Read the passage from The Rámáyan of Válmíki. But when Kaikeyí, youngest queen,
With eyes of envious hate had seen
The solemn pomp and regal state
Prepared the prince to consecrate,
She bade the hapless king bestow
Two gifts he promised long ago,
That Ráma to the woods should flee,
And that her child the heir should be.

What is the most likely reason the author uses the word hapless to describe the king?

It has a negative connotation, which suggests that the king is weak.
It has a positive connotation, which endears the king to readers.
It has a neutral connotation, which helps the king remain mysterious.
It has a neutral connotation, which helps compare the king to his wives.