Having overheard the conversation between Rāma and Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa arrived before them, his face streaked with tears, unable to bear the sorrow that weighed upon his heart. He pressed Rāma’s feet firmly in reverence, and then, the delight of the Raghu lineage, addressed both the illustrious Sītā and Rāghava, the great vow-holder. “If you have resolved to journey into the forest, filled with deer and elephants,” Lakṣmaṇa said, “I will go before you, carrying my bow. With me by your side, you will wander through the delightful woods, alive with the calls of birds and the movement of wild creatures. I do not desire the realm of the gods, nor immortality, nor even the sovereignty of worlds, if it means being apart from you.” Thus, Saumitri—already resolute in his intention to dwell in the forest—spoke, even as Rāma tried gently to dissuade him. Lakṣmaṇa persisted, “You had already permitted me before. Why now do you restrain me? Why forbid me, who only wishes to accompany you? O blameless one, I am uncertain—tell me the reason for this prohibition.” Then the mighty Rāma replied to Lakṣmaṇa, who stood before him with joined palms, steadfast and eager. “Affectionate, devoted to dharma, firm in virtue, dear as life, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you, Saumitri, come with me today into the forest, who will care for Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? The mighty king, who showers desires upon the earth like a raincloud, is himself bound by the fetters of desire. Kaikeyī, having gained the kingdom, will bring no happiness to the sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, established in power with Kaikeyī, will not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Saumitri, support that noble lady yourself, by the king’s favor if you must; fulfill your duty to Kausalyā as spoken. In doing so, your devotion to me will shine forth, as will your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring our elders who know dharma. Do this for my sake, O joy of the Raghu line—let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Hearing Rāma’s gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa—skilled in speech and wise in reply—answered, “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this I have no doubt. But if, having gained the kingdom, Bharata should not rule justly, and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, then I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-hearted one—there is no doubt—and all those who side with him, even if they are the three worlds themselves. Kausalyā could care for a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with their dependents. She is fully capable of providing for herself, for my mother, and for those like me—she is a woman of great resolve. Make me your companion; there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished. With my bow strung and slung, a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead of you, clearing the path. I will always gather roots and fruits and other forest fare suitable for ascetics. You and Vaidehī shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will serve you in all things, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by these words, replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of your friends.” Then, those two divine bows—fierce in appearance—which the great-souled Varuṇa himself had given to King Janaka at his great sacrifice, along with impenetrable divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun and adorned with gold, were brought forth. Lakṣmaṇa, having taken leave of his friends and resolved upon forest life, approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvāku dynasty and took up these excellent weapons. He displayed them to Rāma, all adorned with garlands and full of honor. Rāma, self-controlled, spoke affectionately to Lakṣmaṇa, “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished. I desire to give all my wealth, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, with you by my side. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But you, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, Lakṣmaṇa quickly went to the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to that Brāhmaṇa, who was engaged in his fire-rites, Lakṣmaṇa said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.