Having heard her beloved husband’s words, the illustrious Sītā, her heart overflowing with joy and fulfillment, began to distribute wealth and precious jewels with a generous hand. The noble lady, foremost among the righteous, gave freely, her spirit radiant with contentment. Meanwhile, Lakṣmaṇa, having listened to the conversation between Rāma and Sītā, arrived earlier than expected. His face was streaked with tears, unable to bear the weight of sorrow that pressed upon his heart. Approaching, he pressed his brother’s feet with devotion. The delight of the Raghu lineage, Lakṣmaṇa, then turned to both the illustrious Sītā and to Rāghava, the steadfast upholder of vows. With firm resolve, Lakṣmaṇa spoke: “If you have resolved to go to the forest, teeming with deer and elephants, I will walk before you, bearing my bow. With me as your companion, you will wander through delightful woods, filled with the sounds of birds and the movements of wild creatures. I do not seek the realm of the gods, nor immortality, nor even the sovereignty of the worlds if I am not with you.” Though Rāma tried gently to dissuade him, Lakṣmaṇa, his mind made up to dwell in the forest, persisted: “You had already permitted me before—why restrain me now? For what reason do you prohibit me, who wishes to go? Tell me, O blameless one, for I am uncertain.” Rāma, seeing his brother standing before him with folded hands, steadfast and seeking his guidance, replied with affection: “Lakṣmaṇa, you are ever devoted to righteousness, steadfast on the path of virtue, dear as life itself, obedient, victorious, and my friend. But if you come with me today into the forest, who will care for Kausalyā or the illustrious Sumitrā? The mighty king, bound by desire, cannot fulfill every wish. Kaikeyī, having obtained the kingdom for her son, will not bring happiness to the sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, established in the kingdom with Kaikeyī, may not support Kausalyā and the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Therefore, Saumitri, remain here and support that noble lady yourself, or do so by the king’s favor. Fulfill this duty for Kausalyā. In this way, your devotion to me will be clear, and your righteousness in honoring our elders will shine. Do this for my sake, delight of the Raghu lineage, and let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us.” Thus addressed with gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, skilled in speech and knowing how to reply, spoke again: “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this I have no doubt. But if, having obtained the kingdom, Bharata does not rule justly, and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, then I will surely slay that wicked, cruel-minded one, and all those who side with him, even if they be the three worlds. As for Kausalyā, she could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with dependents. She is fully capable of providing for herself, for my mother, and for those like me—she is a woman of great resolve. Make me your companion; there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose, too, will be accomplished. With my bow strung and slung, and a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead of you, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you, and other forest foods suitable for ascetics. You and Vaidehī shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma, greatly pleased by these heartfelt words, replied: “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” He then referred to the two divine bows, given by the great-souled Varuṇa to King Janaka at his great sacrifice—bows fierce in appearance, along with impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun, adorned with gold. Resolved on dwelling in the forest, Lakṣmaṇa took leave of his friends and approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvāku line, taking up the excellent weapons. He displayed to Rāma all those divine arms, honored and adorned with garlands. Rāma, ever self-controlled, spoke affectionately to Lakṣmaṇa, who had just arrived: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all my wealth, O subduer of foes, to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But you, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest after honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” Understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, Lakṣmaṇa quickly went and entered the residence of Suyajña.