As Rāma and Lakshmana were (daily) engaged in conversing thus, the
vernal night, neither hot nor cold, came on. And it came to pass that
one bright morning, after having performed his first diurnal rites,
Kākutstha, understanding the ways of the citizens, became anxious to
present himself at a spot whence he could observe the citizens. At this
time Sumantra, entering, addressed him, saying,—"O king, stopped at the
gate, some ascetics stay there,—_Maharshis_, led by Bhārgava and
Chyavana. And, O mighty monarch, eager for a sight of thee, those
dwellers on the banks of the Yamunā, well pleased, have despatched me
(hither), O tiger among men." Hearing his words, the righteous Rāma
answered: "Let the exalted Dwijas enter." Thereat, honoring the royal
mandate, the warder with joined hands brought those ascetics difficult
of being approached. And numbering over an hundred, flaming up in their
native effulgence, those high-souled anchorets entered the royal
residence. And they presented Rāma with various fruits in profusion and
vessels filled with sanctified waters of all holy spots. Thereupon,
accepting the waters of the holy places as well as the various kinds of
fruit, that mighty-armed one spake to the mighty ascetics: "Do ye
agreeably to desert take these seats." Hearing Rāma’s speech, all the
Maharshis sat down on those graceful and elegant golden seats. And
seeing the saints seated there, that captor of hostile capitals,
Rāghava, restraining himself, with joined hands, observed: "What is the
reason of your visit? What shall I needfully perform for you? I am
worthy of being commanded by the Maharshis; and I must without demur
compass every pleasure of theirs. And this entire monarchy, and the life
that is resident in my heart,—all these are for the regenerate ones.
This I tell you in the name of truth." Hearing his words, the sages of
fierce austerities inhabiting the banks of the Yamunā, broke out into a
peal of plaudits. And those high-souled ones, exceedingly rejoiced,
said: "On earth, O crown of men, this can only be expected from thee and
nobody else. Many kings wielding great power have passed away who,
having regard to the (possible) gravity of the undertaking, could not
bring themselves to promise anything beforehand. But, without knowing he
task, thou hast bound thyself by a promise for the glory of the
Brāhmanas. And thou, without doubt, wilt succeed in effecting the work;
and it behoveth thee to deliver the sages from a mighty fright."