When Rāma, overwhelmed by grief and seeking solace in his sorrow, came to the monkeys for help, Sugrīva was urged to show him favor, together with the leaders of his troop. Lakṣmaṇa, filled with compassion and speaking with tears streaming down his cheeks, addressed Hanumān, expressing their plight. In response, Hanumān, skilled in gentle and wise speech, replied to Saumitri, praising men like Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who possess wisdom, self-control, and have conquered anger and the senses—such men, he said, are truly fortunate to be seen by the monkey king. Hanumān then explained Sugrīva’s own sufferings: he had been deprived of his kingdom, declared an enemy by his brother Vāli, his wife taken from him, and now lived in terror and injustice, wronged by his own kin. Yet, Hanumān assured them, Sugrīva—the son of the Sun—would surely help them both in their search for Sītā, aided by all his followers. Having spoken these gentle, sweet words, Hanumān turned to Rāma and invited him, “Let us go to Sugrīva.” Lakṣmaṇa honored Hanumān as was proper, and then said to Rāma, “This son of the Wind speaks joyfully and truthfully; he has fulfilled his duty, and now you, Rāghava, have accomplished your purpose.” Hanumān, his face bright and cheerful, stood as a hero whose words could be trusted. Then, Hanumān, the supremely wise son of the Wind, led the two princes to the monkey king. Casting aside his disguise as a mendicant, Hanumān returned to his true monkey form, lifted Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa onto his back, and departed. That foremost of monkeys, famed and mighty as a mountain, set out with the two brothers, his mind intent on doing good. Thus ended the fourth sarga. Now begins the fifth. Hanumān departed from Ṛśyamūka and, reaching Malaya mountain, announced to Sugrīva the arrival of the two noble heroes. He introduced them, saying, “This is Rāma, of great wisdom and steadfast valor, arrived with his brother Lakṣmaṇa. Rāma stands firm in courage, born in the illustrious Ikṣvāku line, son of Daśaratha, renowned for righteousness and obedience to his father’s command. He has honored the sacred fires with Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, and gifted thousands upon thousands of cows.” Hanumān continued, “While dwelling in the forest, this great soul’s wife was carried away by Rāvaṇa; now he has come to you for refuge. You should honor these two brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who seek your friendship; receive and worship them, for they are most worthy of reverence.” Hearing Hanumān’s words, Sugrīva, king of the monkeys, made himself presentable and, with affection, spoke to Rāma: “You are disciplined in righteousness, devoted to austerity, and affectionate to all. Hanumān, son of the Wind, has truthfully told me of your virtues. Therefore, this is my great honor and gain, O lord, that you desire friendship with me, a mere monkey. If my friendship pleases you, here is my arm extended; let our hands be joined, so that the bond of alliance is firmly established.” Rāma, delighted at Sugrīva’s well-spoken words, clasped Sugrīva’s hand in his own. Overjoyed at this new bond, Sugrīva embraced Rāma tightly, while Hanumān, conqueror of foes, abandoned his ascetic form. In his true monkey form, Hanumān produced fire by rubbing two wooden sticks together, then reverently worshipped the blazing fire with flowers. With great delight, Hanumān placed the fire between Rāma and Sugrīva. The two heroes circled the sacred fire together, sealing their friendship. Thus, Sugrīva and Rāma entered into a solemn alliance. Their hearts overflowed with joy as they gazed upon each other, unable to be satisfied, declaring, “You are my dear friend; from now on, our happiness and sorrow are one.” With great joy, Sugrīva broke a blossoming branch from a Garuda tree and spread it out as a seat for himself and Rāma. Hanumān, son of the Wind, joyfully offered Lakṣmaṇa a richly blossomed sandalwood branch. Then Sugrīva, delighted, spoke gently and sweetly. With eyes brimming with emotion, he addressed Rāma: “I have been wronged, Rāma, and wander here, afflicted by fear. My wife has been taken, and I am terrified in the forest, seeking refuge in this difficult place. Thus, fearful and anxious, I dwell here. I have been wronged by my brother Vāli and am at enmity with him, O Rāma. O illustrious one, grant me safety from Vāli, for I am tormented by fear. Act, O descendant of Kakutstha, so that I may no longer live in fear.” Thus addressed, the radiant and compassionate Rāma replied, almost smiling: “I know well, great monkey, that a true friend is one who gives the fruit of help. I will slay that Vāli who took your wife; my sharp arrows, shining like the sun, never fail. Upon that evil-minded Vāli will fall swiftly these arrows, covered with vulture feathers and resembling Indra’s thunderbolt. With keen points and straight shafts, furious as serpents, today you will see Vāli struck down by arrows sharp as deadly snakes.” Thus, the sacred alliance was sealed, and hope was rekindled for both the exiled prince and the wronged monkey king.