After the monkeys had completed their mission, Angada, wise in speech and foremost among them, addressed his companions. He said, “I suspect Rama has already received news of our success, O leaders of the monkey troops. This one announces it with joy; that is how I know. Now that our task is accomplished, it is not fitting for us to remain here any longer, O subduers of foes. Having drunk honey as they wished, these mighty forest-dwellers—what remains but to return to Sugriva, the monkey king?” Angada continued, “As all the foremost monkeys gather and tell me, so I shall act in what must be done; I am dependent on you. Though I am the crown prince, I am not able to command you; it is not proper for you, who have accomplished your task, to be forcibly reproached.” Hearing these excellent words spoken by Angada, the monkeys were gladdened in their hearts and replied, “Who, O king, being a true lord and bull among monkeys, would speak thus? For, intoxicated by the pride of power, everyone thinks, ‘I alone am everything.’ But your speech is truly fitting for you, and for no one else; your humility reveals your worthiness for future good fortune.” They declared, “We too are all ready to go where Sugriva, the imperishable lord of the monkey heroes, is. Without your command, O best of monkeys, none of us could move even a step anywhere; we speak this truth to you.” As they spoke thus, Angada replied, “Well then, let us go,” and the mighty ones leapt up into the sky. All those monkey chiefs sprang up together, making the sky seem emptied, as if stones had been flung by a machine. Placing Angada at the front and Hanuman among them, the swift vanaras suddenly soared into the air, roaring with a mighty sound like clouds driven by the wind. When Angada arrived, Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, spoke to Rama, who was lotus-eyed and distressed with grief, “Take heart, good fortune to you; the Lady has been seen, without doubt. It would not be possible for them to return here, having exceeded the time limit, O auspicious one; and from Angada’s joy I know the Lady with auspicious appearance has been found. The mighty-armed Angada, foremost among the vanaras and prince, would not have come to me if the task had failed. If their mission had not succeeded, their approach would be like this: with downcast faces, minds confused and dejected. This Madhuvana, protected by my ancestors and forefathers, would not have been destroyed by them without having seen Janaka’s daughter.” Sugriva continued, “Kausalya’s noble son, Rama, take heart, O steadfast one; the Lady has been seen, there is no doubt, and by none other than Hanuman. For there is no other cause for the accomplishment of this task than Hanuman; in Hanuman are success and the highest intelligence. Where Jambavan is leader, Angada is lord of the monkeys, and Hanuman is the chief, there are resolve, courage, and established wisdom. Where Hanuman presides, there can be no other outcome; do not be troubled with anxiety now, O one of measured valor. When these forest-dwellers, proud and exuberant, come together, such a return would not be possible if their task were unaccomplished. From the destruction of the grove and the eating of the honey, I know; then, a clamor, a rattling sound, was heard nearby in the sky. Of the forest-dwelling monkeys, exultant in Hanuman’s deed, roaring as they approached Kishkindha, as if announcing their success.” Hearing the roar of the monkeys, the best among them, with long, uplifted tails, became confident in heart. The monkeys arrived, desiring to see Rama, placing Angada at the front and Hanuman among them. These heroes, led by Angada, joyful and filled with gladness, descended near the monkey king and also near Raghava. Then Hanuman, mighty-armed, bowed his head and reported to Rama that the goddess was unharmed and steadfast. Hearing Hanuman’s words, “The goddess has been seen,” which were as pleasing as nectar, Rama, together with Lakshmana, was filled with joy. Lakshmana, certain of the truth, looked with great affection and respect at Sugriva and the son of the Wind. And Rama, destroyer of enemy heroes, filled with supreme joy and great esteem, looked upon Hanuman. Now begins the sixty-fifth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Sundara Kāṇḍa. The monkeys, having gone to Mount Prasravana and the beautiful forest, bowed their heads to Rama and mighty Lakshmana. Placing Sugriva, the prince, at the forefront and offering him respect, they began to report the news of Sita. They told of her confinement in Ravana’s inner chambers, the threats from the demonesses, her devotion to Rama, and her observance of vows. Having recounted all this before Rama, the monkeys, upon hearing that Vaidehi was unharmed, awaited Rama’s further words. Rama then spoke: “Where does the goddess Sita dwell, and how does she fare with regard to me? Tell me everything concerning Vaidehi, O monkeys.” Hearing Rama’s words in his presence, the monkeys urged Hanuman, who knew all of Sita’s circumstances, to speak.