The consecrating rites withheld.

When, hopeful of the promised grace,

My Ráma sought his father's face,

The queen Kaikeyí, ill at ease,

Spoke to my lord brief words like these:

“Hear, son of Raghu, hear from me

The words thy father says to thee:

“I yield this day to Bharat's hand,

Free from all foes, this ancient land.

Fly from this home no longer thine,