single file, finally arrived at
Citra-kuta, where they joined a colony of hermits and built a rustic
booth, where they dwelt happily for some time. One day the rumor of a
coming host roused their curiosity, and Lakshman, descrying a long
procession from the top of a high tree, excitedly warned Rama that his
brother was probably coming to annihilate them.

Rama, who always ascribes good motives to every one, now declares it
is impossible this should be true, and feels sure his brother is
coming for some affectionate purpose. Greeting Bharata kindly,
therefore, he soon discovers his previsions are correct, for the young
prince, after announcing his father's death, implores Rama to return
and reign over Oude. Not only does he protest he will never supplant
his senior, but reviles his mother for having compelled her husband to
drive Rama into exile.

Although all present unite in his entreaties, Rama, too virtuous to
break a promise, decides to remain in the forest the allotted fourteen
years and resume his regal state only at the end of that time. He adds
that during his banishment he will live in such a fashion that his
exile will prove a blessing to his people.

"Many a blessing yet will spring
From banished Rama's wanderings."

This decided, Rama urges his brother to act meanwhile as vice-regent;
whereupon Bharata, taking Rama's golden sandals, proclaims they alone
shall occupy the throne beneath the royal umbrella, although he
consents to rule in his brother's name. This settled, the gorgeous
procession slowly wends its way back to Oude, where for fourteen years
every one does homage to Rama's golden sandals!

Meantime life in the hermitage continues its peaceful course, the
royal ascetics being disturbed only by the demons (Rakshasas) who
haunt the forest and try to injure the hermits, simply because they
are good. Sita is perfectly happy in this humble home because she
enjoys the constant presence of her husband, who, taking her one day
to visit an aged female ascetic, implores this woman to bestow a boon
upon his faithful spouse. The old woman then and there endowed Sita
with eternal youth and beauty, declaring that no matter what hardships
she encounters, she will always be as dainty and young as at present.

One of the female demons finally becomes so anxious to win Rama's
love, that she disguises herself as a beautiful creature in hopes of
fascinating him. Angry because all her efforts fail, she next