In the Valmiki Ramayana, King Dasharatha dies of grief after Rama goes into exile. Bharata, the son who is to be king, is away at his uncle’s house. Messengers are sent to bring him home. They are told: “After going there, do not tell him that Rama has gone to exile or that his father is dead.” This is verse 68.8 of the Ayodhya Kanda.