Let the seventh chapter be heard. Thus, as Rāma sat grieving, Sugrīva, the monkey king, approached him with hands joined in reverence, his own voice choked with emotion and tears. He spoke humbly, "O Rāma, I do not know where that wicked demon is, nor do I know his abilities, his valor, or even the lineage of that evil-born one. Yet, I make you a true promise, O destroyer of foes: cast off your sorrow. I will strive with all my might so that you may regain Maithili, your beloved Sītā. Having slain Rāvaṇa and his followers, and proving my own strength, I will act in such a way that you will soon be pleased. "Enough of this weakness, O Rāma. Remember your inner courage. Such wavering of mind does not befit someone like you. I too have suffered greatly, having been separated from my own wife, but even so, I do not grieve in this manner, nor do I abandon my resolve. "You must restrain the tears that have arisen, and through your fortitude, maintain the composure and endurance worthy of the noble. In times of adversity, distress, fear, or even at the end of life, one who reflects with wisdom and remains steadfast does not sink. But a foolish man, always yielding to weakness, helplessly drowns in sorrow, like a boat that is weighed down and submerged in water. "With hands joined out of affection, I beseech you: rely on your strength, and do not give grief any space in your heart. Those who follow after grief find no happiness; their vigor diminishes. You must not grieve. For one overwhelmed by sorrow, even life itself becomes uncertain. Therefore, O king, cast aside your grief and depend only on your courage. I speak these words not to instruct you, but as a friend; 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 encouragement, the lord of the Kakutstha line embraced his friend and spoke with warmth, "Sugrīva, you have done what a loving and well-intentioned friend ought to do—what is fitting and proper. Now, restored to myself, I have been comforted by you, my friend. Such a companion is rare, especially in times like these. "But you must make every effort to search for Maithili, and for the cruel, evil-hearted demon Rāvaṇa. Whatever must be done by me, speak freely; as seeds sown in a fertile field during the rains, all shall prosper for you. And whatever words I have spoken out of pride, O tiger among monkeys, let them be understood as truth. I have never spoken a lie before, nor will I ever speak one; this I promise you, and I swear by truth itself." Hearing Rāghava’s words and especially his solemn pledge, Sugrīva was filled with delight, as were his monkey ministers. Thus, the two—man and monkey—closely united, spoke to each other of their joys and sorrows, each matching the other in feeling and trust. Hearing the words of that great-souled lord of men, Sugrīva, chief among monkeys, considered the task as good as accomplished, so firmly did he believe in his heart. Now, listen 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, saying, "Truly, I am especially favored by the gods—there can be no doubt—for you, endowed with all virtues, have become my friend. Indeed, O faultless one, with your help, even the kingdom of the gods could be attained; what need is there 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—witnessed by fire—one born in the illustrious Raghu lineage. I too am a fitting companion for you, and in time you will come to know this, but I am not able to speak of my own qualities in your presence. Yet, among great souls like you, who are self-controlled, affection is steadfast and courage is firm, O best among the self-possessed. Whether it is silver, gold, or beautiful ornaments, the virtuous recognize that such things are undivided among the good. "For the sake of a friend, O faultless one, people will give up wealth, comfort, even their homeland, when they behold such affection." Then Rāma, standing before Lakṣmaṇa and the wise Lakṣmī, replied to Sugrīva, who spoke kindly, saying, "So be it." Sugrīva, seeing Rāma and mighty Lakṣmaṇa standing there, cast his restless gaze all around the forest. Not far away, the lord of monkeys spotted a śāla tree, richly adorned with blossoms and a few leaves, beautified by bees. Breaking off a single branch thick with leaves, Sugrīva spread it out for Rāma, and together with Rāghava, sat down. Then Hanumān, seeing the two seated, gently seated Lakṣmaṇa as well, placing him on a branch of the śāla tree that he had broken off. There, Rāma, comfortably seated and serene like the calm ocean, rested upon that excellent mountain, covered with the blossoms of the śāla.