highly energetic one understood that it was Dacaratha's son. Having
offered them (the guests) water to wash their feet and _arghya_, as well
as fruits subsequently, that virtuous one (Bharadwaja) successively
enquired after the welfare of their (respective) homes; and after that,
of the forces, exchequer, friends and counsellors in Ayodhya. And
knowing that Dacaratha had departed this life, he did not ask anything
relating to the monarch. Then Vasishtha and Bharata questioned him as to
his welfare in relation to the body, the (sacrificial) fire, the trees,
the beasts and the birds (of the hermitage). To all this returning "So
it is," the illustrious Bharadwaja from affection for Raghava said unto
Bharata, "What is the use of thy visit here, seeing that thou art
engaged in the task of governing the kingdom? Do thou relate all this
unto me; my mind is ill at ease. That slayer of foes, and perpetuator of
his race who hath been borne by Kaucalya, and who along with his wife
and brother hath been banished to the woods for a long term--that
illustrious one who enjoined by his sire in the interests of a woman,
hath become an inhabitant of the woods for fourteen years-- dost thou,
desirous of securely enjoying the kingdom belonging to him as well to
his younger brother, intend to do any harm unto that sinless one?" Thus
accosted, Bharata replied unto Bharadwaja with tears filling his eyes
and his words choked with grief, "Undone am I if the reverend one also
deems me so. Do not apprehend any wrong from me; and do thou not
reproach me thus. Whatever my mother has said in relation to me, does
not express my wish. I am not satisfied with that, nor do I endorse her
speech. I, intending to pacify him, am going to that chief of men, with
the view of taking him unto Ayodhya and of paying homage unto his feet.
Thinking me as already gone, thou shouldst show thy favor unto me. O
reverened Sir, tell me where stayeth at present Rama, lord of the
earth." Besought by Vasishtha and the other Ritwijas, the venerable
Bharadwaja well pleased, spoke unto Bharata, "O foremost men, even this
is worthy of thee. Serving superiors, restraint of the senses, and
following the pious, are ever found in one sprung in the Raghava line. I
know that even this is thy intention; but for the purpose of making thy
mind all the firmer, I had asked thee in this wise; so that thy fame
might greatly increase. I also know the righteous Rama with Sita and
Lakshmana. This brother of thine at present stays at the mighty mountain
Chitrakuta. On the morrow thou wilt set out for that reigon. Do thou
to-day sojourn here along with thy counsellors. O wise one, do this at
thy pleasure, O thou understanding interest and desire." Thereat the
gentle-looking and highly famous one said, "Be it so;" and the king's
son made up his mind to spend the night in the great hermitage (of the
saint).