As Lakṣmaṇa stood before him, palms joined in reverence, Rāma, mighty and resolute, spoke to his devoted brother. He described Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfastness, his unwavering commitment to righteousness, his loyalty, and his dearness—dear as life itself—his obedience, his victories, and the deep friendship that bound them. Yet Rāma’s mind was troubled by concern for their mothers. “Saumitri,” Rāma said gently, “if you come with me today into the forest, who will care for Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? Our father, the mighty king, showers desires upon the earth like a cloud, yet is himself bound by the fetters of desire. Kaikeyī, having gained the kingdom, will not bring happiness to her sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, established in the kingdom by Kaikeyī’s side, will not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Therefore, Saumitri, you must support the noble Kausalyā yourself, or by the king’s favor. Fulfill this duty for her, as spoken by me. “By doing so, your devotion to me will be clear, and your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring our elders, who know dharma, will be manifest. Do this, Saumitri, for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage—let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Rāma’s words, gentle and full of love, moved Lakṣmaṇa deeply. With skill and composure, Lakṣmaṇa replied, “O hero, by your own radiance, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this there is no doubt. But if, having obtained the kingdom, Bharata does not rule justly and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one—and all those on his side, even if they be the three worlds. “As for Kausalyā, she could support a thousand like me—she has received a thousand villages with 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, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you, and other forest foods suitable for ascetics. You, together with Vaidehī, shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by Lakṣmaṇa’s words, replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” Then he spoke of the two divine bows, fierce in appearance, which the great-souled Varuṇa had given to King Janaka at his great sacrifice; the impenetrable divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Lakṣmaṇa, having taken leave of his friends and resolved to dwell in the forest, approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus and took up those excellent weapons. He displayed all those divine weapons to Rāma, honored and adorned with garlands. Rāma, self-controlled and affectionate, spoke warmly to Lakṣmaṇa, “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all this wealth of mine, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, and all my dependents. “But you, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Lakṣmaṇa, understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, quickly went to the residence of Suyajña. Entering, he bowed to the Brāhmaṇa, who was in the fire-chamber, and said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After Suyajña had completed his twilight worship, he went with Saumitri and entered the splendid and prosperous house of Rāma. There, the descendant of Kakutstha honored Suyajña with excellent gold armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, bangles, and many other jewels. At Sītā’s urging, Rāma spoke further: “Gentle one, have a necklace and a golden chain taken to your wife; and Sītā, my companion, wishes to give her a girdle as well. Also, my companion gives you, for your wife who is going to the forest, splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. And Vaidehī wishes to have you set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. This elephant named Śatruṃjaya, which my maternal uncle gave me, I now give to you, best of Brāhmaṇas, along with a thousand gold coins.” Suyajña, thus addressed by Rāma, accepted the gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear and composed brother Saumitri, as Brahmā would address the lord of the gods.