This is the second sarga of the story. Listen with attention. After summoning the entire royal assembly, the lord of the earth, King Dasharatha, addressed the gathered rulers and nobles. With a voice full of feeling—marked by kingly qualities, charm, and a dignity beyond compare—he began to speak words well-known for their wisdom and upliftment. “You all know,” the king said, “how this excellent kingdom of mine has been guarded by my royal ancestors, as lovingly as one would protect a son. I, too, wish to dedicate this whole world, which has been so well-governed by all the kings of the Ikṣvāku line, to the pursuit of the highest good and happiness. Following the path set by my predecessors, I have always protected my people to the best of my ability, ever vigilant and sleepless in my duty. Yet, while working for the welfare of the world, I have grown old under the shade of the white royal umbrella. “Having lived for many thousands of years, my body is now worn out, and I desire to rest. The burden of righteousness, though proper for a king, is heavy and hard to sustain for those who have not mastered their senses, and I am weary from carrying it for so long. Therefore, after consulting these eminent Brahmins who are gathered here, I wish to rest and install my son for the welfare of the people. “For my son, who surpasses me in every virtue—Rāma, the conqueror of enemy cities, equal in strength to Indra—has been born. Tomorrow morning, when the constellation Puṣya is ascendant, I shall appoint him, the foremost among upholders of righteousness and the best among men, as crown prince. Rāma, the elder brother of Lakshmana, adorned with fortune, is a fitting lord for you all. Under his rule, even the three worlds would be better protected. By this excellent act, I shall at once unite the earth with prosperity, and, having entrusted it to my son, I shall become free from toil. “If this plan of mine—well considered and fitting—pleases you, let it be approved by all. Or, if you see another beneficial course, tell me how else I should act. Even though this is my desire, let us consider together any other good path, for impartial deliberation in a gathering brings greater clarity.” As King Dasharatha spoke, the assembled kings responded with joy, their voices rising like peacocks calling to a rain-laden cloud. A gentle, approving sound, filled with happiness, echoed among the multitude, as if shaking the very earth. Understanding the king’s intent, the Brahmins and chiefs of the army, together with the citizens and country folk, gathered with unified minds to deliberate. Having considered in their hearts, they spoke to the aged King Dasharatha: “O king, you are advanced in years, having ruled for many thousands of years; therefore, anoint Rāma as crown prince, O ruler of the earth. We long to see the mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rāma, riding a great elephant, his face shaded by the royal parasol.” Hearing these words, which pleased their hearts, the king, as if wishing to know more, spoke again: “Hearing your desire for Rāghava as your lord, I, the king, have this doubt. Speak the truth: why is it that, while I still rule the earth righteously, you wish to see the mighty prince as crown prince?” Then those great souls, along with the citizens and country folk, replied: “O king, your son possesses many auspicious qualities. We shall now recount for you all the virtues—dear, delightful, and complete—of your son, who is virtuous, godlike, and wise. Listen to them. “Rāma, equal to Indra in divine qualities and steadfast in truth and valor, surpasses all the Ikṣvākus, O lord of the people. He is a noble man in this world, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself, along with prosperity, has arisen directly from Rāma. In bringing happiness to his subjects, he is like the moon; in patience, like the earth; in wisdom, equal to Bṛhaspati; and in strength, like Indra, the lord of Śacī. “He knows Dharma, is true to his word, virtuous, free from malice, patient, gentle in speech, grateful, and master of his senses. He is gentle, steadfast in mind, always worthy, without envy; Rāghava speaks kindly to all beings and speaks only the truth. He serves learned elders and Brahmins; thus, his unmatched fame, honor, and brilliance grow ever greater. “He is skilled in all weapons—among gods, demons, and humans; properly initiated in knowledge and vows, and thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches. The elder brother of Bharata has become foremost in the arts of the Gandharvas on earth; of noble lineage, virtuous, undistressed in spirit, and of great intellect. He has been trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha; whenever he goes to battle for the sake of a village or city, having gone with Saumitri, he never returns without victory. After coming back from battle, whether on an elephant or in a chariot, he always inquires about the welfare of the citizens as if they were his own kin, asking about their sons, fires, wives, servants, and students. “He asks in detail and in order, like a father about his own sons: ‘Do your students serve you? Are you well protected by armor?’ Thus, Rāma, the tiger among men, always addresses you; and in the misfortunes of people, he is deeply afflicted.” In this way, the virtues of Rāma were lovingly recounted before King Dasharatha, as all present affirmed their desire to see him installed as crown prince, their hearts filled with hope and joy for the future of the kingdom.