Hanuman spoke with conviction, “From what I have inferred, there is no doubt that the woman you seek is Maithilī. I saw her being carried away by that demon of cruel deeds. As she struggled in Rāvaṇa’s lap, she cried out loudly, ‘Rāma! Rāma!’ and ‘Lakṣmaṇa!’—her voice echoing in distress, like the wife of the serpent king. When she spotted me standing on the mountain slope, she threw down her upper garment and her auspicious ornaments, hoping I would see them. O Rāghava, we found those ornaments and have kept them safe. I will bring them here; you should recognize them.” Hearing this, Rāma turned to Sugrīva, who had spoken kindly, and urged, “Bring them quickly, friend; why are you delaying?” Thus addressed, Sugrīva swiftly entered the deep cave of the mountain, eager to please Rāghava. He took the upper garment and the ornaments and showed them to Rāma, saying, “See, these.” Rāma took the garment and the beautiful ornaments, but tears choked him, like the moon veiled by mist. Overcome by his love for Sītā, he cried out, “Alas, my beloved!” abandoning his composure, and fell to the ground. Again and again, he held those excellent ornaments to his heart, sighing deeply, like an enraged serpent in its hole. Tears flowed unceasingly as Rāma, seeing Saumitri at his side, began to lament in distress. “Look, Lakṣmaṇa, this upper garment and these ornaments—cast on the ground by Vaidehī as she was carried away. Surely, this ornament was dropped by Sītā as she was taken, for its form appears so.” Thus addressed, Lakṣmaṇa replied, “I do not recognize the armlets, nor do I know the earrings. But I do recognize the anklets, from always bowing at her feet.” Then Rāghava turned to Sugrīva, saying, “Tell me, Sugrīva, in which region did you see my beloved, who was seized by a demon of terrible form? Where does that demon dwell, who has brought me such suffering? Because of him, I will destroy all the Rākṣasas. By carrying off Maithilī and enraging me, he has surely opened the door to his own death. My dearest one was taken from the forest by that night-wandering demon, who tormented her; tell me today, O lord of monkeys, who that enemy is, whom I will send to the presence of Yama.” Let the seventh chapter be heard. Thus addressed by the grieving Rāma, Sugrīva, the monkey king, with joined palms and tears choking his voice, spoke, “I do not know the whereabouts of that wicked demon, nor his abilities, valor, or lineage. But I truly promise you, O destroyer of foes, cast off your sorrow; I will exert myself so that you may regain Maithilī. Having slain Rāvaṇa and his followers, and satisfying my own prowess, I will act so that you will soon be pleased. Enough of this weakness; recall your inner courage. Such fickleness of mind is not fitting for one like you. I too have suffered a great misfortune from separation with my wife, yet I do not grieve in this way, nor do I abandon my resolve. You ought to restrain the tears that have arisen, through your fortitude; you should not abandon the composure and endurance proper to the noble. In adversity, distress, fear, or at the end of life, one who reflects with his own wisdom and is steadfast does not sink. But a foolish man who always follows weakness helplessly sinks into sorrow, like a boat weighed down in water. With these hands joined in reverence, I beseech you out of affection: rely on your strength, do not give space to grief. Those who follow grief find no happiness; their vigor diminishes. You should not grieve. For one overwhelmed by sorrow, even life is uncertain; therefore, O king, abandon grief and rely solely on courage. I speak these words as a friend, not instructing you; honoring our friendship, you should not grieve.” Consoled with Sugrīva’s sweet words, Rāghava wiped his tear-stained face with the edge of his garment. Restored to his nature by Sugrīva’s words, the lord Kakutstha embraced Sugrīva and said, “What ought to be done by a loving and well-intentioned friend, fitting and proper, you have done, Sugrīva. And now, restored to my nature, I have been comforted by you, friend; such a companion is rare, especially in times like these. But you must make every effort to search for Maithilī, and for the cruel, evil-hearted demon Rāvaṇa. Let whatever must be done by me be spoken freely; as in a fertile field during the rains, all will prosper for you. And whatever words I have spoken out of pride, O tiger among monkeys, let them be understood by you as the truth.