the envoys from Ayodhya arrived. The message summoning Bharat was given, the travelling gear was got together, farewells were said and parting gifts bestowed, and Bharat set forth with speed. After seven days' journeying, they spied Ayodhya afar. From that great city rose usually a mighty hum, heard far off; but now no such sound greeted the ears of the approaching prince. His nearer sight and entry of the city served but to increase his fears. The streets and houses were ill-kept, and such folk as were seen abroad walked sadly with downcast eyes. Full of dismay, Bharat made his way to Kaikeyi's palace, and, after receiving her embrace, asked news of his sire, only to learn that the king was sped. Kaikeyi strove to stay the young man's grief; but when he learned, in reply to further questions, that Rama had gone to the forests and that his mother had been the cause thereof, he rose and denounced her as the murderess of the king, a fiend in human shape, worthy only to be driven to the forests, or to perish by fire or rope.
Hearing that Kaikeyi's son was come, Kausalya sent word to bring him to her. Bitterly at first she greeted him, taunting him with having gained Rama's kingdom by his mother's guile. But Bharat, falling at her feet, solemnly cursed all who had had part in causing Rama's banishment: whereon the queen was comforted and welcomed Bharat with affection.
The funeral of Dasaratha having been performed with fitting pomp, Bharat and Satrughna were mournfully speaking together of their great loss, when the maid Manthara, now bedizened with every
