Dasaratha in delusion 2.12.1-6

Fettered by the cords of truth, Dasaratha passes through terrific agony. He asks himself: Is it a daydream or a delusion or a misapprehension? Is it because I cannot realize in real world what I saw in my dream-world? Is it because of mental distraction? Or, have I lost control over my mind under the influence of a potential evil planet? Or, is it because of an oppressive misfortune caused by mental and physical ailment? Or, is it because of deep sleep I am in?”

Dasaratha extols Rama 2.12.26-33

“Rama wins over people by truth, the poor by charity, the elders by obedient service, brahmins by gifts, his foe with his bow. Truthfulness, charity, self-control, selflessness, goodwill, purity, straightforwardness, learning and service to elders – these are veritable virtues of Rama. O Kaikeyi, what asylum is there for me other than Rama? He is a storehouse of forgiveness, saintliness, self-denial, piety, gratitude as well as kindliness towards all living beings. O dainty one, you ought to show mercy to an old and afflicted man whose life is coming to a close. I join my palms before you. O my beloved, I touch your feet. Lift me from this bottomless ocean of grief.

Kaikeyi rebuffs Dasaratha’s offers 2.12.37-46

“When, on earth, a convention consisting of royal sages question you on the two boons, O King of righteous reputation, what reply will you make? Will you admit without shame that you have broken your promise to one by whose grace you survive?” [It is to taunt him that she addresses him as ‘Righteous One’!]

Dasaratha accuses Kaikeyi 2.12.52-66

“If you wish to do some favour to your husband, to the people and to Bharata, desist from your obstinacy. Do not think I am given to sermons without propriety.”
“O sinful lady, without Rama, Bharata will not live in Ayodhya – much less rule over it – for I consider Bharata stronger in virtue than Rama. Enough is enough. Do not try to pull me any more. There are two options left now. The first one is allowing the four brothers to share the kingship. Second, consecrating Bharata as crown prince and permitting Rama to stay with his old father. Do not ask me to banish him to the forest.
“Again, how shall I bear to see my proposed installation of Rama approved by my well-wishers now foiled like an army annihilated by the forces of foes? I will thus become a laughing-stock before the many kings and citizens who have come from far and near to witness the auspicious consecration of Rama tomorrow. Will they not say, how this immature scion of the Ikshvaku family so long ruled Ayodhya with his infirm mind? When eminent kings and sober citizens inquire as to why the consecration of my eldest son, Rama was halted and if they ask me where Rama was, can I tell them that the prince has been banished under the instruction of my wife Kaikeyi? Will they believe my words?Will they not ask me, ‘Why then did you promise you would coronate Rama on the morrow and failed to keep it?’ They will condem the whole Ikshvaku race. The truth will be taken as untruth and the kings as well as the citizens will trust my words no longer”.

Dasaratha extols the virtues of Kausalya 2.12.67-70

“What answer can I give to Kausalya when Rama proceeds to the forest? When she wants to know what offence Rama or she did to me to deserve this exilement, what reply will I give? If I admit, you prevailed on me to take such a decision, she will shout back as to where my commonsense had gone.
“Kausalya has served me like a maidservant in providing basic amenities. By tendering timely advice, she has acted as an intimate well-wisher. As a life partner she has assisted me in my performance of sacred and religious duties. Like a mother, she has taken care of me by giving me food, and drink. Like a sister, she has helped in my yogic meditation. On top of all, she has given me Rama, my pet son. Yet I never treated her properly just because it might displease you.”

Dasaratha predicts the consequences 2.12.74-78; 83-94

“To Sita and to me, life’s end has come. As a widow you will carry on the administration with your son as the undisputed king. I see in you a killer of her own husband.
“Kausalya, bereft of me and Rama, will follow me into death. Lakshmana is sure to follow Rama into the woods. The other son Satrughna has gone with Bharata to the maternal uncle’s kingdom. So without me and without her sons, Sumitra will die. Thus you will alone take care of the Ikshvaku race. If Bharata favours Rama’s banishment, I declare him my enemy and not my son. So he should not participate in my obsequies.
“O lady whose son will be king of Ayodhya (this is a taunt) through my ill-luck, I will be damned a sinner for bringing you into my palace.”

Dasaratha's agony over his helpless state 2.12.79-83

If I just tell Rama, ‘Proceed to the forest’, he will say, ‘Here, I go’, as he is wedded to righteousness. He is not like Rohita who went away with a bow and arrows into forest to avoid getting sacrificed by their fathers as per the promise made to Varuna. The reference here is to the story in Aitereya Brahamana (33–2).