Spouse of the king our sire, and see

A son like virtuous Bharat, blot

Her glory with so foul a plot!”

Thus in fraternal love he spoke,

And from his lips reproaches broke:

But Ráma grieved to hear him chide

The absent mother, and replied:

“Cease, O beloved, cease to blame

Our royal father's second dame.

Still speak of Bharat first in place