Even the demon Bana, who could lift Mount Meru, admitted defeat and retired after pacing round the bow, while he (Ravana) who had lifted up Mount Kailasa (the abode of Shiva) for fun was worsted in that assembly.

On that occasion, we submit, O great king, Rama, the jewel of Raghu’s race, snapped the bow as easily as an elephant breaks a lotus stem!

When Parashurama heard it, he came in a fury and indulged in much browbeating. But seeing Rama’s might, he gave him his bow and after much supplication withdrew to the forest.

Even as Rama, O king, is unequalled in strength, so also is Lakshmana a mine of glory, at whose very sight the kings trembled as elephants at the gaze of a lion-cub.

Now that we have seen your two sons, my lord, no one catches our eye any longer.’ The messengers’ eloquent speech, so affectionate and dignified and expressive of the heroic sentiment, attracted all.

The king and all his courtiers were overwhelmed with emotion and began to offer lavish gifts to the messengers. They, however, closed their ears in protest, crying, ‘This is unfair!’ everyone was delighted to note their upright conduct.

Then the king rose and going up to Vasishtha gave him the letter, and sending for the messengers with due courtesy, related the whole story to the guru.