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Hawine been well entertained by Sutikshna, Rima in company with Sumitra's son, having passed away the night there, awoke in.the morning. And arising in due time, ares:

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Rama along with Sit&, bathed in cool waters odorous with the aroma of lotuses; and having in proper time duly worshipped Fire as well as the deities, in that forest containing abodes of ascetics, Rama, Lakshmana and Videha’s daughter, their sins purged off, seeing the sun risen,approached Sutikshna and spoke unto him these mild words, saying— ‘QO Reverend sir, we have stayed here pleasantly, being excellently ministered unto by thee. We greet thee, and go away. The ascetics urge speed upon us. We hasten to view the collections of asylums that belong unto the holy sages inhabiting the forest of Dandaka. Now we crave thy permission along with that of these foremost of anchorites, steady in virtue, crowned with asceticism and self-controled, resembling smokeless flames. And we intend to set out ere the sun, like unto a low-sprung one that hath attained to auspicious fortune through evil ways, with rays incapable of being borne, shines too fiercely.” Having said this, Raghava along with Sit& and Sumitr&’s son bowed down unto the ascetic’s feet. And as they touched his feet, that best of ascetics, raising Rama and Lakshmana up, embraced them closely and said, “ O Rama, go thy way «safely, in company with Sumitr4’s son and this Siti that followeth thee like a shadow. Behold the beauteous asylums, O hero, of these pure-spirited ascetics inhabiting the forest of Dandaka. Thou wilt see blossoming woods garnishod with fruits and roots, containing goodly deer, and mild feathered tribes; tanks and pools laughing with blown lotuses, containing pleasant waters, and abounding in Karandavas; charming mountain-springs ; and romantic forests picturesque with peacocks. Go, O child; and go thou also, O Sumitra’a son. And come again to my asylum after having seen these.” Thus addressed, Kakutstha along with Lakshmana, having gone round the ascetic, prepared for departing. Then Sita of expansive eyes handed to the brothers excellent quivers, bows and shining swords. Then fastening the graceful quivers, 66

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and taking the sweet-sounding bows, both Rama and Lakshmana issued from the hermitage. And permitted by the Maharshi, the Raghavas furnished with grace, equipped with bows and scinitars, swiftly set out along with Sita.