So saying, Rama felt much embarrassed. The sage thrilled with joy on seeing his modest disposition. ‘Without you, Rama,’ he replied, ‘all amenities of life are like hell to both the royal hosts.

You, O Rama, are the soul of their soul, the life of their life, the joy of their joy. Accursed are they, my child, who desert you and prefer the pleasures of home.

Perish the pleasures, the actions and duties in which is found no devotion to Rama’s lotus feet! That yoga is abominable yoga and that wisdom unwisdom in which the love of Rama is not supreme!

Miserable are all those who are without you, but if blest, their felicity is all due to you. You know the thoughts of every heart; your will rules all and the gracious Lord knows well what the destiny of each one is.

You may return to your hermitage now.’ The lord of sages was overcome by love. Rama then made obeisance and departed, while the sage composed himself and called on Janaka.

The guru repeated to the king Rama’s naturally graceful words, which were full of amiability and affection, and added, ‘O great monarch, now do whatever will be to the advantage of all, provided it conflict not with duty.

You, O king, are a treasure-house of wisdom, prudent, pious and steadfast in upholding the cause of virtue. Who save you can at this time find a way out of this impasse?