Having taken leave of the sage’s son and informing him of their vows, the women, mindful of his father’s sternness, departed as they had been instructed. Once they had gone, the sage’s son—descended from Kashyapa—was left troubled at heart. Distressed and restless, he wandered about, pondering all that had transpired. The following day, this valiant son of Vibhāṇḍaka, radiant in his ascetic splendor, returned to that place, his mind turning over recent events. There, he again beheld those charming women, beautifully adorned and foremost among their kind. At the sight of the approaching sage, their hearts were filled with joy. They drew near to him and addressed him gently, inviting him: “Noble one, come to our hermitage.” They spoke of the many wondrous roots and fruits to be found there, and assured him that in this place a special destiny awaited him. Hearing their heartfelt words, the sage’s son resolved to go with them, and so the women led him away. As the great-souled sage was being brought there, the gods themselves caused rain to fall, delighting the world with its blessing. With the rain, the ascetic sage arrived at his destination, where the king himself came out to meet him, bowing his head in reverence to the earth. According him proper hospitality, the king offered water and sought the sage’s favor, hoping to avoid any displeasure. Welcoming him into the inner chambers, the king, with a tranquil mind and according to custom, gave him his daughter Śāntā in marriage. Thus, joy came to the king. Thereafter, the great and radiant Ṛṣyaśṛṅga dwelled there, honored in every way, together with his wife Śāntā. Now listen, O king, as the next section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, unfolds. Once again, hear my beneficial words, as spoken by that wise and foremost deity. In the lineage of Ikṣvāku, there will be a highly righteous king named Daśaratha, renowned for his truthfulness. This king will befriend the king of Aṅga, who has a most fortunate daughter named Śāntā. The son of the king of Aṅga is Romapāda; it is to him that the illustrious Daśaratha will go. Romapāda, lamenting his childlessness, will say, “O righteous one, let Śāntā’s husband perform the sacrifice for me, as you have advised, for the sake of progeny and the continuation of our lineage.” Hearing these words and reflecting, Daśaratha will agree to send Śāntā’s husband, who is blessed with a son and self-possession. Having received the sage, the king, now relieved of his anxieties, will joyfully undertake the sacrifice with all his heart. Desiring fame, King Daśaratha, with joined palms, will choose Ṛṣyaśṛṅga, the best of Brahmins and knower of righteousness. For the sake of sacrifice, progeny, and heaven, the lord of men will attain his desired goal from this foremost Brahmin. To him there will be born four sons of immeasurable valor, who will establish the lineage and be renowned among all beings. Therefore, O tiger among men, you must personally go with proper honor, O great king, accompanied by your army and vehicles. Hearing Sumantra’s counsel, Daśaratha was delighted. He took advice from Vasiṣṭha and listened to his charioteer’s speech. With his inner court and ministers, he set out to where the Brahmin resided, passing slowly through forests and crossing rivers. Arriving at the place where the eminent sage was, Daśaratha approached the best of Brahmins, who was close to Romapāda. The king saw the sage’s son, blazing with the radiance of fire, and honored him appropriately. Because of the friendship between the two kings, Romapāda, with great joy, explained everything to the wise sage’s son. He honored him with the bonds of friendship and kinship. Thus, having been well received, Daśaratha stayed there. After seven or eight days, Daśaratha spoke to Romapāda: “O lord of men, your daughter Śāntā is here with her husband. Let her go to my city, for a great task is at hand.” The king agreed and promised the wise one that they would depart. He spoke to the Brahmin, “Go with your wife.” The sage’s son, having given his promise, replied to the king, “So be it.” Permitted by the king, he departed with his wife; both, out of affection, joined their palms and embraced one another. Daśaratha and the mighty Romapāda rejoiced. Having taken leave of his friend, the descendant of Raghu set out. He sent swift messengers among the citizens, commanding, “Let the entire city be quickly and splendidly adorned.” The city was perfumed, sprinkled, and cleaned, decked with flags; and the delighted citizens, hearing the king’s return, rejoiced. They did everything as the king had ordered. Then, the king entered the beautifully decorated city. With the blaring of conches and drums, they led the foremost of Brahmins at the front, and all the citizens, seeing the Brahmin, were filled with great delight. Honored by the king, who acted with the might of Indra, the sage was brought in as Kasyapa is brought in by thousand-eyed Indra in heaven.