As if by some divine coincidence, it was as though the moon and the sun themselves had descended to earth and stood together—so radiant and heroic were these two men. Their broad chests and noble bearing shone with a celestial aura, though they appeared in human form. Their shoulders were strong and lion-like, brimming with great energy, and they stood tall and proud like two mighty bulls in their prime. Their long, well-shaped arms resembled iron clubs, and their presence exuded a quiet power. Looking upon them, one could not help but wonder why such worthy men were not adorned with ornaments, for they seemed entirely fit to protect the earth itself. Indeed, the whole world, with all its forests and oceans, crowned by the Vindhya and Meru mountains, seemed as if it might rest secure under their guardianship. The bows they carried were beautifully crafted, smooth, and finely decorated, enhancing their noble appearance. Their weapons gleamed like Indra’s own thunderbolt, adorned with gold. Quivers full of sharp arrows hung at their backs, pleasing to the eye. These quivers were filled with terrible, blazing arrows, life-ending and fierce as serpents, and were themselves adorned with refined gold. The swords they wore at their sides shone like released serpents, glinting with deadly grace. Yet, as I approached and spoke to them, they did not reply. So I continued, “There is a righteous one named Sugriva, a foremost among monkeys, a hero cast out by his brother and now wandering the world in sorrow. Sent by that great-souled Sugriva, I have come to you. I am called Hanuman, chief among the monkeys. Sugriva, the righteous one, seeks your friendship. Know me as his minister, Hanuman, son of the wind.” “For Sugriva’s sake, I have taken on this ascetic disguise and come here from Rishyamuka, moving as I wish, acting as I please.” Having spoken thus, I, Hanuman, who am skilled in words and eloquence, said nothing further to the two heroes, Rama and Lakshmana. Rama, hearing my words, his face beaming with joy, turned to his illustrious brother Lakshmana, who stood at his side. “This is the minister of the monkey king Sugriva, the great-souled one. It is he who has come to us, sent by Sugriva himself.” Then Saumitri, that is, Lakshmana, addressed me with gentle words full of affection, saying, “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 Sama 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. Your speech is concise, clear, unhesitating, unwavering, coming from the chest and throat, and delivered in a moderate tone. You utter words that are well-formed, in proper order, wonderful, unhurried, auspicious, and delightful to the heart. With such varied speech, articulated perfectly, 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 he ever hope for success in his endeavors? One whose agents possess such qualities will see all his aims accomplished through their words.” Thus addressed, I, Hanuman, son of the wind and minister of Sugriva, listened as Lakshmana continued, “O learned one, we know the virtues of the great-souled Sugriva; it is he whom we seek, the lord of the monkeys. As you have spoken, Hanuman, regarding Sugriva’s intentions, so indeed shall we act, O best among the virtuous, according to your guidance.” Hearing these skillful and gracious words, my heart rejoiced. Fixing my mind on the hope of victory, I prepared to form a bond of friendship with these noble brothers. Now, listen to the next part of this sacred tale, as told in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa, the fourth chapter. Delighted and mindful of my task, I, Hanuman, having heard those sweet words, turned my thoughts to Sugriva. The time had come for Sugriva’s destiny to unfold, for he had found a capable ally, and the opportunity for his kingdom had arrived. Filled with joy, I, Hanuman, the foremost of monkeys, spoke these words to Rama, who was himself skilled in speech. Prompted by Rama, Lakshmana then described the great-souled Rama, son of Dasharatha, to me. “There was a king named Dasharatha,” Lakshmana began, “radiant and devoted to righteousness, who always protected the four orders by upholding their duties. He bore no hatred toward anyone, nor did anyone hate him; among all beings, he was like another grandsire. He performed great sacrifices, such as the Agniṣṭoma, and gave abundantly. His eldest son is known among people as Rama. Rama is the refuge of all beings, steadfast in his father’s command, the eldest and most virtuous of Dasharatha’s sons. Endowed with royal marks and fortune, yet deprived of the kingdom, he has come here to dwell in the forest with me. Accompanied by his noble wife Sita, self-controlled and radiant, he shines at day’s end like the sun with its rays. I am his younger brother, Lakshmana by name, who, recognizing his virtues and gratitude, has come to serve him. Rama, who deserves happiness and great honor, whose heart is set on the welfare of all beings, now deprived of sovereignty, delights in forest life.” Thus, in this sacred meeting, the path was set for friendship and alliance between Rama and Sugriva, through the wise and devoted Hanuman.