- escorts him to the forest and let him bather in the Ganga, and then speedily bring the two brothers home again. Setting at rest all their doubts and scruples, do bring Lakshmana, Rama and Sita back."

That is what the king said, sire; but now I will do whatever my lord bids me, I swear it.’ Having thus supplicated, Sumantra fell at Rama’s feet and wept like a child.

Of your grace, dear master,’ he went on, ‘so act that Ayodhya be not left without a master.’ Rama raised the minister and thus exhorted him: ‘Friend, you have examined all the principles of dharma.

Shivi, Dadhichi and king Harishchandra endured countless afflictions for duty’s sake; the wise kings Rantideva and Bali kept their faith through many trials.

And, as the Agamas, Vedas and Puranas declare, there is no duty equal to truth. This duty I have been able to fulfil without putting myself to any trouble; and to abandon it would mean disgrace in all the three spheres.

Disgrace to a man of honour causes anguish as terrible as a myriad deaths. What more shall I say to you, my friend? I only incur sin even by answering you again

Clasp my father’s feet and with myriads of the humblest salutations and folded hands beg of him not to distress himself in any way on my account