Their breasts were adorned with well-wrought necklaces of elephant-pearls and wreaths of tulasi (basil). With shoulders resembling the lump of bull, they stood like lions and had mighty long arms.

They bore at their back quivers secured with a yellow cloth wrapped round their waists, and carried arrows in their hands and bows on their strong left shoulders, and round their necks was the yellow sacred thread. In short, the two princes were lovely from head to foot, lovely all over.

Everyone who saw them was gladdened, and looked on them with unwinking eyes and pupils unmoved. Janaka himself rejoiced to behold the two brothers. Presently he went and clasped the sage’s lotus feet.

Paying him homage, he told him his story (i.e., the legends of the bow) and showed him round the whole arena. Wherever the two elegant princes went, all regarded them with wonder. (Janaka’s katha refers to his past history and the vow he had taken when he saw Sita easily moving Shiva’s bow. On that occasion, the legends say, he swore that he would give her in marriage to anyone who could break it.)

Each one found Rama facing himself; but none could perceive the great mystery behind it. The sage told the king that the arena was splendidly constructed; and the king was highly gratified and pleased.

Among all the tiers of raised scats there was one of special beauty, bright and capacious, and there the sovereign seated the sage and the two brothers.

At the sight of the Lord all the kings were disheartened, just as stars fade away with the rising of the full moon; for they were inwardly assured that Rama would undoubtedly break the bow.