Hearing the words spoken in the assembly, Bharata—his heart heavy with sorrow and his mind fixed on righteousness—turned his thoughts to Rama, longing deeply for what was right. Overcome with emotion, his voice trembled and softened, sounding like the plaintive call of a young swan. In front of all those gathered, he lamented and reproached the chief priest. “Who would take the kingdom from one such as Rama?” Bharata cried. “He is devoted to discipline, learned, wise, and ever striving in righteousness. How could someone like myself, born of Dasharatha, become a usurper? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rama; you ought to declare what is right here.” He continued, “Rama, eldest and best, righteous in soul, equal to Dilipa and Nahusha, deserves the throne just as Dasharatha did. If I were to commit such a sinful act, unworthy of the noble and leading to no heaven, I would bring disgrace upon the Ikshvaku line for all the world to see. I do not approve of the wrong done by my mother; here I stand, with joined palms, bowing to Rama even though he dwells in the distant forest. I will follow only Rama, the rightful king and best among men; Raghava deserves the kingdom of all three worlds.” As Bharata spoke these words, filled with righteousness, tears of joy welled up in the eyes of the assembly. Their hearts turned to Rama, and they rejoiced in Bharata’s resolve. Then Bharata declared, “If I am unable to bring back my noble brother from the forest, I will remain there with him, just as Lakshmana does. I will use every means to bring him back, in the presence of elders, the virtuous, and those devoted to good conduct. Already, carpenters, road-clearers, and guards have been sent ahead; the journey pleases me.” Having spoken thus, Bharata, ever devoted to his brother, addressed Sumantra, the wise counselor who stood nearby. “Rise quickly, Sumantra, and at my command, order the march and assemble the army.” Sumantra, delighted by Bharata’s instructions, carried out every order with care and precision. When the command to march for the sake of bringing back Raghava was heard, the citizens, army commanders, and troops rejoiced. In every household, the wives of warriors urged their husbands to prepare for the journey, their hearts full of joy at the news. Swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots were readied; the army commanders, along with their warriors, mobilized the entire force. Seeing the army assembled in the presence of his elders, Bharata turned to Sumantra and said, “Hasten my chariot.” Sumantra, joyful at Bharata’s command, brought forth the chariot, yoked with excellent horses, and set out. Bharata, wishing to appease his illustrious elder who had gone to the great forest, spoke again, “Rise quickly, Sumantra, go to the chiefs of the army for its assembly; for I wish to bring back Rama, who dwells in the forest, for the welfare of the world.” Sumantra, fully satisfied by Bharata’s proper command, ordered all the chief citizens, leaders of the army, and his friends. In every household, people of all castes—kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and brahmanas—yoked camels, chariots, mules, elephants, and horses, all bred in noble families, preparing for the journey. As dawn broke, Bharata rose early and mounted his excellent chariot, setting out swiftly, his heart longing to see Rama. His ministers and priests went before him, riding chariots yoked with horses, gleaming like the chariot of the sun. Nine thousand well-prepared elephants followed Bharata, delight of the Ikshvaku line. Sixty thousand chariots, with archers bearing various weapons, joined the procession. A hundred thousand horses, mounted and ready, also followed Bharata, the illustrious prince. Kaikeyi, Sumitra, and the illustrious Kausalya, delighted at the prospect of bringing Rama back, traveled in shining vehicles. Noble assemblies set out together to see Rama and Lakshmana, their hearts delighted as they conversed about him. “When shall we see Rama, dark as a rain cloud, mighty-armed, steadfast in spirit, firm in his vows, the remover of the world’s sorrow?” they wondered. “For just by seeing him, Raghava will dispel our grief, like the rising sun driving away the darkness of all the world.” Speaking among themselves, joyful and sharing auspicious words, the citizens embraced one another and departed. All those present, both the esteemed and the townsfolk, set out joyfully toward Rama, united in purpose. Artisans of every kind joined the procession: jewel-workers, skilled potters, weavers, and those who lived by weapons; makers of peacock ornaments, sawyers, carvers, piercers, ivory workers, plasterers, and those who lived by perfumes; renowned goldsmiths, blanket washers, bath attendants, clothers, physicians, incense makers, and distillers; washers, tailors, village and hamlet folk, actors with their wives, and boatmen as well. Thus, the entire city—elders, warriors, citizens, and craftsmen—set out together, their hearts united in devotion, eager to bring Rama back and restore righteousness to the land.