“Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn worshipped Sugriva.  And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama on the breast of the Malyavat hill.  And approaching him, Lakshmana informed him of the beginning already made in respect of his undertaking.  And soon thousands of monkey-chiefs began to return, after having carefully searched the three quarters of the earth, viz., the North, the East and the West.  But they that had gone towards the South did not make their appearance And they that came back represented to Rama, saying that although they had searched the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find either the princess of Videha or Ravana.  But that descendant of Kakutstha’s race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting his hopes (of hearing Sita’s tidings) on the great monkeys that had gone towards the South.

“After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with haste the presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, ’O king, that foremost of monkeys, the son of Pavana, as also Angada, the son of Vali, and the other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched to search the southern region, have come back and are pillaging that great and excellent orchard called Madhuvana, which was always guarded by Vali and which hath been well-guarded by thee also after him!’ Hearing of this act of liberty on their part, Sugriva inferred the success of their mission, for it is only servants that have been crowned with success that can act in this way.  And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated his suspicions to Rama.  And Rama also, from this, guessed that the princess of Mithila had been seen.  Then Hanuman and the other monkeys, having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king, who was then staying with Rama and Lakshmana.  And, O Bharata, observing the gait of Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was confirmed in the belief that Hanuman had really seen Sita.  Then those successful monkeys with Hanuman at their head, duly bowed unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva.  And Rama then taking up his bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys, saying, ’Have you been successful?  Will ye impart life unto me?  Will ye once more enable me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in battle and rescued the daughter of Janaka?  With the princess of Videha unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed of wife and honour!’ Thus addressed by Rama, the son of Pavana, replied unto him, saying, ’I bring thee good news, O Rama; for Janaka’s daughter hath been seen by me.  Having searched the southern region with all its hills, forests, and mines for some time, we became very weary.  At length we beheld a great cavern.  And having beheld it, we entered that cavern which extended over many Yojanas.  It was dark and deep and overgrown with trees and infested by worms.  And having gone a great way through