Observing the meeting of the two brothers of unparalleled energy,
capable of making one's hair stand on end, the Maharshis struck with
surprise came to the scene. And remaining invisible, the ascetics,
Sidhas and prime saints admired those brothers, the virtuous Kakutsthas.
"Blessed is he whose sons these, two cognizant of virtue and having
truth for prowess are. Having heard their converse, we are delighted."
Then the saints, desirous of the destruction of the ten-headed one,
having become unanimous, speedily addressed that foremost of monarchs,
Bharata, saying, "Born in an illustrious line, endeued with high wisdom,
of high character and high fame, thou shouldst accept Rama's words, if
thou hast a care for the happiness of thy sire. We wish that Rama may
always act truthfully in respect of his father. By virtue of his truth
connected with Kaikeyi, Dacaratha hath gone to heaven." Having said
this, the Gandharbhas, Maharshis, and Rajarshis each went to his proper
quarter. Having paid homage unto those saints, Rama possessed of a
gracious presence, hearing their words, was filled with joy, and looked
lovely with his delightful countenance. But with his frame agitated
(with emotion), Bharata with joined hands again addressed Raghava in
words faltering (with feeling), "O Rama, taking into account the
morality of this race, it behoves thee to act in accordance with the
solicitations of my mother (and thine). I do not venture to govern this
vast kingdom alone, or please the citizens and the inhabitants of the
provinces attached unto thee. And as husbandmen remain expecting rain,
our kindred, and wariors and friends and adherents wait in expectation
of thee. O exceedingly wise one, accepting the kingdom, do thou place it
in the hands of some person. O Kakutstha, whomsoever thou wilt chose for
performing this office, will surely prove strong enough to govern the
people." Having said this, Bharata fell at his brother's feet; and
sweetly addressing him--"O Raghava", solicited him once again. Takjng on
his lap that sable-hued one furnished with eyes resembling lotus-leaves,
Rama with a voice like that of a mad swan, spoke unto (Bharata), "Thou
hast at length attained the mental attitude that is natural and that
also comes of the training one receives at the hands of his preceptor.
And, brother thou venturest greatly to protect the earth. Taking counsel
with courtiers, adherents and intelligent ministers, do thou achieve
grand tasks. Even if beauty forsaketh the moon, or Himavat his snow, or
the ocean overleaps its shores, I shall not forsake the promise of my
sire. And, my brother, thou ought not to cherish in thy mind what thy
mother incited by covetuousness or affection for thee hath done; and
thou should act by her as one should by one's mother," When Rama
resembling the sun in energy and like the moon of _Pratipat_ in
appearance, had said this, Bharata said unto the son of Kaucalya, "O
noble one, do thou take off thy feet thy sandals adorned with gold.
These shall protect what the people have got and secure unto thee what
they lack." Thereupon taking off his sandals, that highly energetic one
gave them to the magnanimous Bharata. Bharata, bowing down unto the
sandals, said, "O hero, for four and ten years shall I, wearing matted
locks and bark, and subsisting upon fruits and roots, O scion of the
Raghu race, expecting thy arrival, remain outside the city, having, O
subduer of foes, made over the task of government unto thy sandals. And,
foremost of Raghus, if after the completion of the fourteen years, I do
not see thee, I shall enter into fire. Promising, "So be it" and
affectionately embracing Bharata, and also embracing Satrughna, Rama
said, "Do thou protect thy mother Kaikeyi. Do not be angry with her.
Both Janaki and I conjure thee to do this, O descendant of Raghu."
Having said this, he forsook his brother, with tears in his eyes. Then
accepting those burnished and garnished sandals, Bharata versed in
morality circumabulated Raghava, and placed the sandals on the head of
an excellent elephant. Then having one by one honored that assembly, and
his preceptor and the counsellors, and the subjects and his younger
brothers, perpetuator of the Raghu race, steady in his own duty like
Himavat itself, took leave of them. His mothers with their throats
invaded by the vapour of grief could not from distress of heart say
aught unto him. And Rama also having paid homage unto all of them,
weeping entered his own cottage.