Then Sumantra delivered to them the king’s message and with humble submission persuaded Ýr¶ RŒma to ascend the chariot. Having mounted the chariot S¶tŒ and the two brothers set out on their journey mentally bowing their head to AyodhyŒ. Finding AyodhyŒ masterless with the departure of Ýr¶ RŒma all those who had assembled there followed in their wake with an agitated mind. Ýr¶ RŒma remonstrated in many ways, an ocean of compassion that He was; and the crowd turned homewards. But dragged by the affection they bore for Him they came back and joined the party once more. AyodhyŒ presented a most dismal appearance as though it were the dark night of final dissolution of the universe. The men and women of the city looked like ghastly creatures and were frightened to see one another. Their houses appeared like so many crematories, their retainers like ghosts, and their sons, relations and friends like messengers of death. Trees and creepers in the gardens withered, while streams and ponds repelled the eyes. (1—4)