Clutching the precious ornaments to his heart again and again, Rāma sighed deeply, his breath heavy like an enraged serpent confined in its hole. Tears streamed unceasingly from his eyes, and as he gazed at Saumitri—his brother Lakṣmaṇa—standing beside him, Rāma began to lament in anguish. “Look, Lakṣmaṇa,” he said, voice trembling, “here are Sītā’s upper garment and these ornaments, cast upon the earth by Vaidehī as she was carried away. Surely, this ornament was dropped by Sītā while she was being taken, for its form suggests it was left behind on the grassy ground.” Hearing Rāma’s words, 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 Rāma turned to Sugrīva and spoke with urgency: “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 such suffering upon me? 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 palms joined and voice choked by tears, replied, “I do not know the whereabouts of that wicked demon, nor his strength, valor, or lineage. But I promise you truly, 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 fulfilling 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 does not befit one like you. I too have suffered 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 even at the end of life, one who reflects with 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 to instruct you; honoring our friendship, you should not grieve.” Consoled by Sugrīva’s gentle words, Rāghava wiped his tear-stained face with the edge of his garment. Restored to his true nature by Sugrīva’s counsel, the lord Kakutstha embraced Sugrīva and spoke warmly: “What ought to be done by a loving and well-intentioned friend, fitting and proper, you have done, Sugrīva. And now, restored to myself, 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. I have never spoken a lie before, nor will I ever speak one; this I promise you, and I swear by truth itself.” Sugrīva, delighted, together with his monkey ministers, listened to Rāghava’s words and especially to his solemn pledge. Thus, the man and the monkey, closely united, spoke to each other of their joys and sorrows, each matching the other’s feelings. Hearing the words of that great-souled lord of men, the chief among monkeys considered the task as good as accomplished, understanding it in his heart. Listen now to the eighth chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā section. Sugrīva, greatly pleased and gladdened by these words, spoke to the heroic elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa: “Truly, I am especially favored by the gods—there is no doubt—since you, endowed with virtues, have become my friend. Indeed, O faultless one, with your help, even the kingdom of the gods could be attained; what need to speak of my own kingdom, O lord? Thus, among my relatives and friends, I am honored, O descendant of Raghu, for I have gained as a friend, with fire as witness, one born in the Raghu lineage.