‘We are not worthy of such happiness,’ they all exclaimed, ‘How can we hope for such good luck?’ Thus were both the camps naturally and spontaneously devoted to Rama’s feet.

In this manner as all were expressing their hearts’ desire in terms of affection ravishing to hear, Sita’s mother (Sunayana) despatched her handmaidens to Dasharath’s queens. Perceiving that it was a convenient hour, they returned with that information.

On hearing from them that Sita’s mothers-in-law were all at leisure, the ladies of Janaka’s court called on them. Queen Kausalya welcomed them with due honour and courtesy and offered them such seats as suited the occasion.

Such were the amiability and affection shown by all on either side that even the hardest thunderbolt melted at the sight and sound. With their bodies thrilling all over and overcome by emotion and eyes full of tears all began to sorrow and scratch the ground with the nails of their toes.

They were like incarnations of love for Sita and Rama, or tearful Compassion herself mourning in so many forms. Said Sita’s mother. ‘Perverse is the judgement of God, who is using the thunderbolt as a chisel to break up the froth of milk! (Rama’s exile is the chisel of adamant, while the princes and Sita are as delicate and unblemished as the froth of milk!)

We hear of nectar but see only venom. Cruel are all God’s doings! Crows and owls and cranes are seen everywhere, but swans only in the inaccessible Manasa lake!’

Upon this, queen Sumitra said sorrowfully, ‘The ways of Providence are most perverse and strange; he creates and maintains, and then destroys! His designs are as silly as a game played by a child.’