Soon the news of Bharata's arrival spread throughout the palace. Kausalya, still
labouring under her grief, heard this, and was glad and told Sumitra, "Come, let us
go and meet Bharata." Hardly had they taken a couple of steps when they saw Bharata
himself rushing wildly towards them to plead for mercy.
Kausalya's first thought when she heard of
Bharata's arrival was that he had hastened back to assume the fortune which had come to
him. Had not the elders and ministers, led by Vasishtha, decided to send for Bharata so
that he might perform his father's obsequies and be crowned king? Hence, seeing Bharata,
Kausalya, her heart desolate with her loss of husband and son, said in a low voice:
"Bharata, the kingship is waiting secured for your sake by Kaikeyi. You need not fear
any let or hindrance from us. Take it, and may all happiness be yours. Only one boon I
crave of you to let me join your father on the funeral pyre." |
