Pardon our incivility, madam, and be not offended by our rude manners, for we are but countrywomen. These two young princes of native charm, from whom emerald and gold have borrowed their green and yellow lustre,

- the one dark and the other fair, but both of tender age, very handsome and homes of beauty, with faces resembling the autumn moon, and eyes like the lotuses of autumn moon, and eyes like the lotuses of autumn,

- that would put to shame a myriad Loves, tell us, O fair lady, how stand they to you?’ On hearing their pleasant and loving words, Sita was embarrassed and smiled to herself.

Looking first at them and then at the earth, she felt confused – the fair-complexioned lady – with a double abashment. With a voice sweet as the notes of the cuckoo, the fawn-eyed princess bashfully replied in loving, sweet tones:

‘The fair youth, so artless and graceful, is called Lakshmana, my husband’s younger brother.’ Then veiling her moon-like face with the border of her robe, she looked at her beloved lord and then bending her eyebrows,

- and casting a sidelong glance like a pretty wagtail, she indicated to them by sings that he was her lord. All the village women were as delighted as beggars who have plundered a hoard of riches.

With the utmost devotion they fell at Sita’s feet and invoked upon her every blessing and said, ‘May your wedded happiness endure as long as the earth rests on the serpent’s head!