INTRIGUE WASTED

"How can you ask-one of my race and upbringing to usurp what belongs to another far nobler and more worthy than I? Can any on of Dasaratha possibly dream of such iniquity? This kingdom and I, and all else in it belong to Raama. He is the eldest son,

the noblest among us, a lover of dharma, an equal to Dileepa and Nahusha of old. He is the rightful king. He is fit to be sovereign I the three worlds. Standing here I pay my homage to Raama there in the forest. He is the King, not I'

The Assembly burst into tears of joy when they heard Bharata speak thus.

And Bharata continued: "If I am unable to persuade King Raama to agree, I shall stay there performing penance. It is your duty, O Elders, to use every means to bring Raama back. I shall do all I can to make Raama come back to Ayodhya and make him King."

He then ordered Sumantra who was standing near him to hasten the preparations for going to the forest. The city rejoiced in anticipation of Raama's return, for all felt sure that nothing could resist the force of Bharata's dutiful love.

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