He then placed his four sons on the sage’s feet. At the sight of Rama the sage was stupefied. He was enraptured as he gazed on the beauty of Rama’s countenance, as the partridge is ravished at the sight of the full moon.

The king, glad at heart, then addressed him. “Reverend sir,” he said, “never before have you done me such a favour. Tell me, what brings you here? I will carry out your order without delay.”

“A band of demons has been tormenting me,” said the sage; “I have come to you, O king, with a request Let me have the lord of Raghus, Rama, and his younger brother (Lakshmana), that by the extermination of the demons I may feel secure.

Entrust them to me, O king, with a cheerful heart and let no infatuation or ignorance stand in your way. Thereby you, sire, will earn religious merit and fair renown, and your sons a blessing”.

When the king heard this most unwelcome demand, his heart beat fast and the brightness of his countenance faded. “Brahman,” he said, “I have been blessed with these four sons in my old age; you have, therefore, made your demand without due reflection.

Ask of me land, cattle, wealth or treasure; gladly will I give you my all this day. Nothing is dearer than one’s body and life; even these, O sage, will I give you in a second.

All my sons are dear to me as life; O saint, in no case can I afford to spare Rama! My lovely boys, who are yet too young, are no match for the most hideous and cruel demons.”