Sita’s face, pale and radiant like the full moon, her wide eyes red and dry from ceaseless weeping, resembled a lotus deprived of water. Seeing her thus, Rama gently drew her into his embrace, holding her as she trembled with grief, and began to speak words of comfort. “O lady,” Rama said softly, “even the pleasures of heaven hold no joy for me if they come with sorrow. I am unafraid, steadfast as the self-born creator himself. Without knowing your every wish, auspicious one, I have no desire to dwell in the forest, even though I am capable of protecting you there. Maithili, you were created together with me for this journey into the forest; my love for you is as deep as for my own self and cannot be set aside. “Truly, O daughter of Janaka, I would not go to the forest at all if not for my father’s command, which stands firm in truth. This is righteousness, O woman of lovely hips: to obey father and mother. If I were to disregard their command, I could not bear to live. How can one honor destiny, which is beyond our control, by neglecting those who are within our reach—mother, father, and teacher? Where these three are present, O woman of auspicious eyes, there is a sanctity equal to the three worlds on earth; nothing else compares, and so they are to be revered above all. “Neither truth, nor charity, nor honor, nor even great sacrifices with abundant gifts, O Sita, are as powerful as service to one’s father. Heaven, wealth, grain, knowledge, children, and happiness—nothing is unattainable through devoted service to one’s teacher. Great souls who are devoted to their mother and father attain the realms of the gods, the Gandharvas, the blessed cows, and even reach Brahma’s world. “As my father, firm in truth and righteousness, has commanded me, so I will act; for this is the eternal law. My mind is resolved, O Sita, to lead you to the Dandaka forest; so come, and dwell there with me. You have been destined, flawless-limbed one with intoxicating eyes, for life in the forest. Follow me, O gentle one, and be my companion in righteousness. “In every way, Sita, your resolve is fitting for me and for your noble lineage; your decision, beautiful one, is most admirable. Begin, O woman of auspicious hips, the duties suited for forest life; now, Sita, even heaven does not please me without you by my side. Give your jewels to the Brahmins, food to the mendicants; grant to those who ask, and do so without delay. All your precious ornaments, fine garments, and whatever delightful things you possess—beds, vehicles, and all my other belongings—give them to our servants, after first giving to the Brahmins.” Hearing her husband’s words and knowing of his imminent departure, Sita, joyful and eager, promptly began to give away gifts. Delighted and with her heart fulfilled, the illustrious lady, the noble-minded Sita among the righteous, began to distribute wealth and jewels as instructed. At this point, Lakshmana, having overheard their conversation, arrived with his face wet with tears, unable to contain his sorrow. Pressing his brother’s feet firmly, the delight of the Raghu lineage spoke with deep emotion to both Sita and Rama, the great vow-holder. “If you have resolved to go to the forest filled with deer and elephants, I will go before you, carrying my bow. With me by your side, you will wander through the delightful forests, alive with flocks of birds and herds of wild animals. I do not seek to ascend to the realm of the gods, nor do I desire immortality or the sovereignty of worlds without you.” Thus spoke Saumitri, his heart set on dwelling in the forest. Though Rama tried to restrain him with gentle words, Lakshmana spoke again: “Since you had already permitted me before, why now do you restrain me? For what reason am I forbidden to go, when it is my wish? I wish to know, for I am uncertain, O blameless one.” Then the mighty Rama addressed Lakshmana, who stood before him with joined palms, steadfast and seeking guidance. “Affectionate, devoted to righteousness, always steadfast in virtue, dear as my own life, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you, Saumitri, come with me to the forest today, who will serve Kausalya or the illustrious Sumitra? The mighty king, who showers desires upon the earth like a cloud, is now bound by the fetters of desire. When the daughter of the horse-lord gains the kingdom, she will not bring happiness to the sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, upon attaining the kingdom and established with Kaikeyi, will not support Kausalya or the deeply distressed Sumitra. “Saumitri, remain here and support our noble mother yourself, or by the king’s favor; fulfill this duty for Kausalya. In this way, your devotion to me will be clearly shown, along with your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring our elders, who know dharma. Do this, Saumitri, for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage; let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Thus, with hearts united in love and duty, the noble family prepared for the journey and the sacrifices it demanded, each upholding the path of righteousness according to their roles.