He for whose absence you grieve night and day, ever repeating the roll of his virtues, the glory of the house of Raghu, the delight of the faithful and the deliverer of gods and sages, has arrived in safety.

Having conquered the foe in battle, with the gods to hymn his glory, the Lord is now on his way to the city with Sita and Lakshmana.’ On hearing these words Bharata forgot all his sorrows, like a thirsty man who finds (a stream of) nectar.

Who are you, friend,’ he said, ‘and where have you come from? Most welcome are the tidings you have brought me!’ ‘Listen, O fountain of mercy,’ he replied, ‘I am Son of the Wind, a monkey, and my name is Hanuman.

I am a humble servant of Rama, the befriender of the humble.’ Thereupon Bharata arose and reverently embraced him. The affection with which he embraced him was too great for his heart to contain; his eyes streamed with tears and he trembled with emotion.

‘Hanuman,’ said Bharata, ‘at the sight of you all my sorrows are gone, for today I have met in you my beloved Rama!’ Again and again he inquired after Rama’s well-being and said, ‘Listen, brother, brother; what shall I give you (in return for this happy news)?

After taking thought, I find no tidings in the world to math those you have brought. Friend, I am ever in your debt. Pray tell me now of the Lord’s adventures.’

Then Hanuman bowed his head at Bharata’s feet and told him the whole tale of Raghupati’s great doings. ‘Tell me, Hanuman,’ said Bharata, ‘does the gracious Lord Rama ever remember me as his servant?’