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¢ This is a moral law referring to the sixth expedient, to be resorted & by the kings—namely Samashrarya or seeking protection.—T.

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fuland puissant, hath been banished by his brother, O hero, for kingdom. Surely he shall befriend and assist thee in thy search for Sita. Do thou not plunge thy soul in grief. O thou best of Ikshwakus, none can withstand destiny on this earth, truly unavoidable is it course. Do thou proceed soon, O hero, to Sugriva of mighty prowess, and repairing hence even to-day do thou contract. friendship with him, taking vow in the presence of flaming fire* that ye shall not envy each other. Despise not that kingly monkey Sugriva, because he is grateful, capable of assuming shapes at will, seeking protection and powerful. Ye too are able to accomplish his wished-for object. Benefitted by thee or not, he shall engage in thy service. He was begotten of the Sun unto the wife of Rikhyraja. He hath been roaming the bank of Pampa being in constant fear of Vali after creating enmity with him. Do thou make friends with that monkey ranging the wood and inhabiting the Rishyamuka mountain after placing thy weapon in the very presence of fire as a witness, because that best of monkeys knoweth minutely all the abodes of Rakshasas, living on human flesh. There is no place under the sun of many rays, O Raghava, O slayer of foes, unknown to him. Exploring, with all his monkeys, the rivers, huge mountains, strongholds and caves, he shall learn about thy spouse. He shall search that exquisitely fine damsel Maithili in Ravana’s abode, bewailing on thy separation ; and to find her out he shall despatch, O Raghava, many a monkey of huge proportions to various quarters. Whether on the summit of the mount Meru or in the region un:ler the earth, that lord of monkeys, shall give thee back thy blameless spouse, ‘killing all the Ra&kshasas.” * This refers to the oriental custom of performing every sacred rite in the presence of fire as witness. The Hindus regard the fire with sacred reverence and for this in all their so-.1! and religious ceremonials fire plays a very prominent and sacred part.—T.