Rāma having taken his seat there, the experienced councillors encircling him began to dwell upon many amusing stories. Bijoya, Madhumatta, Kasyapa, Mangala, Kula, Surajni, Kalya, Vadra Dantavakta, Sumagadha—all delightedly began to introduce many amusings talks before the high-souled Rāma. Thereupon Rāma incidentally addressed them saying— “O Vadra, how do the inhabitants of the city and provinces talk about Sitā, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna and the mother Kaikeyi? The kings, when they deviate from the paths of justice, become objects of censure in the houses of men and even in the forests as well.” Rāma having said this, Vadra with folded hands replied: — “O king, the citizens speak many good things about thee; besides they dilate upon many things in their own houses regarding thine conquest acquired by the destruction of the Ten-necked demon.” Hearing the words of Vadra, Rāma said: — “Without hiding any thing, do thou relate every thing from the beginning as they are; what good and bad things have been given vent to by the citizens. Hearing the good and bad opinions of the citizens I shall desist from bad actions and engage in good ones. Whatever vicious actions of mine are talked of by subjects in cities and provinces do thou relate unto me confidently and fearlessly.” Hearing the sweet accents of Rāma, Vadra, with a quiescent mind and folded palms, said: — “Hear, O king, I shall relate to thee all those unpleasant things frequently dwelt upon by people in court-yards, markets, public roads, forests and, gardens. Indeed, Rāma hath accomplished a wonderfully hard work; our ancestors, the celestials, the Dānavas—none heard of constructing a bridge over the ocean? Rāma hath slain the irrepressible Rāvana with his army and brought over the monkeys, bears and Rakhasas to his own side. Having discomfitted Rāvana, in the encounter Rāma hath released Sitā, but not being the least enraged on account of her being touched by Rāvana he hath brought her to his own city. Rāvana did forcibly place Sitā on his lap; how can then Rāma enjoy delight in her company? Having taken her to the city of Lankā, Rāvana did keep her in the Asoka forest and Sitā was brought under the control of Rākshashes. Still Rāma hath not been worked up with hatred by Sitā. From now we shall also brooke the bad conduct of our wives—for the subjects always tread the footsteps of their King. O King, the subjects thus talk of many things in cities and provinces.” Hearing those words of Vadra, Rāghava was greatly sorry and asked his friends saying “Do the subjects thus talk about me?” Thereupon lowering their heads and saluting him they all said to Rāghava, of a depressed mind— “For sooth, the subjects thus talk about.” Thereupon Kākutstha, the slayer of enemies, hearing all those words, dismissed his friends.
Having sent away his friends and determined what to do, Rāma, the delight of the Rāghus, commanded the warder, who was seated hard by, saying: — “Do thou speedily bring here, Lakshmana the son of Sumitra and gifted with auspicious marks, the great Bharata and the irrepressible Shatrughna.” Hearing the words of Rāma and placing his folded palms on his head the warder reached the house of Lakshmana and unobstructed entered therein. And having saluted him, with folded palms he said to the high-souled Lakshmana: — “The King wishes to behold thee—do thou soon go there.” Thereupon being apprised of Rāghava’s command and saying “So be it,” Saumitri ascended his car and went speedily towards Rāma’s abode. Having beheld Lakshmana’s departure, the warder humbly went to Bharata and having blessed him with folded hands said: — “The King wishes to see thee.” Hearing of the command of Rāma from the warder, the highly powerful Bharata at once got up from his seat and proceeded on foot. Seeing Bharata’s departure the warder speedily went to Shatrughna and with folded hands said: — “Do thou come, O foremost Raghus, the King wisheth to behold thee.” Hearing the words of the warder Shatrughna lowered his head and rising up speedily proceeded to Rāma. Thereupon returning, the warder, with folded hands, communicated unto Rāma, the arrivals of his brothers. So long Rāma was engaged poorly in anxious meditation with his crown bent downwards. Informed of the princes’ arrival he commanded the warder, “Do thou soon bring the princes here. My life depends upon them. They are my dearest life.” Having obtained Rāma’s command, the princes, clothed in white raiment, entered there, with folded palms and quiescent mind. Having entered there they saw that Rāma’s countenance was shorn of beauty like unto the moon possessed by Rāhu, the setting sun and the withered lotus and his eyes were full of tears. Having approached him quickly, and saluted his feet they anxiously sat there. Thereupon having wiped off his tears and embraced them with his arms he raised up the princes and pressed them to take their seats. Thereupon he said— “You are mine all; you constitute my life; O princes, I am governing the kingdom gained by you; you are all learned, pious and intelligent. Do ye follow the duties I point out.” Rāma, the descendant of Kākustha having said this, they, with anxiety and attention, awaited the orders of the king.