-he took with him his loyal ministers, a company of gallant warriors, noble Brahmans, his family preceptor(Shatananda) and the chief of his kinsmen, and thus the king went forth rejoicing to meet the chief of sages.

Placing his head on the sage’s feet, the king made obeisance, and the lord of sages, Vishvamitra, gladly gave him his blessing. The king then respectfully saluted the Brahmans and rejoiced at his good fortune.

After making many inquiries as to his health and welfare, Vishvamitra conducted the king to a seat, just at that moment arrived the two half-brothers, who had gone to see the garden.

One dark and the other fair, the two lads were yet in childhood’s tender bloom. A delight to all eyes, they stole the hearts of the whole world. All those, present there rose when Raghunatha entered, and Vishvamitra seated him by his own side.

All were delighted to see the two brothers; tears rushed to their eyes and their bodies thrilled with rapture. Beholding Rama’s sweet and charming appearance, King Videha (Janaka) was particularly beside himself with joy.

Finding his heart overwhelmed with love, the king discreetly composed himself and, bowing his head at the sage’s feet, addressed him in solemn accents, choking with emotion:

“Tell me, my lord, are these two pretty boys the ornament of a line of sages, or the bulwarks of a kingly line? Or is it that Brahma (the Absolute), whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such as ‘Not thus’ (Neti), has appeared in dual form?