‘Lord,’ said Sugriva, ‘there is nothing so intoxicating as the objects of enjoyment, which in an instant infatuate the soul of a sage.’ Lakshmana was pleased with his humble apology and reassured him in many ways.

Then the Son of the Wind, Hanuman, told him all that had been done and how a multitude of envoys had been despatched.

Accompanied by Angad and the other monkeys and placing Rama’s younger brother at the head, Sugriva joyfully set out and came to Raghunatha.

Sugriva bowed his head at Rama’s feet and cried, cupping his hands in reverence, ‘Lord, it has been no fault of mine. Exceedingly powerful, O Lord, is your illusive power, which withdraws itself only when you, O Rama, show mercy.

Gods, men and sages, master, are all slaves of their senses, and I am but a wretched animal, a monkey, the most libidinous of animals. He who is not transfixed by the shaft of a woman’s eye, he who remains wakeful through the dark night of fierce passion,

- and who lets not his neck be encircled by the noose of covetousness is your equal, O Raghunatha! It is a virtue not attainable by personal endeavour; it is only by your grace that a few acquire it.’

Then with a smile, Raghunatha spoke to Sugriva, ‘You are, brother, as dear to me as Bharata! Now then, with all your heart endeavour to get tidings of Sita.’