21. Then the heavenly and earthly saints interchanged their greetings with one another with cordial welcomes and gestures, and were all seated afterwards on seats made of the kusa grass.
22. They next honoured Ráma, who lay bowing before them, with gentle words and congratulations accompanied with shedding of flowers.
23. There were seated in that assembly the sages:—Viswámitra, Vasishtha, Váma Deva and the ministers of state.
24. There were also Nárada, the son of Brahmá, Vyása the greatest of sages, Maríchi, Durvása and Angirá.
25. There were Kratu, Pulastya, Pulaha, Saraloma, the great sage Vátsáyana, Bharadwája, Válmíki the great bard and sage.
26. There were also Uddálaka, Richika, Sarjati as well as Chyavana.
27. These and many others versed in the Vedas and their branches, and knowing all things worth knowing, were the leading members (of the assembly).
28. Then Nárada and others joined with Viswámitra and Vasishtha in addressing Ráma, who was sitting silent with his face turned downwards; and said:—
29. We admire the blest and graceful speech of the prince which is dignified with the spirit of stoicism that breathes through the whole of it.
30. It is full of thought, perspicuous, elegant, clear, dignified, sweet and worthy of noble minded men, by its lucid style and wants of faults.