“Let world-wide disrepute be my lot and let my good name perish; I would fain be damned to perdition and forgo heaven (the abode of immortals). Subject me to all severe hardships; but let not RŒma be screened from my view.” The king thus prayed within his heart but did not open his lips; his mind quivered like an aspen leaf. Perceiving that His father was overpowered with affection, and apprehending that mother Kaikey¶ might utter something again, the Lord of Raghus (Ýr¶ RŒma) spoke after due deliberation words which were not only humble but also suited to the place, time and circumstances. “Dear father, I make bold to submit something; pray forgive this impropriety on my part knowing that I am yet tender of age. You have suffered for a most trifling matter; and the pity of it is that nobody apprized me of it before. When I saw you I asked mother Kaikey¶, and was consoled to hear what she has told me.” (1—4)