66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

Hanuman and said, “Our messengers have not arrived.
When they return with the armies, bring them to Rama’s
ashram. Stay here until then. I will now go.” He gathered his
followers and proceeded to meet Rama, marching on in
solemn silence, his mind full of guilt. But the moment he
came face to face with Rama at his mountain retreat, Rama
welcomed him with open arms, patted his back, and said, “I
hope you and your subjects are happy and flourishing.”
Sugreeva replied, “For one who has received your grace,
the achievements of kingship seem trivial and light.” He felt
unable to stop his speech and became passionately selfcritical:
“I have failed in my duty, in my promise, lost myself in
pleasures. I have betrayed the limits of the monkey mind. I
do not have the right to expect your forgiveness.”
“The rainy season was unexpectedly prolonged,” Rama
said, “and I knew that you must have been waiting for its
close. Now your speech indicates your determination to
help, which makes me happy. I do not doubt your devotion,
but you must not belittle yourself so much… . Where is
Hanuman?”
“He will come presently, with an army.”
“Now you may go,” Rama said; “you must have other
duties to perform. Come back when the armies are ready.”
Sugreeva replied, “So be it. We shall decide on the details
of our campaign later.”
After he left, Rama received from Lakshmana a full report