Having listened to the entire account—every event, every righteous and meaningful deed, all that was beneficial—the sage, his mind intent, sought to know in detail what befell that wise and noble one. After purifying himself with sacred water, he stood with folded hands upon a seat of darbha grass, its tips facing east, and invoked the story, seeking to discern its course according to dharma. With the clarity and strength that comes from righteousness, the sage observed all—every smile, every word, every movement and action—thoroughly and properly. He examined, too, whatever befell Rama, that steadfast soul, true to his word, as he wandered the forests with his wife and brother. Then, established in the discipline of yoga, the sage, pure of heart, perceived all that had happened in ages past as clearly as one sees a fruit resting in the palm of the hand. Having truly seen all with the eye of discernment, his great mind became intent on composing the whole delightful story of Rama. This tale, endowed with the qualities of desire, wealth, and virtue, and expanding with the virtues of righteousness and purpose, was as enchanting to all who heard it as the ocean, ever-rich with gems. As the great sage Narada had once narrated, so now the revered sage composed the story of the Raghu dynasty. He told of Rama’s birth, his great valor, his universal favor and belovedness among the people, his patience, his gentleness, and his unwavering truthfulness. He recounted marvelous tales: Rama’s aid to Vishvamitra, the marriage of Janaki, and the breaking of the mighty bow. He described the dispute with Parashurama, the virtues of King Dasharatha, Rama’s intended consecration, and the wickedness of Kaikeyi. He narrated the obstruction of Rama’s consecration, his exile, the king’s deep grief and lamentation, and at last, the king’s passing from this world. The sorrow of the people was told, their dismissal, the conversation with the chief of the Nishadas, and the turning back of the charioteer. He spoke of the crossing of the Ganga, the meeting with sage Bharadvaja, the permission granted, and the first sight of Chitrakuta. He described the building of the forest dwelling, Bharata’s arrival, Bharata’s entreaties to Rama, and the water-offering for their departed father. He told of the consecration of Rama’s sandals, their residence at Nandigrama, the journey to the Dandaka forest, and the slaying of the demon Viradha. The meeting with Sharabhanga, the encounter with Sutikshna, the story of Anasuya, and her fragrant ointment—all these he recounted. He described the meeting with Agastya, the receiving of the bow, the encounter with Shurpanakha and her disfigurement. He told of the slaying of Khara and Trishiras, the rising of Ravana, the killing of Maricha, and the abduction of Vaidehi, Sita. He described Rama’s lamentation, the death of the king of vultures, the encounter with Kabandha, and the sight of the sacred Pampa lake. The meeting with Shabari, subsisting on fruits and roots, the lamentation at Pampa, and the meeting with Hanuman—all these were woven into the tale. He narrated the journey to Rishyamuka, the meeting with Sugriva, the forging of trust and friendship, and the conflict between Vali and Sugriva. He spoke of Vali’s defeat, Sugriva’s restoration, Tara’s lament, the agreement made, and the dwelling through the rainy season. He described Rama’s anger, the gathering of the armies, their dispatch in all directions, and the search for Sita upon the earth. He told of the giving of the ring, the sight of the bear’s cave, the resolve to fast unto death, and the meeting with Sampati. He narrated the ascent of the mountain, the leaping over the ocean, the words of the ocean, and the sight of Mainaka. He described the threatening of the demoness, the encounter with the shadow-grasper, the destruction of Simhika, and the sight of Lanka and the Malaya mountains. He told of the entry into Lanka at night, Hanuman’s solitary reflection, his going to the drinking ground, and the sight of the guarded enclosure. He recounted the sight of Ravana, the sight of the Pushpaka chariot, the entering of the Ashoka grove, and the first glimpse of Sita. He described the giving of the token of recognition, Hanuman’s speech with Sita, the threats of the demonesses, and Trijata’s prophetic dream. He told of the giving of the jewel to Sita, the breaking of the tree, the flight of the demonesses, and the destruction of the Kinkaras. He described the capture of Hanuman, his roaring as Lanka was set ablaze, his return journey, and the taking of honey. He narrated the consoling of Rama, the handing over of the jewel, the meeting with the ocean, and the building of Nala’s bridge. He told of the crossing of the ocean, the siege of Lanka at night, the alliance with Vibhishana, and the offering of means for Ravana’s destruction. He described the destruction of Kumbhakarna, the defeat of Meghanada, the annihilation of Ravana, and the recovery of Sita in the city by the sea. He told of the consecration of Vibhishana, the sight of the Pushpaka chariot, the journey to Ayodhya, and the meeting with Bharadvaja. He narrated the sending of Hanuman, the meeting with Bharata, the auspicious occasion of Rama’s own consecration, the dismissal of the armies, the delight of his kingdom, and the sending away of Vaidehi. And whatever else concerning Rama was yet to come upon the earth, the venerable sage Valmiki composed in the later portion of his poem. Thus concludes the third section, and this is the fourth sarga in the Bālakāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa.