Chapter IX: Section X

Hearing Vaidehi's words spoken through high regard (for her husbands Rama with his energy enhanced, answered Janaka's daughter, saying, "O noble lady, thou hast spoken mild words fraught with worth and profit; and, O Janaka's daughter versed in virtue, thou hast expounded the duties of Kshatriyas. What, O exalted one, shall I say? Thou hast thyself by thy words (furnished an answer to what thou hadst said). Kshatriyas wear bows in order that the word 'distressed' may not exist (on earth). O Sita, those ascetics of severe vows that are beset with perils in Dandaka, having personally come unto me, who am their refuge, have sought protection at my hands. Always dwelling in the forest, subsisting on fruits and roots, they on account of Rakshasas of cruel deeds, do not, O timid one, attain ease. These ascetics are devoured by terrible Rakshasas) living on human flesh. Being eaten up (by the Rakshasas), the anchorites living in the forest of Dandaka--those best of the twice-born ones-- said unto us--'Be thou gracious unto us.' Hearing those words of theirs which fell from their lips, I, resolving to act in accordance with their request, said,--'Be ye propitious.' This is surpassing shame unto me that such Vipras who themselves are worthy of being sought, seek me. What shall I do? I said this in the presence of those twice-born ones. Thereat all those that had come, said, 'We have been, O Rama, immensely harassed in the forest of Dandaka by Rakshasas wearing shapes at will. Do thou deliver us. These irrepressible Rakshasas living on human flesh vanquish us at the time of _Homa_, and on the occasions of Parvas, O sinless one. Of the saints and ascetics afflicted by the Rakshasas, who are on the search for their refuge, thou art our best refuge. We can by virtue of the energy of our asceticism easily destroy the rangers of the night; but we are loath to lose our asceticism earned in a long time. O Raghava, our austerities are constantly disturbed, and we can hardly perform them. Therefore, although sore afflicted and devoured by the Rakshasas dwelling in the forest of Dandaka, we do not cast our curse on them. Thou along with thy brother art our protector: thou art our master in this forest.' Having heard these words, I promised my perfect protection unto the saints in the forest of Dandaka, O daughter of Janaka. Having promised, I living cannot violate my vow concerning the ascetics; verily truth is ever dear unto me. I had rather renounce my life, or thee, O Sita, along with Lakshmana,--but by no means my promise made, especially unto Brahmanas. O Videha's daughter, the protection of the saints is incumbent on me even without any representation,--and what (shall I say) when I have promised the same? Thou hast spoken this unto me through affection and friendship. I have been well pleased with thee, O Sita. One doth not instruct another that one doth not bear affection to. O beauteous damsel, (what thou hast said) is worthy of both thy love and thy race. " Having said these words unto Mithila's princess, the beloved Sita, the high-souled Rama, equipped with bows, along with Lakshmana, directed his steps towards the inviting woods of asceticism.