quick as thought, understood all his words, and went hither and thither
ever engaged in fomenting quarrels.'"

SECTION CCLXXV

"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me in detail
the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to learn the cause
of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the sons of
Dasaratha--the brothers Rama and Lakshmana--went to the forest with
famous princess of Mithila.'

"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the old and
assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when these sons
were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and they became
conversant with the Vedas together with all their mysteries, and with
the science of arms. And when after having gone through the Brahmacharya
vows the princes were married, king Dasaratha became happy and highly
pleased. And the intelligent Rama, the eldest of them all, became the
favourite of his father, and greatly pleased the people with his
charming ways. And then, O Bharata, the wise king, considering himself
old in years took counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual
adviser for installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those
great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,--that
enhancer of Kausalya's delight--possessed of eyes that were red, and
arms that were sinewy. And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.
And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair. And he
was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra
himself in battle. And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to
Vrihaspati in wisdom. An object of love with all the people, he was
skilled in every science. And with senses under complete control, his
very enemies were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked
and the protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son--that
enhancer of Kausalya's joy--king Dasaratha became highly pleased. And
reflecting on Rama's virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully
addressed the family priest, saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This
night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious
conjunction. Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also