Disguised in the form of an ascetic, Hanuman had come from Rishyamuka, acting freely and moving as he wished, all for Sugriva’s sake. Having spoken these words to Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman—ever eloquent and skilled in speech—fell silent, awaiting their response. Rama heard Hanuman’s words and his face shone with joy. Turning to his illustrious brother Lakshmana, who stood beside him, Rama said, “This is the minister of the monkey king Sugriva, the great-souled one. He has come here to me, whom Sugriva seeks.” Saumitri, that is Lakshmana, then addressed Hanuman, Sugriva’s minister, with gentle words full of affection, calling him a subduer of foes. Lakshmana remarked that such speech could not be uttered by one untrained in the Rig Veda, nor by one ignorant of the Yajur Veda or Sama Veda. He observed that Hanuman must have thoroughly studied grammar in many ways, for though he spoke at length, not a single improper word was found. Lakshmana saw no flaw in Hanuman’s mouth, eyes, forehead, or brows, nor in any other feature at all. His speech was concise, clear, unhesitating, unwavering, issuing from his chest and throat, and delivered in a moderate tone. Hanuman’s words were well-formed, in proper order, wonderful, unhurried, auspicious, and delightful to the heart. Lakshmana reflected that with such varied speech, articulated from three places, whose mind would not be won—even that of an enemy ready to strike? He continued, “If a king does not have such a messenger, O blameless one, how could the outcomes of his endeavors ever succeed? One whose agents are endowed with such qualities will have all his aims accomplished, prompted by the words of his messenger.” Thus addressed, Saumitri spoke again to Hanuman, Sugriva’s minister and son of the wind, who was 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 here, so indeed shall we act, O best among the virtuous, according to your command.” Hearing their skillful words, Hanuman, son of the wind, rejoiced. He fixed his mind on attaining victory and sought to form a friendship with Rama and Lakshmana. Now listen to the fourth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. Hanuman, delighted and knowing his task, having heard those sweet words, mentally approached Sugriva. He realized that the arrival of the kingdom was destined for Sugriva, the great-souled, since Sugriva had gained a capable ally and this task had come to him. Then Hanuman, foremost among monkeys and exceedingly joyful, spoke to Rama, who was skilled in speech. Prompted by Rama, Lakshmana described the great-souled Rama, son of Dasharatha. He spoke: “There was a king named Dasharatha, radiant and devoted to righteousness, who always protected the four orders by upholding their own duties. He bore no hatred toward anyone, nor did anyone hate him; among all beings, he was like another grandsire. He performed sacrifices such as the Agniṣṭoma, giving abundant gifts. 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 royal fortune, 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 at day’s end like the sun with its rays.” Lakshmana continued, “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. His wife was carried off by a demon, one who could assume any form, in a lonely place; neither the demon nor the fate of his wife is known.” He explained, “Danu, son of Diti, became a rakshasa by a curse; he told Sugriva, the powerful lord of the monkeys, about this. That mighty one will discover the abductor of your wife; having said this, Danu, shining, ascended to heaven. All this has been told to you exactly as you asked; both Rama and I have sought refuge with Sugriva. He, having given away wealth and attained supreme fame, once lord of the world, now seeks Sugriva as his protector.” Lakshmana added, “He whose daughter-in-law was Sita, who was a refuge and lover of righteousness, his son, also a refuge, has sought Sugriva’s protection. He who was the refuge and protector of all the world, righteous and worthy of shelter, my teacher Raghava has now sought Sugriva’s protection. By whose favor these people always prospered, that Rama now seeks the favor of the king of the monkeys. By whom all the kings on earth, endowed with every virtue, were always honored—by King Dasharatha indeed. His eldest son, renowned in the three worlds, Rama, has come to take refuge with Sugriva, the king of the monkeys.” Thus, the meeting between Hanuman, Rama, and Lakshmana was marked by eloquent words, mutual respect, and the forging of a bond that would change the course of their destinies.