Emblazoned with Rama’s weapons, the mansion was beautiful beyond words. The monkey chief rejoiced to see clusters of fresh tulasi plants there.

'Lanka is the abode of a gang of demons; how comes the home of a pious man here?’ while the monkey chief was thus reasoning within himself, Vibhishana (Ravana’s youngest brother) awoke.

He began to repeat Rama’s name in prayer, and Hanuman was overjoyed to recognize a true believer. ‘I shall make acquaintance with him at all events,’ he thought, ‘for one’s cause would never suffer at the hands of a good man.’

Having thus resolved, he took the form of a Brahman and accosted Vibhishana. As soon as he heard Hanuman’s words, he arose and came to him. Making obeisance, he asked after his well-being and said, ‘Tel me all about yourself, O Brahman.

Are you one of Hari’s own servants? For the sight of you has filled my heart with exceeding affection for you. Or are you Rama himself, a loving friend of the poor, come to make me greatly blessed?’

Then Hanuman told him his own name and Rama’s whole history, and while he listened they both thrilled with joy and lost themselves in the recollection of Rama’s infinite vitrues.

‘Listen, O Son of the Wind,’ said Vibhishana, ‘I live here like the wretched tongue between the teeth. Will the Lord of the Solar race, my friend, ever have mercy on me as on one who is unprotected?