"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not grieve,
for, O chastiser of foes, thou art _Kshatriya_! Thou too treadest in the
path in which strength of arms is to be put forth,--the path that
leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast not even a particle of sin. Even
the celestials with Indra at their head, and the _Asuras_ have to tread
in the path that is trod by thee! It was after such afflictions that the
wielder of the thunderbolt, aided by the _Maruts_, slew _Vritra_, and
the invincible _Namuchi_ and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He that hath
assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his purposes! What
is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him that hath Dhananjaya
for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible prowess, is the foremost
of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful sons of Madravati again are
mighty bowmen. With allies such as these, why dost thou despair, O
chastiser of foes? These are capable of vanquishing the army of the
wielder himself of the thunderbolt with the _Maruts_ in the midst.
Having these mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O
bull of Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes!
Behold, this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath been
brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible feats!
Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless before thee!
The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no allies by Rama after
the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ of terrible
prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys and
black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of all
this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus, grieve not
for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata race! Illustrious
persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O smiter of foes!'"
Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted by
Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his sorrows, once
more spoke unto Markandeya."