When Rāma had spoken, the great sage, renowned throughout the world, replied with words that were gentle and filled with joy. He told Rāma, “This very hermitage, O Rāma, is virtuous and delightful. It is always frequented by groups of sages and abounds with roots and fruits for sustenance. Herds of deer come to this place; they are tempted by its bounty, but they are never harmed, and so they depart without fear. Truly, there is no other fault here except for the presence of these deer.” Hearing these words from the sage, Rāma, the steadfast elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa, took up his bow and arrows and said, “O most fortunate one, I will slay these herds of deer that have gathered here. With a sharp, keen arrow, I could kill them; but if you were to heal them there, what hardship could be greater than that? I am not able to dwell long in this hermitage.” Having spoken thus, Rāma fell silent and performed the evening twilight rites. After completing the sacred evening rituals, Rāma made arrangements to stay in the beautiful hermitage of Sutikṣṇa, together with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Sutikṣṇa himself, the great-souled sage, honored the two brothers with proper respect and, as night fell, offered them pure food suitable for ascetics. Let the eighth chapter be heard. Rāma and Saumitri, having been duly honored by Sutikṣṇa, spent the night there and awoke at dawn. Rising at the proper time with Sītā, Rāma performed his morning purification with cool water fragrant with lotuses. In that forest, a haven for ascetics, Sītā, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa worshipped the fire and the deities at dawn, as was proper. When the sun rose and their hearts felt light, they approached Sutikṣṇa and spoke gently: “O revered one, we have been happily hosted and honored by you. Now, we must take our leave, for the sages urge us onward. We hasten to see the entire circle of hermitages of those sages of pure conduct who dwell in the Dandaka forest. We wish to receive your permission, together with these foremost sages, steadfast in righteousness and blazing with the power of their austerities.” Having thus spoken their wish to depart, Rāma, along with Saumitri and Sītā, bowed at the sage’s feet. The eminent Sutikṣṇa raised them up, embraced them with affection, and said, “Go safely on your path, Rāma, with Saumitri and Sītā, who follows you like a shadow. Behold the delightful hermitages of the ascetics dwelling in the Dandaka forest, their souls purified by austerity. You will see forests rich with excellent fruits and roots, blossoming trees, herds of noble deer, and flocks of peaceful birds. You will come upon ponds and lakes adorned with blooming lotuses, clear waters, and flocks of waterfowl. You will see charming sights, mountain streams, and lovely forests resounding with the cries of peacocks. Go, my child; Saumitri, you too should proceed. After seeing all this, you must return again to the hermitage.” Thus addressed, Rāma, the scion of Kakutstha, together with Lakṣmaṇa, replied, “So be it,” and, circling the sage in reverence, began their departure. Sītā, her eyes wide and radiant, handed the two brothers their splendid quivers, bows, and shining swords. Fastening their fine quivers and taking up their bows with a resounding noise, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa left the hermitage to begin their journey. Swiftly, the two brothers, handsome and permitted by the great sage, set out, bearing bows and swords, with Sītā by their side. Let the ninth chapter be heard. Having received Sutikṣṇa’s permission, Rāma, the descendant of Raghu, departed. As they went, Sītā spoke to her husband with heartfelt and affectionate words. “Indeed, by very subtle means, great unrighteousness can arise; but by withdrawing, one can escape from misfortune born of desire and the like. There are three misfortunes that come from desire, but false speech is the greatest, and the other two are made heavier by it. Without enmity or cruelty, approaching another’s wife, and false speech—these have never been found in you, O Rāghava, nor will they ever be. How could there be desire for other women, which destroys righteousness? You have never had such a thought, O king among men, nor has it ever arisen in you. Even in your mind, O Rāma, such an idea does not exist anywhere; you are always devoted to your own wife, O prince. Righteous, truthful, and obedient to your father’s command—in you, both righteousness and truth are firmly established. All this, O mighty-armed one, can only be borne by those who have conquered their senses. I know your self-control, O one of auspicious appearance. “You have pledged, O hero, to protect the sages dwelling in the Dandaka forest, and to destroy the demons in battle. For this reason, you are renowned as having departed for the Dandaka forest, together with your brother, carrying bow and arrows.” Thus, with blessings and words of love and virtue, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa set forth into the Dandaka forest, upholding righteousness and truth.