Rāma having taken his seat there, the experienced councillors encircling
him began to dwell upon many amusing stories. Bijoya, Madhumatta,
Kasyapa, Mangala, Kula, Surajni, Kalya, Vadra Dantavakta, Sumagadha—all
delightedly began to introduce many amusings talks before the
high-souled Rāma. Thereupon Rāma incidentally addressed them saying—"O
Vadra, how do the inhabitants of the city and provinces talk about Sitā,
Bharata, Lakshmana, Satrughna and the mother Kaikeyi? The kings, when
they deviate from the paths of justice, become objects of censure in the
houses of men and even in the forests as well." Rāma having said this,
Vadra with folded hands replied:—"O king, the citizens speak many good
things about thee; besides they dilate upon many things in their own
houses regarding thine conquest acquired by the destruction of the
Ten-necked demon." Hearing the words of Vadra, Rāma said:—"Without
hiding any thing, do thou relate every thing from the beginning as they
are; what good and bad things have been given vent to by the citizens.
Hearing the good and bad opinions of the citizens I shall desist from
bad actions and engage in good ones. Whatever vicious actions of mine
are talked of by subjects in cities and provinces do thou relate unto me
confidently and fearlessly." Hearing the sweet accents of Rāma, Vadra,
with a quiescent mind and folded palms, said:—"Hear, O king, I shall
relate to thee all those unpleasant things frequently dwelt upon by
people in court-yards, markets, public roads, forests and, gardens.
Indeed Rāma hath accomplished a wonderfully hard work; our ancestors,
the celestials, the Dānavas—none heard of constructing a bridge over the
ocean? Rāma hath slain the irrepressible Rāvana with his army and
brought over the monkeys, bears and Rakhasas to his own side. Having
discomfitted Rāvana, in the encounter Rāma hath released Sitā, but not
being the least enraged on account of her being touched by Rāvana he
hath brought her to his own city. Rāvana did forcibly place Sitā on his
lap; how can then Rāma enjoy delight in her company? Having taken her to
the city of Lankā, Rāvana did keep her in the Asoka forest and Sitā was
brought under the control of Rākshashes. Still Rāma hath not been worked
up with hatred by Sitā. From now we shall also brooke the bad conduct of
our wives—for the subjects always tread the footsteps of their King. O
King, the subjects thus talk of many things in cities and provinces."
Hearing those words of Vadra, Rāghava was greatly sorry and asked his
friends saying "Do the subjects thus talk about me?" Thereupon lowering
their heads and saluting him they all said to Rāghava, of a depressed
mind—"For sooth, the subjects thus talk about." Thereupon Kākutstha, the
slayer of enemies, hearing all those words, dismissed his friends.