Rama, seeing Sita overwhelmed and nearly senseless with grief, drew her close in his embrace. With gentle words, he sought to comfort her, saying, “Dearest, even the heavens themselves hold no allure for me if they are touched by your sorrow. Like the self-born creator, I am unafraid, but without knowing your every wish, O auspicious one, I have no desire to dwell in the forest, even though I have the strength to protect you there. “You were created to be with me, Maithili, even in the forest. My affection for you is as inseparable as my love for my own self. It cannot be abandoned. O daughter of Janaka, I would never have chosen the forest life if not for my father’s command, which is upheld by truth and righteousness. “This is the path of dharma, beloved: obedience to one’s father and mother. If I were to disregard their wishes, I could not bear to live. How can anyone honor destiny, which is beyond our control, by neglecting those who are within our reach—our mother, father, and teacher? Where these three are honored, O woman of auspicious eyes, that place is as pure as the three worlds themselves. 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, can equal the power of service to one’s father. Heaven, wealth, grain, knowledge, children, and happiness—nothing is unattainable by serving one’s teacher with devotion. The great souls who honor their mother and father attain the worlds of the gods, Gandharvas, cows, and even the realm of Brahma. “My father, steadfast in truth and righteousness, has commanded me, and I wish to act as he instructs, for this is the eternal law. My mind is firmly resolved, O Sita, to lead you to the Dandaka forest; so be assured, follow me, and dwell there with me. “O flawless-limbed one with enchanting eyes, you have been destined for the forest. Come with me, O gentle one, and be my companion in righteousness. In every way, Sita, your resolve is worthy—both for me and for your own noble lineage. Your decision fills me with admiration. “Prepare now, O woman of auspicious hips, for the tasks suited to life in the forest. Even the highest heaven would not please me without you by my side. Give our jewels to the Brahmins, and food to the mendicants. Grant to all who ask, and be swift—do not delay. “All the precious ornaments, the fine garments, and whatever delightful things we have for play—beds, vehicles, and all my other possessions—give them to our servants, after giving to the Brahmins first.” Hearing her husband’s words and knowing of his imminent departure, Sita, joyful and eager, began at once to distribute gifts. Delighted and her heart fulfilled, the illustrious and noble-minded Sita gave away wealth and jewels with generosity and grace. Thus concludes the thirty-first chapter in the Ayodhyākāṇḍa of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. At that moment, Lakshmana, having listened to this conversation, arrived. His face was streaked with tears, unable to bear his sorrow. Pressing Rama’s feet firmly, the delight of the Raghu lineage addressed both Sita and Rama, the great vow-holder. “If you are resolved to go to the forest, filled with deer and elephants, then I will go before you, carrying my bow. Joined by me, you will wander through delightful groves, resounding with flocks of birds and herds of wild animals. I do not seek the realm of the gods, nor immortality, nor the sovereignty of worlds—nothing, if it means being apart from you. “Thus have I spoken, resolved to dwell in the forest. Though you, Rama, try gently to restrain me with many words, I must speak again. Since you already permitted me before, why now do you restrain me? For what reason is this prohibition placed, when I so wish to go? Please tell me, O blameless one, for I am uncertain.” Then Rama, mighty and steadfast, spoke to Lakshmana, who stood before him with joined palms, seeking his command. “Affectionate, devoted to righteousness, steadfast, always established in virtue, dear as life, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you, Saumitri, come with me today to the forest, who will care for Kausalya or the illustrious Sumitra? The mighty king, who showers boons upon the earth like a raincloud, is now bound by the fetters of desire. With the kingdom now in Kaikeyi’s hands, the co-wives, sorrowful, will find no happiness. “Bharata, established in the kingdom with Kaikeyi, will not support Kausalya or the deeply distressed Sumitra. Saumitri, you must support that noble lady yourself, either by your own strength or by the king’s favor. Fulfill this duty for Kausalya, as spoken. In this way, your devotion to me will be clearly shown, as will 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 addressed by Rama in gentle words, Lakshmana, skilled in speech and wise in reply, prepared to answer his beloved brother.