Chapter LXXX: Section V

Having departed from Rishyamuka, and arrived at the Malaya hill, Hanuman informed the king of monkeys of (the arrival of) the descendants of Raghu. "O exceedingly wise one, this one that hath come here is Rama having truth for his prowess. This is Rama having truth for his prowess, in company with his brother, Lakshmana. Rama the son of Dacaratha, is born in the race of the Ikshwakus. Ever doing the will of his sire, he has been sent hither, in order that his father's verity may stand in tact. Rama, who hath come to the forest, is the son of him who hath propitiated Fire with _Rajasuyas_ and horse sacrifices,--dispensing Dakshinas and kine by hundreds and thousands--and who hath governed the earth by asceticism and truthful speech. His son Rama hath come to the forest through a woman. While that high-souled one having his senses under control was dwelling in the woods, his wife was carried off by Ravana; and he (Rama) hath (in consequence) sought thy protection. Do thou, granting an interview unto the brothers Rama and Lakshmana--both of them worthy of homage-- who are eager for thy friendship, receive them respectfully." Hearing Hanuman's words, Sugriva--lord of monkeys, becoming visible (at his will), gladly spake unto Raghava, "Sir, you are versed in morality, and bear love towards all. The son of the wind-god hath faithfully described your virtues unto me. That you, O lord, are anxious to contract friendship with me who am a monkey does me honor and is my gain. If you relish friendship with me, do you take this stretched arm and my hand with yours,--and bind yourself fast with a vow." Hearing these sweet words of Sugriva, (Rama) exceedingly delighted, pressed Sugriva's hand with his. And contracting friendship with Sugriva, Rama experiencing great joy embraced him warmly. Then that subduer of foes, Hanuman, leaving off the guise of a beggar, in his native shape produced a fire with two pieces of wood. Then worshipping that flaming fire with flowers, he, well pleased, carefully placed it between them (Rama and Sugriva.) Then Sugriva and Raghava went round the fire; and (thus) they were fastened in friendship. And with delighted hearts, both of them--the monkey and Raghava began to gaze at each other, yet they did not feel satiated. "Thou art the friend of my heart. Our happiness and misery are common,"--Sugriva, rejoicing greatly, said these words unto Raghava. Then spreading a beautifully blossoming spray of Sala, full of foliage, Sugriva made an awning and sat down with Raghava. Hanuman, the son of the wind-god with great joy gave unto Lakshmana a bough of a sandal tree, plentifully blossoming. Next Sugriva, feeling high rapture, with his eyes expanded with joy, answered Rama blandly in sweet words, saying, "Oppressed have I been, O Rama; and here am always afflicted with fear. Deprived of my wife, I have, agitated with apprehension, sought refuge in this dense wilderness. I am afflicted with fright, and worried by fear, with my senses bewildered in this wood. Wronged have I been by Vali, my brother; and I have incurred his hostility, O Raghava. And, O exalted one, do thou dispell the fear of me, who am tormented with fear on account of Vali. And, O Kakutstha, it behoves thee so to act that I may not become subject to fear." Thus addressed, the powerful Kakutstha, knowing righteousness, and devoted to virtue, answered Sugriva, smiling, "O mighty monkey, that the outcome of amity is good offices I am well aware of. I will slay that captor of thy wife Vali. These infallible sharpened shafts of mine, resembling the sun, feathered with the plumes of the Kanka, like unto the thunderbolt of the great Indra, having sharp heads and even knots, like infuriated serpents,--being let go with vehemence, shall alight upon the impious Vali. Do thou today behold Vali slain with sharpened shafts, resembling venomous snakes,--like unto a torn hill lying on the ground." Hearing those words of Raghava fraught with his welfare, Sugriva supremely rejoiced, said these words, informed with rapture, "Thou hero! Thou lion among men! by thy grace shall I obtain both my beloved and my monarchy. O God among men, do thou so deal with that foe, my elder brother, that he may not again wrong me." The left eyes of Sita, the lord of apes, and night rangers,--respectively like the lotus, gold, and flaming fire, throbbed when the friendship between Rama and Sugriva was contracted.