66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

her son. She had been expecting him to arrive in full regalia
but noted the ordinary silks which he wore and asked, “Why
are you not dressed yet for the coronation?”
“My father has decided to crown Bharatha as the King,”
Rama said simply.
“Oh, no! But why?”
Rama said, “For my own good, my father has another
command; it is for my progress and spiritual welfare.”
“What is it? What can it be?”
“Only that for twice seven years, he wants me to go away
and dwell in the forests, in the company of saints, and derive
all the benefit therefrom.”
Kausalya broke down and sobbed. She wrung her hands,
she felt faint in the depth of her bowels, sighed, started out to
say things but swallowed back her words. She said bitterly,
“What a grand command from a father to a son!” She asked,
“When do you have to go? What offence have you
committed?”
Rama lifted his mother with his hands and said, “My
father’s name is renowned for the steadfastness of his
words. Would you rather that he spoke false? … I am thrice
blessed, to make my brother the King, to carry out my
father’s command, and to live in the forests. Do not let your
heart grieve.”
“I cannot say, ‘Disobey your father,’ only let me go with