With gentle words and a calm heart, Rama addressed his beloved, saying, “O gentle one, it is fate alone that must be seen in my banishment and in the reversal of the kingdom that had already been promised to me. How else could Kaikeyi’s resolve have arisen to harm me, unless this purpose of hers had been ordained by destiny itself? You know well, dear one, that I have never made any distinction among my mothers, nor have I ever shown any special preference for her or her son. Thus, with her harsh words that prevent my consecration and send me into exile, I see no other cause but fate behind her actions. “How could a princess, endowed with noble qualities, speak in such a way as to cause me pain before her own husband, unless compelled by destiny? This destiny, beyond all thought, spares no living being; clearly, misfortune has fallen upon both her and me. Who, O gentle Lakshmana, can contend with fate, when only what is destined comes to pass, regardless of our actions? “Even seers, practicing fierce austerities, are sometimes compelled by fate to abandon their vows and fall prey to desire and anger. Whatever arises unexpectedly, without being conceived beforehand, and interrupts what has already been begun—surely, that is the work of fate. With this understanding, restraining myself by my own mind, I feel no distress, even though my consecration has been hindered. “Therefore, do not grieve; you too, follow me, and quickly withdraw the preparations for the consecration. With these very jars, Lakshmana, all prepared for my royal anointment, I will instead perform the vow-bath of an ascetic. Or else, what need have I for royal paraphernalia? The water I draw myself will suffice for the bath required by my vow. “Do not be troubled, Lakshmana, by this reversal of fortune; whether it is the kingdom or the forest, know that the life of the forest is of great merit. Do not suspect Lakshmana in this obstruction to my kingship, nor my younger mother; fate has intervened, not my father in any way—indeed, you know well how powerful destiny is.” As Rama spoke thus, Lakshmana, his head bowed in anguish, quickly entered the midst, his mind gripped by both sorrow and anger. The best of men, Lakshmana, furrowed his brow and breathed heavily, like a great serpent enraged in its hole. At that moment, his face, fierce with a frown, was as fearsome as that of an angry lion. He shook his clenched fist, like an elephant shaking its trunk, and, tilting his head to the side and upward, let his neck fall. Glancing at his brother with the front of his eyes, he spoke with passion: “This great agitation of yours, Rama, has arisen in vain. Because of concern for a fault in righteousness and out of excessive regard for public opinion, how could someone as steady as you speak in this way? How is it that you, a valiant Kshatriya, speak so feebly of fate, as if it were powerless and pitiable? “How is it that you do not suspect any wrongdoing in those two? There are indeed people who use righteousness as a pretense—O righteous one, do you not perceive this? If their conduct were truly sincere and not driven by selfishness or deceit, then, Raghava, the boon would have been granted to them long ago, and it would have been a proper one. “I cannot bear, O hero, the initiation of another’s consecration, which has begun in a way hated by the people—please forgive me for this. Even that righteousness, O wise one, which has led your mind into doubt, is hateful to me, since it causes you to be bewildered. How can you, by your own action, obey your father’s unrighteous and blameworthy command, acting under Kaikeyi’s influence? “Though this division has been caused by wickedness, you do not see it; that brings me sorrow, and your attachment to righteousness is blameworthy here. This adherence to righteousness is condemned by the world; how could you, even in thought, serve those two, who always act for their own gain and are enemies, though called father and mother? “Even if your resolve and their will are determined by fate, still, you ought to disregard it; yet, even that does not please me. He who is weak and lacking in valor follows fate; but heroes, who are self-respecting, do not submit to destiny. He who is able to overcome fate by human effort does not despair, even when afflicted by misfortune through destiny. “Today people will see the power of fate and of human effort; today the difference between destiny and human action will become clear. Today people will see fate overcome by my effort—those who saw your consecration for the kingdom thwarted by destiny. Like a mighty elephant gone mad, unrestrained even by the goad, I will chase down fate and turn it back with my own effort. “Not even all the guardians of the worlds, nor all three worlds together, could prevent your consecration today, Rama—much less your father. Those who arranged your exile to the forest, O king, they themselves will dwell in the forest for fourteen years. Fate’s power cannot match the strength of one intoxicated with might; my fierce effort will prevail, bringing suffering to the enemy. After a thousand years have passed and the rule of the noble sons is complete, only then should you go to the forest—never now.” Thus, between the serene acceptance of Rama and the passionate resolve of Lakshmana, the forces of fate and human will stood face to face, each brother embodying the eternal questions of righteousness, destiny, and effort.