And all those
great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,--that
enhancer of Kausalya's delight--possessed of eyes that were red, and
arms that were sinewy. And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.
And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair. And he
was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra
himself in battle. And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to
Vrihaspati in wisdom. An object of love with all the people, he was
skilled in every science. And with senses under complete control, his
very enemies were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked
and the protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son--that
enhancer of Kausalya's joy--king Dasaratha became highly pleased. And
reflecting on Rama's virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully
addressed the family priest, saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This
night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious
conjunction. Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be
invited. This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as prince-regent of
all my subjects!"
"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words of the
king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited to the
occasion.
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