water and cranes.  There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva, the brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.  Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow.  In plight very much like thy own, he will render thee assistance.  This is all that we can say.  Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka!  Without doubt Ravana and others are known to the king of the monkeys!” Having said these words, that celestial being of great effulgence made himself invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and Lakshmana, wondered much.’”

SECTION CCLXXVIII

“Markandeya said, ’Afflicted with grief at the abduction of Sita, Rama had not to go much further before he came upon Pampa—­that lake which abounded with lotuses of various kinds.  And fanned by the cool, delicious and fragrant breezes in those woods, Rama suddenly remembered his dear spouse.  And, O mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of his, and afflicted at the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave way to lamentations.  The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, “O thou that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness that can never touch an old man leading a regular life!  Thou hast obtained information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha!  Liberate her now with exertion and intelligence!  Let us now approach Sugriva, that foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the mountain top!  Console thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and ally, am near!” And addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words of the same import, Rama regained his own nature and attended to the business before him.  And bathing in the waters of Pampa and offering oblations therewith unto their ancestors, both those heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out (for Rishyamuka).  And arriving at Rishyamuka which abounded with fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five monkeys on the top of the mountain-peak.  And seeing them approach, Sugriva sent his counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the Himavat-mountains, to receive them.  And the brothers, having first exchanged words with Hanuman, approached Sugriva.  And then, O king, Rama made friends with Sugriva.  And when Rama informed Sugriva of the object he had in view, Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth that Sita had dropped among the monkeys, while being carried away by Ravana.  And having obtained from him those credentials, Rama himself installed Sugriva—­that foremost of monkeys—­in sovereignty of all the monkeys of Earth.  And Rama also pledged himself to slay Vali in battle.  And having come to that understanding and placing the fullest confidence in each other, they all repaired to Kiskindhya, desirous of battle (with Vali).  And arriving at Kiskindhya, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a cataract.  Unable to bear that