"Let me fill my eyes with the sight of you. You can go away at dawn. Like
one handling a live coal deceptively covered with ash, gave the promise to Kaikeyi not
knowing what was in her mind. I am now helpless and caught in her net. And you say, 'I
shall fulfil my father's promise. I shall not let dishonor blot the name of my father. I
shall give up the kingdom and go to the forest.' Where in the world can one find a son
like unto you? I swear to you, I did not intend this great wrong."
Thus piteously spoke the King. It was
Dasharatha's wish to die without losing--even in his last moments-the respect of Raama.
"Father, send for Bharata at once and fulfil the promise you have given to
mother Kaikeyi. Do not be troubled by the thought that you are doing me a wrong, for I had
no desire for the throne, and do not feel it a deprivation to be denied it. Untroubled by
grief or doubt has Bharata crowned and give him your blessings. Cast all grief aside. Shed
no tears. Can the ocean dry up? So may you too not lose your balance ever, great father. |
