Dasaratha had previously ordered Sumantra to summon his queens and all his wives; who now surround the king when Sumantra brings the exiles in to make their farewells. Dasaratha tries to persuade Rama not to go to the forest; even to rise up in rebellion and set him aside; but Rama replies that he has been commanded by Kaikeyi to go into exile and he must obey her and his father's commands for the king to remain true to himself. Fourteen years are as nothing; he will return to embrace his father once again. Kaikeyi is reprimanded harshly by Sumantra; but she refuses to change her mind. Unable to speak through grief; Dasaratha tenderly embraces the three children; taking them on his lap; surrounded by his three chief queens and his other wives. Sumantra then bitterly reproaches Kaikeyi for her actions.Udaipur; c. 1653.From: Ramayana.Add. 15296 (1); f. 50London; British Library.