Lakshmana, deeply troubled by the injustice unfolding, spoke with fierce conviction. “I see no fault in Rāghava, nor any wrongdoing for which he should be exiled to the forest. In all the world, whether among friends or those cast aside, I do not know anyone who could, even in secret, accuse him of any fault. Who, considering what is right, would abandon a son who is like a god—upright, self-controlled, and affectionate even toward his enemies—without any cause? Which son, remembering the conduct of kings, would act with royal disposition toward a father who has reverted to childishness? As long as no one knows of this matter, keep the command within yourself, together with me. With me at your side, armed with my bow, who could do anything against you, Rāghava, while you are protected, just as none can act against Death standing by? O best of men, if Ayodhyā turns hostile, I will make the city devoid of people with my sharp arrows. Whoever sides with Bharata or wishes for his welfare, I will slay them all—for the gentle are always scorned. If our father, encouraged by Kaikeyī, is displeased with us and has become our enemy, let him be slain without hesitation, let him be slain indeed. Even for a teacher who is arrogant, ignorant of right and wrong, and has strayed from the path, discipline becomes necessary. Ruler of foes, relying on what strength or reason does he seek to give this ready-made fortune to Kaikeyī? Having made enmity with you and with me, what power does he have to bestow the kingdom’s wealth upon Bharata, O subduer of enemies? O queen, I am truly devoted in heart to my brother; by truth, by my bow, and by the sacrifices I have given, I swear to you. If Rāma enters blazing fire or the forest, know, O queen, that I will have entered there before him. With my strength I will remove your sorrow, like the sun dispelling darkness at dawn; let the queen see my valor, and let Rāghava see it as well. I will slay my aged father, whose mind is attached to Kaikeyī, who is pitiable, childish, and condemned for his old age.” Hearing Lakshmana’s passionate words, Kausalyā, overwhelmed with grief and weeping, turned to Rāma and spoke. “You should not, after hearing the unrighteous words spoken by my co-wife, abandon me—tormented by grief—and depart from here. You are known as one who knows righteousness and wish to practice it most faithfully; therefore, while you remain here, serve me and perform the highest duty. A son who dwelled obediently in his own house and served his mother, that Kāśyapa, endowed with great austerity, attained heaven. Just as the king is to be honored by you with respect, so too am I; therefore, I do not permit you—do not go to the forest from here. For me, separated from you, there is no value in life or happiness; it would be better for me to eat even grass, so long as it is with you. If you go to the forest, abandoning me who am consumed by sorrow, I will remain here fasting unto death, for I will not be able to live. Then, my son, you will incur infamous hell, as one guilty of unrighteousness, just as the lord of rivers, the ocean, did for the sin of brahminicide.” As Kausalyā lamented in her distress, Rāma, whose soul was devoted to righteousness, spoke words in accordance with dharma. “I do not have the power to transgress my father’s command; I beg you with bowed head—permit me to go to the forest. A sage, while living in the forest and obeying his father’s command, knowingly committed the unrighteous act of killing a cow, as did the wise Kaṇḍu. In our lineage, by the command of their father Sagara, his sons dug the earth, and a great destruction occurred. By Rāma, son of Jamadagni, his own mother Reṇukā was slain with an axe in the forest, for the sake of obeying his father’s word. By these and many other godlike men, O noble lady, the father’s command was carried out without weakness; I too shall do what is pleasing to my father. Indeed, it is not by me alone that obedience to the father is practiced; it was done also by those whom I have just mentioned, O noble lady. I do not pursue a new or contrary path of righteousness; this is the course approved by the ancients, and I follow it. Therefore, this must be done by me on earth and in no other way; for by carrying out the father’s command, no one ever comes to harm.” Having spoken thus to his mother, Rāma then addressed Lakshmana, he who was the best among speakers and foremost among all bowmen. “Lakshmana, I know your unsurpassed affection for me, as well as your valor, steadfastness, and your power that is difficult to withstand. My mother, of auspicious character, suffers a great and incomparable sorrow, not understanding the intent of truth and self-restraint. For righteousness is supreme in the world, and upon righteousness, truth is established; even this command of my father is rooted in righteousness and is most excellent. O hero, having pledged to the words of one’s father, mother, or a Brahmin, one who abides in righteousness must not disregard them in vain. Therefore, I will not be able to transgress the command again; for, O hero, by my father’s word, I have been urged by Kaikeyī. Therefore, abandon this noble resolve, grounded in the duty of warriors; take refuge in righteousness, not harshness—let your mind follow mine.