BHARATA BECOMES RAAMA'S DEPUTY

The people who watched the talk and saw the determination of the Prince were filled with joy and sorrow in equal measure. Bharata's affection and purity filled them with pride and joy.

Raama told Bharata his unalterable decision. "I cannot possibly disobey my father's word. You will please me by not persisting in trying to persuade me. Satrughna is there to help you in ruling, as Lakshmana is here to help me in forest life. With Lakshmana by my side, I lack nothing. Let us all four, brother, do our other's will."

The learned Jaabaali, one of the priests who had accompanied Bharata, here interposed a lesson on worldly wisdom for the benefit of Raama. "You talk again and again of your father's command. Dasaratha was a physical body which has now rejoined the five elements. You talk as though there is some continuing relationship between that person who is now no more and yourself.

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