“Then in the dusk I heard the sound of gurgling water;
  Quickly I took my bow, and, aiming toward the sound, shot off the dart. 
  A cry of mortal agony came from the spot,—­a human voice
  Was heard, and a poor hermit’s son fell pierced and bleeding in
          the stream.”

Before dying this lad implored his slayer to hasten back to the hermitage with water, as the old people were longing for a drink.  On hearing footsteps, the blind parents peevishly reproached their son for tarrying, and, when the unfortunate murderer tried to explain what had occurred, cursed him vehemently, declaring he would some day experience the loss of a son.  It was, therefore, in fulfilment of this curse that the old rajah died thirteen days after Rama’s departure.

Meantime the banished prince, riding in one of his father’s chariots, had reached the junction of the Jumna and Ganges, where he spent the first night of his exile beneath a banyan on the banks of the sacred stream.  There he built a raft, by means of which he crossed to the other side, and from there sadly watched his faithful subjects wending homeward.  Then he plunged into the forest, arranging that Sita should always tread its narrow paths between him and his brother, to make sure no harm befall her.

The Indian poet now favors us with a wonderful description of the tropical forest, with its huge trees, brilliant flowers, strange birds and monkeys, all of which gives the reader a vivid impression of the color, beauty, perfume, and luxuriance of the tropics.

  On rocky heights beside the way
  And lofty trees with blossoms gay;
  And streamlets running fair and fast,
  The royal youths and Sita passed.

The exiles, wandering thus in 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.