My body is tamasic (i.e., under the spell of the mode of ignorance and covered by darkness) and I know no means of realizing God, nor does my heart cherish any devotion to the Lord’s feet; but now, O Hanuman, I am confident that the Lord has been gracious to me, for without Hari’s favour there is no meeting with the saintly.

It is only because Raghunatha has been kind to me that you of your own accord have revealed yourself to me.’ Listen, Vibhishana,’ said Hanuman, ‘the Lord is ever affectionate to his servants, for such is his wont.

Tell me, what superior birth can I claim, a frivolous monkey, of no merit whatever? Why, anyone who mentions our name in the early morning is sure to go fasting the rest of the day!

So utterly wretched am I! But listen, friend, even to me has Rama shown favour!’ And his eyes filled with tears as he recalled the Lord’s virtues.

‘Most unblessed must they be who knowingly wander in pursuit of sense gratification, oblivious of his mercies!’ Thus recounting Rama’s infinite excellences, he felt an ineffable calm.

Then Vibhishana gave him a detailed account of the sort of life Janaka’s daughter was living there. Thereupon Hanuman said, ‘Listen, brother, I would fain see my mother, Janaki.’

When Vibhishana explained to him how he might succeed, Hanuman bade him farewell and proceeded on his errand. Assuming the same tiny shape as he had taken before, he repaired to the ashoka grove, where Sita dwelt.