66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

must have trembled without my knowing it. The time has
come for me to sit back and rest—and anticipate the coming
of grandchildren. If you will agree, I want to hand over the
kingdom to Rama. He should be my successor, an
embodiment of all perfection. He is perfect and will be a
perfect ruler. He has compassion, a sense of justice, and
courage, and he makes no distinctions between human
beings—old or young, prince or peasant; he has the same
consideration for everyone. In courage, valour, and all the
qualities—none to equal him. He will be your best protector
from any hostile force, be it human or subhuman or
superhuman. His asthras, acquired from his master
Viswamithra, have never been known to miss their mark… . I
hope I shall have your support in anointing him immediately
as the Emperor of Kosala.”
A joyous shout rang through the assembly. Dasaratha
waited for it to subside and asked, “I note the zest with which
you welcome my successor. Should I take it that you do so
because you have been bearing with me silently for any
reason all these years, although I had thought I had
dedicated my life fully to the welfare of my subjects?”
A spokesman rose and explained. “Do not mistake us,
Your Majesty. It is our love for Rama that makes us so happy
now. We have long looked forward to this moment. To see
him ride the Royal Elephant in full paraphernalia through the
streets of our capital is a vision of the future that we cherish,