“The essence of a king’s duty is only this much, which lies hidden in the ÝŒstras, even as a desire is cherished in the heart (before it is expressed).” The Lord comforted His brother (Bharata) in many ways; but without some prop his mind found no consolation or rest. His regard for Bharata, on the one hand, and the presence of elders and ministers, on the other, overwhelmed tho Lord of Raghus with a mixed feeling of embarrassment and affection. The Lord at last took compassion on him and gave him His wooden sandals, which Bharata reverently placed on his head. The sandals of the all-merciful Lord were like two watchmen entrusted with, the duty of guarding the people’s life or they might be compared to a pair of caskets to enshrine the jewel of Bharata’s love or to the two syllables (constituting the word ‘RŒma’) intended for the (spiritual) practice of the human soul. Or they might be likened to a pair of doors to guard the race (of Raghu) or a pair of hands to assist in the performance of good deeds or again to a pair of eyes to show the noble path of service. Bharata was highly pleased to get this prop; he felt as happy as if S¶tŒ and Ýr¶ RŒma had agreed to stay (in AyodhyŒ). (1—4)