SECTION XLIV.
Sugriva had declared his conviction that he relied particularly upon Hanumān. And convinced as to the ability of that best of monkeys to accomplish the work, Sugriva, that lord of all the dwellers of the woods, well pleased, spoke unto Hanumān, son unto the wind-god, saying,—"O foremost of monkeys, neither on the earth, nor in the sky,[154] nor in the etherial regions,[155] nor yet in water, find I any obstacle to thy course. The entire worlds with Asuras, and Gandharbas, and Nāgas, and men, and gods, with oceans, and the earth and the regions beneath—are well known unto thee. And thy motion, vehemence, energy and fleetness are, O hero, O mighty ape, even like those of thy sire, the powerful wind-god; and there exists no creature on earth that is like unto thee in energy. Therefore do thou bethink thee how Sitā may be recovered. Even in thee, O thou versed in policy, are strength, and wit, and courage, and policy, and conduct in consonance with season and place." Thereat, understanding that success in the task depended upon Hanumān, and also knowing what Hanumān was, Rāghava reflected,—"This lord of monkeys is every way confident concerning Hanumān; and Hanumān himself is even more confident of achieving succes in the work. He that hath been tested by his deed, and who hath been considered worthiest by his master, having been commissioned in this business,—success in the work is certain." Then beholding that monkey who was the fittest for the task, that exceedingly energetic one, (Rāma), with his mind and senses exhilarated, considering himself as already crowned with success, felt the excess of joy. And well pleased, that subduer of enemies handed to Hanumān a ring inscribed with his name, as a sign unto Ihe king's daughter. "By this sign, O foremost of monkeys, Janaka's daughter will be able to see thee fearlessly, as one that hath come from me. Thy firmness, O hero, and sterling prowess, as well as Sugriva's saying, tell me greatly of success." Thereupon, taking that (ring), and raising his joined palms to his head, that foremost and best of monkeys, saluting (Rāma's) feet, went away. Then taking with him that mighty host of monkeys, that hero, the son of the wind, resembled the moon of bright disc in the sky, garnished by the stars, after the clouds have departed. "O thou of excessive strength! I take refuge in thy might. O thou endowed with the prowess of the foremost of lions! do thou, O son of the Wind, O Hanumān, exert thyself so, summoning the great strength thou art master of, that we may obtain Janaka's daughter."[156]