Sugrīva, having carefully considered the situation, spoke again, his words even more auspicious than before, addressing the gathered monkeys as their foremost leader. He declared, “Whether this night-wanderer is wicked or not, who would abandon a brother who has fallen into such misfortune?” The question hung in the air, and all those present pondered the wisdom of the monkey king’s words. At that moment, Rāma, the valiant scion of the Kākutstha lineage, smiled gently and turned to Lakṣmaṇa, whose very form bore auspicious marks. “Without study of the scriptures and without having served the elders,” Rāma said, “it is not possible to speak as Sugrīva has just spoken. There is something subtler at play here, as I see it; after all, among kings there is also direct worldly experience. Enemies, those of noble lineage, and neighbors are spoken of in the treatises; in times of adversity, they are the ones who strike—thus it is that Vibhīṣaṇa has come here.” He continued, “Those who are blameless and of noble lineage always honor their well-wishers; this is the general way of kings, though even with the good, caution is necessary. As for the concern you raised about accepting the strength of an enemy, let me explain according to the treatises. We are not of his lineage, nor does this rākṣasa seek the kingdom; the wise will discern this—therefore, Vibhīṣaṇa should be accepted.” Rāma went on, “If they are united and joyful, a great sound will arise; but with mutual fear, division will occur—thus, it is wise to accept Vibhīṣaṇa. Not all brothers, dear Lakṣmaṇa, are like Bharata, nor are all sons like me, nor friends like you.” Hearing Rāma’s words, Sugrīva, together with Lakṣmaṇa, rose respectfully. Bowing, Sugrīva spoke: “Know that this night-walker has been sent by Rāvaṇa; and among those who are patient, I consider his restraint fitting. This rākṣasa has come here, instructed with deceitful intent, to strike when you trust him, and when I am unsuspecting, O faultless one.” Having said this to Rāma, Sugrīva, the lord of the monkey hosts, skilled in speech, fell silent. Rāma, having listened and considered Sugrīva’s concerns, then addressed the monkeys with even greater auspiciousness: “Whether this night-walker is wicked or not, how could he, in any subtle way, do me harm? O lord of the monkey hosts, if I wished, I could slay piśācas, dānavas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas of the earth with but the tip of my finger.” He reminded them, “It is said that even an enemy who sought refuge with a pigeon was honored according to custom and welcomed with the pigeon’s own flesh. That pigeon received the one who had taken his wife, O best of monkeys; what then of a person like me?” Rāma continued, “Hear now the verses once sung by Kaṇḍu, the son of sage Kaṇva, a supreme seer, righteous and truthful: One should not kill, even out of compassion, an enemy who has come seeking refuge, with hands joined and in distress, O scorcher of foes. Whether afflicted or arrogant, if an enemy has sought refuge with others, a person of self-control must protect him, even at the cost of his own life. If, out of fear, confusion, or desire, one does not protect with his own power as is proper, that is a sin condemned by the world. If one who has sought refuge perishes before the eyes of his protector, all the protector’s merit is lost if he fails to protect.” He concluded, “Thus, there is a great fault in not protecting those who have surrendered: it leads to loss of heaven, loss of fame, and destruction of strength and valor. I will act according to the excellent words of Kaṇḍu, which are righteous, bring fame, and, in their result, lead to heaven. To one who has surrendered even once, saying ‘I am yours,’ I grant fearlessness from all beings; this is my vow. Bring him here, O best of monkeys; I have granted him fearlessness, whether it is Vibhīṣaṇa or even Rāvaṇa himself, O Sugrīva.” Hearing Rāma’s noble words, Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, replied with warmth, “What is remarkable in this, O knower of righteousness, crest-jewel among the lords of the world, that you, steadfast in virtue and established on the path of the good, should speak nobly? My own heart also knows Vibhīṣaṇa to be pure; by inference and by his conduct, he has been thoroughly examined in every way. Therefore, let Vibhīṣaṇa, the great and wise one, swiftly become our equal, O Raghava, and let him accept our friendship.” Having heard Sugrīva’s words, Rāma, the lord of men, quickly went to meet Vibhīṣaṇa, just as Indra, king of the gods, would approach the king of birds. Now begins the nineteenth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa. When Rāma had granted him safety, Vibhīṣaṇa, the wise younger brother of Rāvaṇa, bowed and gazed at the earth. Joyful, he descended from the sky to the ground, accompanied by his faithful followers. That righteous Vibhīṣaṇa bowed low before Rāma, and together with the four rākṣasas, fell at Rāma’s feet. Then Vibhīṣaṇa spoke, his heart full: “It is right and just that I am now filled with joy; I am Rāvaṇa’s younger brother, and because of that I have been dishonored.