66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

even a trivial cause might bring disaster in its wake. He then
expatiated on how far one should surrender one’s own
judgement to another—especially out of love. “Not too far,”
he said, referring to his own pursuit of the golden deer in
order to please Sita. “Women can lead one to death,” he
said, referring to Vali’s infatuation with Sugreeva’s wife. At
the conclusion of their meeting, Sugreeva pleaded, “Please
do me the honour of residing as our guest in the capital.”
Rama said, “Not now. If you have me as a guest, all your
attention will be on me, while you should devote your energy
to your duties as a king. Moreover, I have vowed to live in the
forests for fourteen years and I cannot, therefore, come into
a city now.”
Sugreeva was crestfallen, and said, “I want to serve you…
.”
“Yes, later. The rainy season is coming. At the end of it,
come with an army. There will be time enough.”
Anjaneya now said stubbornly, “I have no existence
separated from you. I want to serve you. I wish to be with you
forever.”
Rama said, “Not now. You will go back to Kiskinda with
Sugreeva and help him. He will need your judgement and
support, as the responsibilities he has inherited are
immense. Your first duty will be to help him. Come to me
after four months, after the rains, and I will tell you what you