Having reached the inner palace, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, radiant with satisfaction and surrounded by eminent sages, moved through the assembled people. There, he saw Sumantra, the renowned and skilled charioteer, emerging from the doorway of the lion among men—the king—his demeanor pleasing and dignified. The mighty Vasiṣṭha addressed Sumantra, the son of a charioteer, saying, “Go quickly and inform the king that I have arrived.” He continued, “Here are pitchers of sacred Ganges water, golden vessels from the seas, and a consecration seat made of udumbara wood. All the necessary items are prepared: seeds of every kind, fragrant substances, various jewels, honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. There are also eight lovely maidens, a noble and intoxicated elephant, a splendid chariot drawn by four horses, a sword, and an excellent bow. A vehicle attended by men, a parasol bright as the moon, white fly-whisks, and a golden vessel for sprinkling are here as well. A pale-hued bull with a hump, adorned with golden chains, a lion with four fangs, a foremost monkey of great strength, a throne, a tiger skin, sacrificial firewood, the fire for offerings, all kinds of musical instruments, and women adorned with ornaments—all have been gathered. “Teachers, Brahmins, sacred cows, auspicious beasts and birds, leading citizens from town and country, and merchants with their groups are present. All these and many others, delighted and speaking kindly, are assembled with the kings for Rama’s consecration. Hasten to the great king, so that when the auspicious constellation Puṣya arrives, Rama may receive the kingdom.” Hearing these words, Sumantra, mighty in strength, praised the tiger among kings and entered the palace. The royal attendants at the door, unable to restrain the elderly and respected Sumantra, wished only to please the king. Approaching the king, Sumantra, perceiving his condition, began to praise him with words meant to bring satisfaction and joy. With joined palms, as was his custom, Sumantra praised the lord of the earth: “Just as the radiant ocean rejoices at the rising of the sun, so, with a joyful heart, may you bring us happiness. At this hour, as Mātali praised Indra, the conqueror of all demons, so I awaken you. Just as the Vedas with their branches and sciences awaken the self-born lord Brahma, so I awaken you today. Just as the sun and moon awaken the beautiful earth, so I awaken you. Rise, O great king, with festivities and auspicious rites performed, shining in form like the sun upon Mount Meru. May Soma and Sūrya, O descendant of Kakutstha, Śiva and Kubera, Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory. The blessed night has passed, your task is accomplished; awaken, tiger among kings, and attend to the next duty. All preparations for Rama’s consecration have been completed; the townspeople, country folk, and merchants stand with joined palms. The venerable Vasiṣṭha himself waits together with the brāhmaṇas; quickly command, O King, the consecration of Rāghava. Just as cattle without a herdsman, an army without a leader, a night without the moon, or cows without a bull—so indeed will a kingdom become where the king is not seen.” Hearing these gentle yet meaningful words, the king was once again overwhelmed by grief. Looking at his son, his joy gone, he spoke to the charioteer, his eyes reddened with sorrow, yet still resplendent and righteous: “Indeed, with your words, you cut my heart again.” Seeing the king so dejected and hearing these sorrowful words, Sumantra, with hands joined, withdrew a little from that place. When the king, distressed, could not speak for himself, Kaikeyī, skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra: “Sumantra, the king, longing for Rāma’s consecration, spent the night sleepless and exhausted, and has now succumbed to sleep. Therefore, go quickly, charioteer, and bring the illustrious prince Rāma; may good befall you—there is no need for deliberation here.” Sumantra replied, “How can I go, noble lady, without hearing the king’s command?” Hearing this, the king spoke to Sumantra: “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Thinking that good fortune was at hand, the king’s heart rejoiced. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and joyfully, urged on by Kaikeyī, reflecting as he went, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma here for the consecration.” With great joy, the mighty Sumantra made his way out, eager to see Rāghava. Leaving the splendid inner quarters—like the ocean or a great lake—he approached the crowded gateway. Suddenly emerging into the forecourt, he saw those stationed at the king’s gate, and beheld various wealthy citizens gathered and standing at the entrance. Now, listen to the next chapter.