Consider, then, how much more worthy of love and respect is one who is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in affection, righteous, and as dear as mother and father themselves. Such is Rāma—his conduct toward Kausalyā is matched by his behavior toward all the royal women of the household. Even to those women whom the king may have seen but once, Rāma, ever devoted to righteousness, shows the respect due to a mother, casting aside all pride. As I, Sītā, came to this lonely and fearsome forest, the wise counsel my mother-in-law gave me remained firmly in my heart. Likewise, the words my own mother spoke to me long ago, as she gave my hand in marriage before the sacred fire, have stayed with me always. Your words, O righteous one, have renewed all of this within me; for a woman, there is no greater austerity than devoted service to her husband. By such service, Sāvitrī is honored in heaven; and you too have attained heaven through your steadfastness to your husband. Among all women, she is foremost—a goddess in the celestial realms; just as Rohiṇī is never seen apart from the Moon, even for a moment. In this way, the best of women, firm in their vows to their husbands, are honored in the world of the gods by the merit of their own deeds. Hearing my words, Anasūyā was delighted. She embraced me, placing her hands upon my head, and spoke words that gladdened my heart. “Through various disciplines I have attained great ascetic power, O Sītā of pure smile. Relying on that strength, I wish to bless you. Your words are fitting and pleasing, Maithilī. I am delighted—tell me, what worthy thing shall I do for you?” Hearing her offer, I, Sītā, gently astonished and endowed with ascetic virtue, replied, “It is done.” Thus addressed, the righteous Anasūyā became even more pleased and said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish.” She brought forth divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointment, and precious unguents, saying, “O Vaidehī, these gifts I bestow upon you will adorn your limbs. They are pure, fitting, and will remain so always. Anointed with this divine ointment, O daughter of Janaka, you will shine before your husband as Lakṣmī shines beside the imperishable Viṣṇu.” I, Maithilī, accepted the garments, ointment, ornaments, and garlands—an unsurpassed gift of affection. Having received these tokens of love, I stood before the ascetic lady with joined palms, reverently attending upon her. As I sat thus in attendance, Anasūyā, steadfast in her vows, began to question me, choosing a pleasing topic. “O Sītā, I have heard the story that you were won by this illustrious Rāghava in a svayaṃvara. Maithilī, I wish to hear that story in detail; please recount it to me fully, just as you experienced it.” Thus addressed, I began: “Listen, O righteous one. The valiant ruler of Mithilā, named Janaka, was devoted to righteousness and governed the land according to the kṣatriya’s code and justice. As he was ploughing a field with his own hands, it is said that I, the king’s daughter, arose, breaking through the earth. Seeing me, covered in dust and intent on scattering clods, King Janaka was astonished. Though he was childless, out of affection he lifted me onto his lap, saying, ‘This is my daughter,’ and poured his love upon me. Then a voice was heard from the sky, not human, declaring, ‘So it is, O King; by righteousness, she is your daughter.’ My father, the righteous ruler of Mithilā, was overjoyed and, having gained me, attained great prosperity. I was given to that noble elder goddess who performs virtuous deeds; by her affection and maternal friendship, I was honored and cherished. When I reached the age suitable for marriage, my father, troubled by loss of wealth and other hardships, fell into anxiety. In this world, the father of a maiden, whether she is equal or inferior, suffers dishonor—even if he is as mighty as Indra—if she is not properly married. Seeing that dishonor approaching, the king, overwhelmed by worry, could find no way out, like a swimmer unable to reach the shore. Knowing that I was not born from a woman, my father, after much consideration, did not find a suitable and fitting husband for me among the rulers. Constantly pondering, the wise king resolved, ‘I will arrange a self-choice ceremony for my daughter.’ At his great sacrifice, mighty Varuṇa gladly gave him a splendid bow and inexhaustible quivers. That bow, due to its weight, could not be moved by men, even with effort; the assembled kings were unable to bend it, not even in their dreams. Having received that bow, my father, ever truthful, declared before the gathered kings, ‘Whoever, raising this bow, strings it, shall have my daughter as his wife—there is no doubt.’ Seeing that excellent bow, massive as a mountain, the kings, after paying their respects, departed, unable to lift it.