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F all cities in ancient Hindustan, few, if any, bore a prouder name than Ayodhya, the capital of the fair and fertile land of Kosala. Many miles it stretched in both length and breadth; its streets were broad and well laid out, its groves and gardens many and beautiful, its houses and palaces handsome and spacious. For all the multitude of its inhabitants, there was never dearth of any sort of food. Ayodhya's walls were strong, its army numerous and valiant, and many were its Brahman priests, famed for learning and liberality.

Over this goodly kingdom ruled Dasaratha, sprung from the royal Solar race. The justice of his rule was well seen in the prosperity of his subjects and in the general absence of sorrow and crime. The various castes devoted themselves faithfully to their proper duties, and all were obedient to the Brahmans, chief of whom was the great sage Vasishtha, the king's family priest. The king had three wives, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra; but his virtues seemed fated to die with him, for, alas! he had no son to succeed him. 43