1-4) Thereafter, King Dasaratha addressed the assembly with words both amiable and delightful, his voice resounding like the deep note of a kettledrum. The emperor, who was marked with the characteristics of kings, addressed the princes and potentates in a great voice that resembled the thundering of a cloud and was saturated with spiritual sentiment, saying, "It is well known that my glorious realm was protected by my predecessors as if it were their son.
5) It is my desire that this kingdom, which is under the dominion of the descendants of Ikshvaku, be bestown with the highest good and the resultant happiness of the entire world.
6) Following the path of virtuous conduct established by my forebears, I have protected my subjects tirelessly and with whatever energy I was able.
7) In striving for the good of the world I have worn this body out in the shade of a white umbrella.
8) I have lived a life of many thousands of years, and I long to give rest to this aged body.
9) I have borne the burden of exercising regal power with controlled senses, and I am exhausted by the heavy yoke of righteous government.
10) If the assembled brahmanas, who are like unto bulls, will consent, then I wish to retire, having first made my son responsible for the care of my subjects.
11) "My eldest son, the valorous Rama, has inherited all my virtues; He is the equal of Indra in might and the subduer of the cities of His foes.
12) In the morning, when the moon traverses Pushya, I shall appoint my son, Rama, who is the supreme support of religion, as successor to the throne.
13) He is a fit protector for us, who is the master of the Goddess of Fortune, and the elder brother of Lakshmana. The three worlds would be better governed with Him as their master.
14) In endowing the earth with this great good� the bestowal of kingship upon my son� I shall become free of anxiety.
15) If my well-considered proposal is fitting, then consent to it, sirs, else tell me what I should do instead.
16) This would give me great joy, yet if there be some alternative to my proposition, then let it be considered, for an unbiased opinion arises from the conflict of opposing views."
17) So saying, the emperor was applauded by the delighted kings, and they voiced their happiness like peacocks crying out to a great rain cloud.
18) There arose an affectionate uproar as the multitude clamoured joyfully. They all simultaneously proclaimed their delight, and the resultant tumult seemed to shake the earth.
19-20) Fully comprehending the mood of the elderly king, and knowing him to be fully conversant with matters both sacred and secular, the brahmanas, military chiefs and the various citizens and foreigners who were gathered there came to a unanimous conclusion within their minds, and they counselled King Dasaratha as follows:
21) "You have prospered for many thousands of years, O Emperor, now you should anoint Lord Rama heir apparent!
22) We desire to behold the mighty-armed Raghava mounted upon a great elephant under the shade of a white umbrella."
23-24) Hearing their declaration, the sovereign then questioned them to ascertain that which was dear to their hearts� as if he were unaware of it� saying, "O kings, I have heard you desire my Raghava to be your master, but I have an apprehension I should like you to dispel.
25) How is it that, despite my governing the world according to religious principles, you wish to see the mighty Ramachandra coronated in my stead?"
26) The citizens and foreigners replied to the great soul, saying, "Your son, O king, possesses many delightful characteristics.
27) Hearken, as we declare the endearing and transporting qualities possessed by the godly Rama, O lord!
28) Sri Rama is of unfailing prowess, He is the equal of Indra in point of divine characteristics, and He undoubtedly surpasses all the descendants of Ikshvaku.
29) Rama is the transcendental Personality of Godhead, He is the one truthful person in the world and is devoted to truth. Religion and opulence directly proceed from Rama.
30) He is as delightful to the people as the moon, He is as forbearing as the earth, He is as wise as Brihaspati, and as courageous as Indra.
31) He knows the tenets of religion, He associates with the faithful [at all times], He is virtuous and non-envious. He is powerful, He comforts the distressed, He is gentle, He remembers any service rendered Him, and He has subdued senses.
32) Lord Raghava is gentle, He is never capricious, He is beautiful, He is free of spite, His speech is delightful, and He is the most truthful of all beings.
33) He honours the learned scholars of the Veda, the elderly and the brahmanas, and consequently His earthly fame, glory, and power ever increase.
34) "Lord Rama is skilled in the employment of the weapons of demigods, demons and men. He has concluded His study of the various branches of spiritual knowledge under the vow of brahmacharya, and He is fully conversant with the supplementary Vedic literature�s.
35) Lord Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, has become the greatest exponent of the musical arts in the world. He is the auspicious crest-jewel of His family, He is amiable, He is noble and He has a mighty intellect.
36-37) He has been trained by the best and most expert brahmanas in the matter of religion and political economics. Whenever He marches with a military force in the company of Lord Lakshmana for the protection of some village or city, He is always victorious, and returns home by chariot or elephant.
38 41) He always enquires after the well-being of the citizens as if they were His kinsmen, or as if He were their father and they His sons. He asks after their children, their wives, their servants and disciples, all in due order and with full attention. He always asks, 'Are your disciples eager to hear their lessons?' and 'Is there someone dressed in armour for your protection?' �He is always compassionate to suffering mankind, and He ever takes a fatherly delight in their joys. He speaks nothing but the truth, He is a great archer, He is submissive to the aged, and He has His senses in rein.
42) "He always smiles before He speaks, and He has resorted to righteousness with His whole being. He ever does that which is beneficial to all, and He eschews rancorous talk.
43) He is expert in the matter of argument and counter-argument, and vies with Brihaspati as an orator. His brow is enchanting, His eyes are large and reddish, and verily, He is Vishnu Himself.
44) Lord Rama delights the world with His heroism, chivalry and power. Although He engages in the protection of the citizens, His senses are never seduced by passion.
45) He is capable of governing the entire universe, what to speak of this earth. Neither His wrath nor the bestowal of His grace are purposeless.
46) He slays those the scriptures ordain to die, but He is never angered by those who do not deserve death. With great happiness Lord Rama bestows riches upon whoever He pleases.
47) "Lord Rama shines with the brilliance of the sun's rays by dint of His patience, His dearness to your subjects, the love He engenders in men, and His dazzling spiritual attributes.
48) Ramachandra is endowed with all possible virtues, and His valour is unfailing. He is the equal of the presiding deities of the planets, and the earth desires to have Him as her master.
49) By good fortune, your child, Lord Raghava, is able to bestow the ultimate beatitude upon His servants and, by the grace of God, He is endowed, like Mareecha and Kasyapa, with all the virtues of a good son.
50-51) "Every citizen of the state and capital, as well as foreigners dwelling in their respective habitations, offer fervent prayers to demigods, demons, men and serpents in the hope of obtaining strength, salubrity, and longevity for their beloved Rama.
52) Morning and evening, every woman who has fixed her mind upon Lord Rama, be she aged or youthful, worships the Devas on His behalf. O king, may their prayers be answered by your grace!
53) We wish to see your son, Ramachandra, the issue of an emperor, who is complexioned like a dark blue-green lotus, and who vanquishes all His foes, installed as heir apparent.
54) For the weal of the world, and for us all, you should anoint Him, who is the noble and worshippable Lord of lords, with expedition, O bestower of boons!"