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On Bharata having returned, while Rama was dwelling in the woods, -he noticed ‘affright among ‘the ascetics, added to a desire to remove to another place. And ‘those ascetics that were living happlly in the‘ asylum in Chitrakuta, relying upon Rama (for their protection), he fourid to’be~ wrought up with ‘anxiety. And by means of sighs by the eye and contractions of the brow, they, afflicted with fear, were, alluding to Rama, slowty speaking to each other. Perceiving their anxiety, Rama apprehensive of himself, with joined hands ‘addressed the patriarchal ascetic, saying, “O reverned one, do ye find me deviating from the path of former sovereigns, or acting contraty to their practice,— which hath perplexed (the minds: of) these ascetics? Have the sages seen my younger (brother); the high-souled Lakshmama, do anything from inadvertance that is unworthy of him? Doth’

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not Sila engaged jn serving you, having to serve me, now minister unto you as a woman should?” Thereat a certain aged and decrepit ascetic, with his frame trembling, said unto Rama ever kind towards creatures, “Where is the falling-off of that ue of excellent character, engaged in offices of beneficence,—more specially with reference to ascetics ? This fear arising from Rakshisas afflicts the ascetics because of thee; and they, extremely agitated, converse with each other (on the subject). A Rakshasa named Khara, a younger brother of Ravana, hath been harassing the ascetics dwelling in Janasthina. And Dhrishta also a fearless and wicked Rakshasa feeding oa human beings,—and the unrighteous Avalipta, cannot bear thee, my child. As long, my child, as thou hast been residing in this asylum, the Rakshasas have been plaguing the ascetics. And they show themselves sometimes in disgusting shapes, sometimes in horrible and dreadful ones,—in various frightful forms capable of frightening folks. And they throw execrable and unclean things among the anchorets, and torment those that happen to come before them. And they take delight in approach. ing asylums unperceived, and slaughtering ascetics, after having bound them by means of their arms. And on the occasion of sacrifices, they throw away the vessels containing sacrificial articles, pour water on the sacrificial fire and break vessels containing water. Eager to renounce. this asylum infested by those wicked ones, and removing to another place, the sages today have been exhorting me (on the subject). And, O R&ma, ere this, those wicked ones have slain ascetics. Therefore we would renounce this asylum. Not far from here is a picturesque wood abounding in fruits and roots. Thither shall I betake myself together with my own folks. Khara shall also annoy thee. If thou think it proper, go hence in company with us. O Raghava, although thou art vigilant, able, and in all ways capable, it would be unpleasant for thee to dwell here now in doubt,”

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When the anxious ascetic had said this, Rama could not con sole him by. his words. Then having paid homage unto Rama, and spoken to him and encouraged Raghava, the patriach ascetic renouncing the asylum, went away along with his own people. And Rama having (for atime) followed the sage who was departing from that place, and having paid him respects, being permitted by them, well-pleased, and advised (as to what it behoved him to do), came to his quarters reposing there. (Thenceforth) Raghava never for a moment left that asylum forsaken by the sages.—R&ghava having such qualities in his character as were likely to stand the sages in stead, the ascetics (that remained behind) ever followed Raghava.