But if a man contrives to speak fair words to one’s face and harms one behind one’s back, a man who harbours crookedness in his soul and whose mind is as tortuous as the movements of snake, then, brother, it is worthwhile to forsake such a fair-weather friend.

A stupid servant, a niggardly monarch, an adulterous wife and a false friend-these four are painful like a pike. Rely on me, my friend, and grieve no more, for I shall serve your cause in every way possible.’

‘Listen, Raghubira,’ said Sugriva; ‘Bali is very strong and is exceedingly resolute in battle.’ He then showed him Dundubhi’s bones and the seven palm-trees, but Raghunatha without an effort razed them to the ground.

At this exhibition of immeasurable strength, Sugriva’s affection for him grew all the more and he was now confident that he would slay Bali. Again and again he bowed his head before his feet and was delighted at heart, knowing him to be the Lord.

Then, when the light of wisdom had thus dawned on him. He said, ‘By your favour, Lord, my mind is set at rest. Renouncing pleasure, prosperity, kins-folk, personal glory and all, I will do you service;

- for all these are insuperable hindrances to devotion to Rama (yourself), so declare the saints given to the worship of your feet. ‘The dualities of friend and foe, joy and sorrow, are effects of delusion in the world, not eternal realities.

Bali is my greatest friend, O Rama, for it is by his favour that I have met you, the redresser of sorrow. (Now that I know the truth.) I cannot even dream of fighting with him; if I do, I will feel ashamed of it on waking and coming to my senses. (I will be ashamed of the illusion of fighting with such a benefactor by whose favour I have met you.)