Rama, shining with virtue, became the most righteous among all beings, much like the self-born creator himself. Together with Sita, his beloved wife, he enjoyed many seasons, their days filled with harmony and joy. Rama’s mind was ever thoughtful, fixed upon Sita, who resided in his heart; she, dear to him, had been chosen as his wife by his father’s loving decision. Sita’s beauty and virtues caused Rama’s affection for her to deepen with each passing day. In Sita’s heart, her husband held twice the place, so profound was her love for him. Between them, nothing remained hidden; their hearts spoke openly to one another, revealing even the most secret feelings. Especially for Rama, Sita—the Maithili princess, daughter of Janaka, radiant and equal to the gods in form—shone like fortune itself. United with Sita, the noble princess, Rama, son of the royal sage, was filled with desire and joy. He glowed with happiness, radiant as Vishnu, lord of immortals, blessed by fortune. Now, listen to the first chapter. Rama remained there with his brother, honored and respected, cherished by his maternal uncle, the lord of horses, who loved him as his own son. While residing together, the two heroic brothers were freely gratified, yet their thoughts often turned to their aged father, King Dasharatha. Dasharatha, mighty in splendor, likewise remembered his sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away, and who were equal to Indra and Varuna in their greatness. All four sons, the best among men, were deeply beloved by Dasharatha, as if they were four arms sprung from his own body. Among them, Rama—radiant in splendor—was his father’s delight, the most virtuous among beings, like the self-born creator. For, at the request of the gods who desired the destruction of Ravana, the eternal Vishnu had been born in the world of men. Kausalya, blessed with such a son of immeasurable brilliance, shone like Aditi with the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rama was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty, unrivaled on earth, his virtues matching those of Dasharatha himself. He was always calm in mind, gentle in speech, and even when harsh words were spoken to him, he never responded in kind. Satisfied with a single act of kindness, he did not remember even a hundred wrongs, always considering himself. He continually conversed with virtuous elders—those advanced in character, wisdom, and age—even among those skilled in weapons. Wise and sweet-spoken, Rama spoke first, his words pleasant and powerful, yet he was never amazed by his own great strength. He never spoke untruth, was learned, honored elders, and was beloved by the people, who loved him in return. Compassionate, master of anger, honoring Brahmanas, merciful to the distressed, knowledgeable in dharma, always self-controlled and pure. With a mind befitting his noble lineage, Rama highly valued the kshatriya duty, and with great affection considered its heavenly reward. He did not delight in what was not auspicious, nor enjoy discordant speech; his words were reasoned, like a master of speech. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, handsome, knowing place and time, he was recognized as the best among men, singularly virtuous. Endowed with the highest virtues, the prince was dear to the people, like the vital breath moving outside the body. Having bathed in all disciplines and vows, knowing the Vedas and their branches properly, Rama—the elder brother of Bharata—surpassed his father in archery. Of noble birth, virtuous, untroubled, truthful and upright, he was well-trained by elders and by twice-born men who understood dharma and wealth. Knowing the essence of dharma, desire, and wealth, possessing memory and intelligence, Rama was skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct. Quiet and reserved in appearance, secret in counsel, supported by companions, his anger and joy were never wasted, and he knew the proper time for renunciation and restraint. Firm in devotion, steady in wisdom, never accepting falsehood, not harsh in speech, tireless, vigilant, and aware of his own and others’ faults. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of men, he was skilled in both restraint and favor, acting justly and wisely. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, in assigning positions and imposing discipline; he knew the means of acquiring wealth and was aware of expenditures and their proper uses. Rama had attained excellence in all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite; upholding wealth and righteousness, he pursued happiness and was never indolent. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts, and was skilled in the training and management of elephants and horses. Foremost among those who knew the science of archery, esteemed as a great chariot-warrior, Rama was adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. Invincible in battle, even to enraged gods and demons, he was free from envy, had conquered anger, and was neither arrogant nor jealous. He was not to be despised by any being, nor was he subject to the sway of time; thus, the prince, son of the king, was endowed with the highest virtues. Rama was esteemed in all three worlds for his forbearance, equal to the earth itself; in wisdom, like Brihaspati; in strength, like the lord of Shachi. With virtues beloved by all people and pleasing to his father, Rama shone forth, radiant like the sun with its rays. Such was his conduct and prowess—unconquerable, like a lord of the world—that the earth herself desired him as her protector. Seeing his son endowed with these many incomparable virtues, King Dasharatha, scorcher of foes, was filled with deep thought.