When Rāma appeared before him, Sumitra, overcome with distress, placed a kuśa grass mat upon the ground and lay down upon it himself. Observing this, the illustrious Rāma, the royal sage, gently questioned Bharata, “O Bharata, why do you wish to sit beside me and undertake this penance as I do?” He continued, “A brāhmaṇa may sit in protest to restrain others, but for those who have been anointed as kings, there is no such prescribed act. Rise up, O tiger among men! Abandon this harsh vow. Swiftly return to Ayodhyā, the foremost of cities, O Rāghava.” But Bharata remained seated, casting his gaze around at the townspeople and countryfolk gathered there. He asked them, “Why do you not instruct my noble brother?” The assembled citizens and countryfolk replied to the great-souled Bharata, “We recognize Kakutstha; Rāghava speaks what is right. He, too, abides by his father’s command, and so we are not able to turn him aside by force.” Hearing their words, Rāma spoke to Bharata, “Listen well to the words of these friends, who see with the eye of righteousness. Having heard both sides fully and rightly, O mighty-armed one, arise and touch the water with me.” Obeying, Bharata rose and performed the ritual of touching water, then spoke to the assembly, counselors, and guilds, “Let all present hear me. I do not ask my father for the kingdom, nor do I command my mother. I do not permit the noble Rāghava, knower of the highest dharma, to be deprived of his right. If it is absolutely necessary to fulfill my father’s command, then I myself will dwell in the forest for fourteen years.” Rāma, astonished by his brother’s truthful words, looked upon the citizens and countryfolk and addressed them, “What was promised, pledged, and granted by my living father cannot be undone by either me or Bharata. I must not act contrary to dharma, nor do I despise forest-dwelling. What was rightly spoken by Kaikeyī and done by my father was well done. I know Bharata to be patient and one who honors his elders; in this matter, all is well with this great soul, steadfast in truth. When I return from the forest with this righteous brother, I shall become, together with him, the foremost lord of the earth. The king, at Kaikeyī’s urging, was bound by my promise; let Bharata free that great king, our father, from falsehood.” At this remarkable meeting of the two brothers, whose energy was incomparable, the assembled great sages were filled with awe and their hair stood on end. The groups of seers and perfected sages, though invisible, praised the two great-souled sons of Kakutstha, saying, “Blessed is he whose two sons are both wise in dharma and mighty in righteousness. Hearing their conversation, we all long for such sons.” Then, eager for the destruction of the ten-headed Rāvaṇa, the seers gathered and spoke to Bharata, “Born in a noble line, great in wisdom, conduct, and fame, you should accept Rāma’s words if you honor your father. We wish that Rāma may always be free of debt to his father; and because of Kaikeyī, Daśaratha has attained heaven, being free from debt.” Having spoken thus, the Gandharvas, great sages, and royal sages all departed to their own abodes. Delighted by these auspicious words, Rāma, whose countenance radiated joy, honored the sages with a glad heart. Bharata, his limbs weakened, with joined hands and trembling voice, again addressed Rāghava, “Considering royal duty and the tradition of our lineage, you ought to fulfill the request of my mother and myself, O Kakutstha. I alone am not able to protect this vast kingdom, nor to please the citizens and countryfolk who are devoted to you. Our kinsmen, warriors, friends, and companions all look to you alone, as farmers look to the raincloud. O wise one, establish and assume this kingdom; you are capable, O Kakutstha, of protecting the people.” Having spoken thus, Bharata fell at his brother’s feet, earnestly beseeching him. Rāma, whose eyes were like lotus petals and whose voice was as sweet as a drunken swan, lifted Bharata onto his lap and spoke kindly, “This resolve of yours is your own and full of humility. You are indeed capable, dear one, of protecting even the earth. With ministers, friends, and wise counselors, deliberate on all matters and accomplish even the greatest tasks. Fortune may depart from the moon, the Himalaya may abandon its snow, or the ocean may cross its shore, but I will not break my father’s promise. Whether from desire or greed, this was done for you by our mother; do not dwell on it in your mind, but behave as a son should toward his mother.” As Rāma spoke thus, Bharata addressed the radiant son of Kausalya, whose luster was like the sun and whose presence was as soothing as the moon at the start of the month, “Ascend, O noble one, with your feet, these sandals adorned with gold; for these will ensure the welfare of all the people.