The Rāmāyana, Volume 3. Yuddhakāndam

Section I

Hearing the words of Hanuman rehearsed properly, Rama, exceedingly delighted, said,—"By Hanuman hath been performed a very great deed, rare on earth, and one incapable of being even conceived by any other in the world. Save Garuda and the Wind-god, and save also Hanuman, him find I not who crosseth the wide ocean. Entering by main force the city of Lanka, incapable of being subjugated by the gods and Danavas and Yakshas, the Gandharbas, serpents or Rakhas, and well protected by Ravana,—who, living, cometh out (of it)? And who that is not the compeer of Hanuman in strength and prowess, even entereth into (Lanka), hard to subdue, and carefully guarded by the Rakshasas? And having so put forth his strength commensurate with his prowess, Hanuman hath also performed a great act befitting a servant on behalf of Sugriva.[1] That servant who, being entrusted with a hard task,—after having accomplished it, doeth another work in pursuance of (the prescribed business), is the best of men. That servant is middling, who, deputed to any task,[2] doth not, albeit capable, perform any other work which may be dear to the king. And that servant who, entrusted with any work the king, doth not, although competent, heedfully accomplish the same, hath been called the worst. Anent the order (which he had received), Hanuman hath done the work (and more). He hath not been humbled,[3]—and, further, hath pleased Sugriva. And by seeing Vaidehi, (Hanuman hath), while reaping righteousness, saved me, the Raghu race, and the highly powerful Lakshmana. And this pained my mind sore, that I cannot do a like benefit, returning this dear office of his. Embrace expresseth the all (of the Deity),[4] and, finding this occasion, I extend my embrace unto the high-souled Hanuman". Having said this, Rama, with his down standing on end in joy, embraced the self-controlled Hanuman, who was present after having finished his speech. Then reflecting for a while, the best of the Raghus again spoke in the presence of Sugriva, lord of monkeys. "Complete success hath been attained anent the search for Sita. But when I think of the ocean, my mind is again sunk in dejection. How can the assembled monkeys go over to the southern shore of the vasty deep, difficult to cross? This tidings thou hast related unto me touching Vadehi, but what are the monkeys to do next about crossing the sea?" Having said this unto Hanuman, that slayer of foes, mighty-armed Rama, agitated by anxiety, was then plunged in thought.