When you go your way on foot, it seems to us that the science of astrology (which tells us that men possessing such and such features should always be borne on some vehicle) is no true science. The road is difficult, with big mountains and dense forests; moreover, you have with you a delicate lady.

Elephants and lions make the forest too terrible to look at. We are ready to accompany you, if it be your will; we will escort you as far as you are going, and will then bow our heads to you and return.’

Thus did they offer their services, overmastered as they were by love; a thrill ran through their bodies and tears came to their eyes; but the all-merciful Lord gently and courteously sent them away

The towns and villages that lay on the road were the envy of the cities of the serpents ad the gods. The deities presiding over these towns said to one another: ‘By what blessed men and at what auspicious hour were these hamlets and villages founded? They are so lucky, meritorious and of such exquisite beauty!'

Even Amaravati (the Paradise of Indra) would not compare with the spots the feet of Rama trod. The dwellers on the wayside were all embodiments of virtue; they evoked the praise of the denizens of heaven,

- inasmuch as they feasted their eyes on Rama, dark of hue as a storm-cloud, together with Sita and Lakshmana. The lakes and streams in which Rama bathed were the envy of the lakes and rivers of the gods.

The tree in the shade of which the Lord rested was glorified by the tree of Paradise; and when earth touched the dust of Rama’s lotus feet, she deemed herself most blessed.