Having thus done everyone all possible honour, the king, whose heart was filled with joy, visited the private apartments, and there he beheld the princes and their brides.

He took them to his bosom in a rapturous embrace and experienced a thrill of joy which nobody could tell. Affectionately he seated the brides in his lap and caressed them again and again with a heart full of rapture.

All the ladies of the gynaeceum were charmed to behold this spectacle, and Bliss made her dwelling in their hearts. The king related how the wedding had taken place, and right glad was everyone to hear the king’s account.

He recounted Janaka’s goodness and amiability and nobility, the loving nature he possessed and the magnificence of his wealth, all in a variety of ways even as a hired encomiast would do; and the queens were enraptured to hear the record of his doings.

After bathing with his sons, the king invited the Brahmans, the preceptor and his own kinsfolk and, having entertained them at a banquet, feasted himself on a variety of dishes till two hours of the night were spent.

The fair ladies sang joyous songs, and the night was delightfully and pleasantly spent. After they had rinsed their mouths the king and his party were all presented with pan and adorned with garlands of sweet-scented flowers, they looked most charming.

Looking once more at Rama and having taken permission to leave, each guest bowed and retired to his own house. The display of love and rapture, merriment and magnanimity, prosperity, splendour and loveliness of the court at that time-