With gentle reverence, Hanuman, the foremost among monkeys, approached the two radiant heroes standing on the banks of the Pampā. Addressing them with fitting praise and honoring them according to custom, Hanuman spoke with skill and humility to these noble men, whose gentle demeanor and steadfast valor set them apart. They resembled royal sages and even the gods themselves in their bearing. Hanuman, ever observant, inquired, “How have you two, of such splendid appearance, come to this forest, causing the herds of deer and other creatures to flee in fear? With energy and purpose, you gaze intently upon the trees lining the Pampā, enhancing the beauty of this pure river. Who are you, patient and golden-hued, clad in bark garments, sighing deeply, your powerful arms so resplendent, startling the forest’s inhabitants?” He continued, “You are like lions in your gaze, endowed with immense strength and valor, bearing bows that rival Indra’s own, surely destroyers of your enemies. Radiant and handsome, you possess the might of the best of bulls, with arms like the trunks of elephants—resplendent, foremost among men. By your very presence, even the lord of mountains seems illuminated; you are worthy of kingship and equal to immortals. What brings you to this land?” Hanuman marveled at their appearance: “With eyes like lotus petals, wearing matted locks, so alike in every way, you seem as if you have come from the world of the gods. It is as if, by chance, the moon and the sun have arrived together on earth—two heroic men, broad-chested, appearing as mortals but possessing the likeness of divinities. With lion-like shoulders and great energy, like two proud bulls in rut, your long, well-shaped arms resemble iron clubs. Worthy of all ornaments, why do you go unadorned? Truly, I see you as protectors of this earth.” He noted, “The entire earth, with its forests and oceans, adorned by the Vindhya and Meru mountains, is beautiful; and so are your bows, smooth and finely decorated, shining like Indra’s golden thunderbolt. Your quivers, full of sharp arrows, are pleasing to behold, filled with fearsome, blazing shafts like deadly serpents, adorned with refined gold. Even your swords gleam like released serpents. Yet, as I address you, why do you not speak?” Hanuman then declared openly, “There is a righteous one named Sugriva, foremost among monkeys—a hero cast out by his brother, wandering the world in sorrow. Sent by the great-souled Sugriva, I have come. I am Hanuman by name, chief among the monkeys. Sugriva, the righteous, desires your friendship; know me as his minister, Hanuman, son of the wind. Disguised as an ascetic for Sugriva’s sake, I have come from Rishyamuka, moving and acting as I will.” Having spoken thus, Hanuman, ever eloquent and skilled in words, fell silent before the two heroes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Hearing Hanuman’s words, Rāma’s face shone with joy. Turning to his illustrious brother Lakṣmaṇa, who stood by his side, Rāma said, “This is the minister of the monkey king Sugriva, the great-souled one; he has come to me, whom Sugriva seeks.” Lakṣmaṇa then addressed Hanuman, minister of Sugriva and skilled in speech, with gentle words full of affection: “Such speech cannot be uttered by one untrained in the Rig Veda, nor by one who does not know the Yajur Veda, nor by one ignorant of the Sāma Veda. Surely, you have thoroughly studied grammar in many ways; though you speak much, not a single improper word is found. No flaw is discerned in your mouth, eyes, forehead, or brows, nor in any other feature at all. Your speech is concise, clear, unhesitating, unwavering, arising from the chest and throat, spoken in a moderate tone. Your words are well-formed, in proper order, wonderful, unhurried, auspicious, and delightful to the heart. With such varied speech, articulated from three places, whose mind would not be won—even that of an enemy ready to strike? If a king does not have such a messenger, O blameless one, how could his endeavors ever succeed? One whose agents possess such qualities will accomplish all his aims, prompted by the words of his messenger.” Thus addressed, Lakṣmaṇa spoke to Hanuman, son of the wind and skilled in speech: “O learned one, we know the virtues of the great-souled Sugriva; we seek only Sugriva, the lord of the monkeys. As you say, Hanuman, regarding Sugriva’s words, so indeed shall we act, O best among the virtuous, according to your command.” Hearing their skillful and gracious words, Hanuman, son of the wind, rejoiced. His mind fixed on victory, he sought to form a bond of friendship with them. Now, listen to the next chapter. In the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, within the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa, begins the fourth chapter. Delighted and aware of his purpose, Hanuman, having heard those sweet words, turned his thoughts to Sugriva. Destiny itself now favored Sugriva, for he had gained such capable allies, and the fulfillment of his hopes was at hand. Overjoyed, Hanuman, foremost among monkeys, spoke to Rāma, who was himself skilled in speech.