Again and again the king implored the minister, ‘Tell me of my most beloved sons, and hasten, my friend, to contrive some way to bring Rama, Lakshmana and Sita before my eyes.’

Plucking up courage, the minister gently replied, ‘Your Majesty is learned and wise; you are a man of valour, a mighty warrior, O sovereign lord, and chief among the steadfast, and have ever been devoted to the company of holy men

Birth and death, all painful and pleasurable experiences, loss and gain, union with those we love and separation from them – all these, my lord, are governed by the laws of time and destiny and are as unalterable as the sequence of night and day.

Fools rejoice in prosperity and mourn in adversity, but men of unswerving courage account both alike. Consider the matter with discreet wisdom and take courage, O benefactor of all, and cease sorrowing!

Their first halt was by the Tamasa, their second on the bank of the celestial river (Ganga), where the two heroes stayed with Sita after bathing and drinking of its water.

Guha the boatsman showed them great hospitality and the party spent that night at Singraur (Shringaverapura); at daybreak they sent for the milk of the banyan and the two brothers coiled up their matted hair into a crown.

Then Rama’s friend (Guha) called for a boat, and after putting Sita on board, Raghunatha himself embarked. Lakshmana then set his bow and arrows neatly in their proper place and with the Lord’s permission also went on board.