Lakṣmaṇa, steadfast and resolute, spoke with great warmth about Sītā: “She is more than capable of caring for herself, for my mother, and for those like me—she is a woman of remarkable resolve.” Turning to Rāma, he pleaded, “Let me be your companion. There is nothing unrighteous in this; I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also be accomplished.” He promised his devotion, saying, “With my bow strung and slung, and 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.” Hearing these heartfelt words, Rāma was deeply pleased and replied with affection, “Go, O Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” Then, Rāma spoke of the two divine bows—fierce in appearance—which the great Varuṇa had given to their father at King Janaka’s great sacrifice, as well as the impenetrable armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two golden swords shining like the sun. Having taken leave of his friends, and with his mind made up to live in the forest, Lakṣmaṇa approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvāku dynasty and respectfully took up those excellent weapons. Soon after, Saumitri displayed all these divine arms to Rāma, each honored and adorned with garlands. Rāma, composed and loving, welcomed Lakṣmaṇa: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa.” Rāma then expressed his wish: “I desire to give all my wealth, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But first, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, but not before honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Lakṣmaṇa, understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, quickly went to the residence of Suyajña. Entering the fire-chamber, he bowed to the Brāhmaṇa and said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After Suyajña completed his twilight worship, he accompanied Lakṣmaṇa to the splendid and prosperous house of Rāma. There, Rāma honored Suyajña with armlets of gold, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, bangles, and many other jewels. At Sītā’s gentle urging, Rāma spoke to Suyajña, “Kind one, please have a necklace and a golden chain taken to your wife; Sītā, my companion, wishes to give her a girdle as well. My companion also gives, for your wife who is going to the forest, splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. Vaidehī wishes you to set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. And 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 accepted these gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear brother: “Saumitri, honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas, inviting them with jewels as crops are with water. Satisfy them with a thousand cows, with gold and silver, with gems and great wealth. And the teacher of the Taittirīyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attends upon Kausalyā with blessings—give him a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments, as much as he desires. The charioteer Citraratha, the honored counselor who has long served—satisfy him as well with costly jewels, garments, and wealth.” Rāma continued, “With all the herds and a thousand cows, and those many Kaṭhaka reciters and staff-bearing youths here—since they are always engaged in their daily recitation, doing little else, fond of comfort yet respected by the great—provide for them. Give eighty vehicles filled with jewels, two hundred fine oxen, and a thousand measures of rice. For their maintenance, provide a thousand cows. A great assembly of girdled women has come to Kausalyā; give each of them a thousand, Saumitri, so that my mother Kausalyā may rejoice in her offering. Honor all those twice-born ones completely, Lakṣmaṇa.” Lakṣmaṇa, best of men, carried out Rāma’s instructions, giving the wealth to the foremost Brāhmaṇas like the god of wealth himself. He then spoke to the dependents, his voice choked with tears, having given them much wealth and ensuring each had their livelihood. “Let the house of Lakṣmaṇa and this house of mine not be empty for each one until my return,” he said to all those who were distressed. Finally, he instructed the treasurer, “Bring my wealth,” thus ensuring that all were honored and provided for before their departure.