Towards the palace went Sumantra, the chief counsellor. He entered the chamber in which Dasaratha had spent the night to awaken him and conduct him to the ceremony.
Kaikeyi met the counsellor and said: “Summon Rama hither, for the Maharajah must speak with him.”
Wondering greatly, Sumantra hastened to the prince's dwelling and spake the royal command. Said Rama: “I will go quickly. Tarry here, O Sita, and await my return.”
Sita followed Rama to the doorway and invoked the gods so that they might bless and protect him.
The multitudes of people hailed the prince as he was driven in his chariot towards the palace, and women threw flowers upon him from the housetops.... He entered the gate, driving through the first three courts; he dismounted and walked across the two inner courts; he then bade his followers to remain without, and soon he stood before the Maharajah and made humble obeisance.
Rama beheld his father sitting beside Kaikeyi; his body was bent, his face was worn with grief. Tears fell from Dasaratha's eyes as his son kissed his feet and the feet of Kaikeyi also; he strove to speak while tears streamed from his eyes, but all he could utter was, “Oh! Rama....” The sorrow of Dasaratha rose and fell in his heart like to the waves of a stormy sea.
Said Rama: “Oh! have I offended my sire? Speak, mother, and tell. Wherefore do tears fall from his eyes? Why is his face clouded with grief?... I would rather die than wound his heart by word or deed.”
Kaikeyi said: “The Maharajah is not angered, nor is he grief-stricken, but he fears to speak his purpose until thou dost promise to serve his will.”
Said Rama: “O speak and I will obey even if I am asked to quaff poison and die ere my time. My promise is given and my lips have never lied.”
Kaikeyi said coldly: “The Maharajah vowed to grant two boons when I cured his wounds and saved his life, although he repents his promise now like to a man of low caste. I have asked him to fulfil his vow, and the boons I crave are that Bharata, whose star is bright, be installed as Yuvarajah, and thou shouldst be banished for twice seven years.... If thou art ready to obey thy father's will and preserve his honour, thou wilt depart this day from the city and permit Bharata to govern the kingdom.”