66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

his stepmother Kausalya. Uncontrollably, his eyes filled with
tears. For a moment he was assailed with homesickness.
He overcame it and said, “I am sent by my brother to find out
why Sugreeva has held himself back, having promised to
bring an army for our help.”
Tara replied, “Don’t let your anger turn on Sugreeva. Great
ones should forgive the lapses of small men. Anyway,
Sugreeva has not forgotten. He has sent messages to all his
associates, far and wide, in order to mobilize an army, and
he is awaiting the return of the messengers, which is the only
cause of delay. Please bear with us. We know that Rama’s
single arrow is enough to vanquish all enemies, and our help
could only be nominal.”
On hearing these words, Lakshmana looked relieved;
noticing the signs of good temper, Hanuman approached
him cautiously, and Lakshmana asked him, “Did you, too,
forget your promise?”
Hanuman explained, “My mind is always fixed on Rama
and there can be no forgetfulness.” He spoke with such
humility and sincerity that Lakshmana’s anger finally left him.
He now explained, “Rama’s suffering is deep. He needs
Sugreeva’s help at this stage; and fears that the longer he
delays, the stronger the evil-doers may grow.” Hanuman
said, “Please step into the palace and give Sugreeva a
chance to receive you, sir. When you stand here refusing to
enter, it gives a chance for our enemies to gossip and talk ill