Page:Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists.djvu/56

 without victorious return. He is beloved of all. Indeed, the Earth desires him for her Lord."

Then the king summoned Vas̄hishtha, Vāmadeva, and other of the Brāhmans, and charged them to make ready for Rāma's installation. Orders were given for the purveyance of gold and silver and gems and ritual vessels, grains and honey and clarified butter, cloth as yet unworn, weapons, cars, elephants, a bull with gilded horns, a tiger-skin, a sceptre and umbrella, and heaped-up rice and curds and milk for the feeding of hundreds and thousands. Flags were hoisted, the roads were watered, garlands hung on every door; knights were notified to be present in their mail, and dancers and singers to hold themselves in readiness. Then Dasharatha sent for Rāma, that long-armed hero, like the moon in beauty, and gladdening the eyes of all men. Rāma passed through the assembly, like a moon in the clear starry autumn sky, and bending low worshipped his father's feet. Dasharatha lifted him and set him on a seat prepared for him, golden and begemmed, where he seemed like an image or reflection of his father on the throne. Then the aged king spoke to Rāma of what had been decided, and announced that he should be installed as heir- apparent. And he added wise counsel in these words:

"Though thou art virtuous by nature, I would advise thee out of love and for thy good: Practise yet greater gentleness and restraint of sense; avoid all lust and anger; maintain thy arsenal and treasury; personally and by means of others make thyself well acquainted with the affairs of state; administer justice freely to all, that the people may rejoice. Gird thee, my son, and under take thy task."

Then friends of Kaushalyā, Rāma's mother, told her all that had been done, and received gold and kine and gems

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