This advice, friendly and kind and tender and judicious as it was, was not pleasing to Sita to hear; in the same way as the chakwi is distressed by the rays of the autumn moon.
She was, however, too modest to reply; but Kaikeyi on hearing them started up in excitement and, bringing a box of anchorites' dresses and ornaments, placed it before her and said in whispered tones: “Raghu-bir, you are dearer than life to the king; he cannot rid himself of his too great kindness and love, and will never tell you to go, though he forfeit his virtue, his honour and his hope of heaven. Think of this and act as seems to you good.” Rama was glad to hear his mother's suggestion, but her words pierced the king like arrows: “Will my miserable life never leave me?” In his distress he fainted outright, and no one knew what to do. But Rama quickly assumed the hermit's dress and bowing his head to his father and mother went forth.
She was, however, too modest to reply; but Kaikeyi on hearing them started up in excitement and, bringing a box of anchorites' dresses and ornaments, placed it before her and said in whispered tones: “Raghu-bir, you are dearer than life to the king; he cannot rid himself of his too great kindness and love, and will never tell you to go, though he forfeit his virtue, his honour and his hope of heaven. Think of this and act as seems to you good.” Rama was glad to hear his mother's suggestion, but her words pierced the king like arrows: “Will my miserable life never leave me?” In his distress he fainted outright, and no one knew what to do. But Rama quickly assumed the hermit's dress and bowing his head to his father and mother went forth.