The two brothers have accomplished the Brahman’s purpose, and after delivering the sage’s wife, Ahalya, on the way, have come here to witness the tournament (the contest of the bow).” On hearing this, all the ladies were delighted.

Gazing at Rama’s beauty, another maiden said, “Here is a bridegroom worthy of Janaki! If the king does but see him, sister, I am sure he will abandon his vow and insist upon their marriage”.

Said another, “The king has already recognized them and received both of them and the sage with all honour. But the king, my dear, refuses to abjure his vow, but mastered by fate persists in his folly.”

Yet another said, “If God be good and as we are told, gives every man his due, then Janaki is sure to have him as her bridegroom. About this, my friend, there is no doubt.

If such a union is brought about by providence, everyone will have realized one’s object. I am deeply moved, sister, by the thought that if this marriage takes place he will come again some time.

Otherwise, my dear, it will not be easy for us, I tell you, to see him again. We can enjoy such intimacy only when we have a rich stock of merit accumulated from the deeds of our previous existence”.

“Friend”, said another, “You have spoken well; such a wedding will be conducive to the best interests of all.” Still another said, “Shankara’s bow is hard to bend, and this swarthy prince is but a youth of delicate frame.