BHARATA BECOMES RAAMA'S DEPUTY

"My child, this is not right," said Raama firmly. "Rise. Go to Ayodhya and fulfil your duties. Do not go against Kshatriya dharma."

Bharata got Lip and as a last resort appealed to the people who had accompanied him-a representative crowd of soldiers and citizens from Ayodhya: "O, citizens of Ayodhya! Why do you stand mutely looking on? Do you not want Raama to return? Why then are you silent?"

The people answered: "Raama will not swerve from truth. He will stand firm by his father's promise. He will not return to Ayodhya. What is the use of pressing him further?"

Raama said, "Listen to them, brother. They wish well by both of us. Virtue dwells in their hearts."

Bharata said: "Here I am as guiltless as Raama and a fit Substitute for him. If the King's word should be fulfilled let me stay here in the forest in place of Raama. Let him fill my place and rule in Ayodhya."

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