RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 21, PART TWO

                  RAMAYANA FOR CHIDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 21 PART TWO

“The king is in his second childhood. The prince (Rama) is well-versed in the traditions of royalty. It is strange that he should obey the King. Brother” continued Lakshmanan, “Make yourself master of this kingdom. Do it before others come to know of your banishment. I am at your back. I will defy anyone who tries to approach you. It is high time to put the god of Death in the due discharge of his duty! It’s child’s play to me to stop the whole city of Ayodhya. The millions of this city cannot lift their little finger against you. I will guard you against the whole world. Even if Bharata is against us, I will take care of him. Let he come against you with his friends and relations. I will take care of them all. You are gentle and meek to a fault. Such people will be insulted in this world. Merit is recognized only when it asserts itself. I see no sin or wickedness in taking the life of our father. He is in alliance with our enemies. He has done this to you at the instigation of Kaikeyi. The king is intoxicated with pride. He has no sense of right and wrong. He must be chastised. This kingdom is yours by right. How dare the king promises the kingdom to Kaikeyi’s son! He has no right to give this kingdom to anyone than you. Did the king believe in his valour and that of his armies? Does he want to chase you out of the kingdom? We should make him see that he cannot banish you to the forests. What kind of pride is that of his that makes him think he could take you on? Nobody can bother either Rama or his slave, Lakshmana. Nobody can place Bharata on the throne. Mother, Rama is my brother. He is the object of my love and reverence. I solemnly swear I will go wherever Rama goes. It shall be my duty to serve Rama wherever he goes. This day, you and Rama will see the might of my arm.”