14. “By this work of yours men will forthwith pass over this hazardous world, in the same manner as one crosses the sea in a vessel.”
15. Again said the increate Brahmá to me:—“I come to tell this very thing to you, that you complete the work for the benefit of mankind.”
16. Then Oh king, the God disappeared from my sacred hermitage in a moment, just as the wave subsides in the water no sooner it has heaved itself.
17. I was struck with wonder at the disappearance of that (deity), and then being composed in my mind, I inquired of Bharadwája, saying:—
18. Tell me, Bharadwája, what Brahmá spoke (to me) in the hermitage; to which he answered saying:—
19. “The God commanded you to complete the Rámáyana for the good of men, and as a means of their crossing over the gulf of the world.”
SECTION III.
Inquiry of Bharadwája.
20. “Now Sir”, said Bharadwája, “explain to me how the great minded Ráma and Bhárata conducted themselves amidst the troubles of this world.
21. “Tell me also how did Satrughna, Lakshmana, and the renowned Sítá, and all those who followed Ráma, as also the ministers and their highly intelligent sons, conduct themselves (on earth).
22. “Tell me clearly how they escaped all its miseries, that I may do the same with the rest of mankind: (for our salvation).”