Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/431

Rh Although, sire, my faults are many, yet a servant cannot anyhow be above his master. All created things are first fettered by your delusive power and then again set free by your grace. Therefore I make my cry to Raghubír, and know no other saving mode of prayer. As a servant has confidence in his master, or a child in its mother, so all dwell secure under the protection of the Lord." So saying, he fell in much agitation at his feet, and the love that filled his soul shewed itself in every part of his body. Then Raghupati raised him up and took him to his bosom, while his own eyes were flooded with tears of joy. "Hearken, O monkey; do not account yourself vile; you are second to Lakshman only in my affection; every one says that I have no respect of persons; any servant is beloved of me, and has a rank in heaven second to none.

For he, Hanumún, is second to none who never wavers in this faith, that he is the servant of the Lord God who is manifested in creation."

When the Son of the Wind (i.e., Hanumán) saw his lord so gracious, he rejoiced at heart, and every anxiety was at an end. "The king of the monkeys, sire, lives on this rock, Sugríva by name, a servant of yours. In return for his submission you should make friends with him and set his mind at rest. He will have Síta tracked; for he will despatch millions of monkeys in every direction." In this manner he told them all the particulars and took them both with him and gave them stools to sit upon. When he saw Ráma, he thought it a great blessing to have been born. He reverentially advanced to meet him and bowed his head at his feet; and Raghunáth and his brother returned his courtesy. The monkey's mind was occupied with this thought, 'If God would only give me such allies!'

Hanumán then explained the circumstances of both sides: holy fire was made a witness, and a firm alliance concluded.

When the alliance had been concluded, nothing was kept in reserve; Ráma and Lakshman told all their adventures. Sugríva's eyes were full of tears as he replied—"The daughter of the king of Mithilá will be recovered. One day when I was sitting here with my ministers deep in thought, I saw some one flying through the air, with a woman in his power, who was weeping piteously and