Rāma, reflecting on the fate that had befallen him and his family, spoke with gentle concern about the future. He said that even if Kaikeyī, the daughter of the horse-lord, were to gain the kingdom, she would bring no happiness to her sorrowful co-wives. He feared that Bharata, once established on the throne alongside Kaikeyī, would not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā. Turning to Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma urged him to support the noble Kausalyā himself, or to do so through the king’s favor, fulfilling this duty that Rāma had spoken of. He said that in doing so, Lakṣmaṇa’s devotion would be made clear, along with his great and incomparable righteousness in honoring the elders who knew dharma. Rāma entreated, “Do this for my sake, Saumitri, delight of the Raghu lineage; let not our mother, bereft of us, be deprived of happiness.” Hearing Rāma’s gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa—skilled in speech and wise in reply—answered him. “By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will certainly honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion; of this there is no doubt. But if Bharata, having gained the kingdom, does not rule justly and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, then I will surely slay that wicked, cruel-minded one—there is no doubt—and all who side with him, even if they be as numerous as the three worlds. “Kausalyā is strong enough to support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with their dependents. She is fully capable of providing for herself, for my mother, and for those like me; she is a woman of great resolve. So, make me your companion—there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose will also 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, together with Vaidehī, shall delight on the mountain slopes, while I will do everything for you, whether you are awake or asleep.” Rāma was greatly pleased by these words. He replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” Then, Rāma recalled the two divine bows, fierce in appearance, which the great-souled Varuṇa had given to King Daśaratha at Janaka’s great sacrifice, along with impenetrable divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two swords shining like the sun and adorned with gold. Lakṣmaṇa, having taken leave of his friends and resolved to dwell in the forest, approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvākus and took up these excellent weapons. He then displayed to Rāma all those divine arms, honored and adorned with garlands. Rāma, ever self-controlled, spoke with affection to Lakṣmaṇa, who had arrived: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished, O Lakṣmaṇa. I wish to give all my wealth 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.” So begins the thirty-second chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Understanding his brother’s dear and beneficial command, Lakṣmaṇa quickly made his way to the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to the Brāhmaṇa, who was in the fire-chamber, he said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs difficult deeds.” After performing the twilight worship, Suyajña accompanied Saumitri and entered the splendid, prosperous house of Rāma. There, with excellent golden armlets, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, and bangles, Rāma honored Suyajña. At Sītā’s urging, Rāma spoke further: “Gentle one, have a necklace and a golden chain taken to your wife; Sītā, my companion, wishes to give her a girdle as well. Also, my companion gives you, for your wife who is going to the forest, splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. Vaidehī wishes you to set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. This elephant named Śatruṃjaya, which my maternal uncle gave me, I now give to you, best of Brāhmaṇas, along with a thousand gold coins.” Suyajña accepted these gifts from Rāma and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear and composed brother Saumitri, as Brahmā would address the lord of the gods: “Saumitri, honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas, inviting them with jewels as crops are with water. Satisfy them with a thousand cows, with gold and silver, with gems and great wealth. And the teacher of the Taittirīyas, learned in the Vedas and devoted, who attends upon Kausalyā with blessings—give him a vehicle, attendants, and silk garments, Saumitri, as much as that Brāhmaṇa desires.