RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN, AYODHYAKANDA, CHAPTER 14--SECOND PART

            RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 14, PART TWO

The moon and the stars paled. They paled in sorrow to hear the old king’s lamentations. In a way, it was a happy night. The old king was wounded to the heart; despite that, he kept thinking of Rama. Kaikeyi changed her tactics and turned upon the king with fury. “Your words cause me unendurable agony. Send for Rama this moment. Place my son on the throne. Banish Rama to the woods. And thus keep your sworn words to me.” Dasaratha writhed beneath the cruel words and cried, “The bonds of Dharma crush my heart. And I must keep my word to this she-devil. Alas! My senses desert me. I don’t know what to do. Yet, I would see my Rama once again.”

The day broke. The sun beamed on his children. The auspicious hour fixed for Rama’s coronation drew near. The saintly Vasishtha entered the city. His disciples came after him. They were ready with everything for the solemn rite. The roads were neatly swept. They were watered and strewn with a thick layer of flowers. Bright flags and lofty banners waved from every house. Garlands and arches spanned the streets. The stores and shops were invitingly open. They were rich with rare products of nature and art. Groups of happy men and women were seen everywhere. They were eagerly discussing the absorbing subject. Rare and costly perfumes rolled in heavy waves in the morning breeze. The sage had his bath in the holy Sarayu. He said his prayers. Now he started towards the palace. The fair city cast into the shade the capital of Indra. Brahmanas, citizens, provincials, and experts in sacrificial lore awaited the presence of Dhasaratha. The sage left them behind and reached the seraglio. He saw the charioteer, Sumantra, coming out of it. Vasishtha stopped the king’s confidential adviser. “I leave it to you to announce my presence here to his Majesty,” Vasishtha said to Sumantra. He further said, “Vessels of gold filled with the water of the Ocean and Ganga’s sin-cleansing water are ready. A beautifully-carved seat of Udumbara wood is ready. All kinds of seed, perfumes, gems, honey, curds, clarified butter, fried rice, holy grass, flowers, milk, eight winsome damsels, an elephant, a chariot, a magnificent sword, a bow, palanquins, a white umbrella, a gold vase inlaid with precious stones, a bull of spotless garlands of gold, a noble lion with four fangs, a horse of immense strength, a throne spread with a tiger-skin, sacrificial fire, instrumental music, courtesans, priests, Brahmanas, cows, sacred animals and birds—all are ready for Rama’s coronation. Citizens, provincials, heads of clans, the crafts and guilds with their Masters, royal visitors and the common folk are present. They all call down sweet blessings on the head of Rama. They look forward to the happy moment of his coronation. The day has begun. And Rama is to be consecrated to his high office. Go, hasten his Majesty.” Sumantra returned to seraglio. He sang aloud the praises of the king. He was a very dear friend to Dasaratha. Sumantra was old in years and virtue.  He had free access to the women’s apartments. He was utterly ignorant of his Master’s misery. He drew the curtains. His palms were joined. He began to sing the praises of his lord and master.