Rama Smiles and Sends Angada and Hanuman to Bring Vibhishana
Sundara Kanda, Doha 44
Doha 44 · Movement 2 of 2
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The debate ends in a smile from the abode of mercy. Friend or spy, sincere refugee or hidden observer, Vibhishana is to be brought before Rama. Either possibility has already been held within the Lord's fearlessness.
The command releases the tension at the boundary. The monkeys answer with a cry of victory to the compassionate one. No chains are prepared, no weapon raised, and no test is demanded before the stranger may approach.
Angada and Hanuman set out together to receive him. One is the crown prince of the forest host, the other the messenger who has already met Vibhishana in Lanka and recognized his devotion. They cross the space between suspicion and welcome under Rama's word, while the exile waits to discover what kind of king smiles before admitting an enemy's brother.
A smile from Rama turns the guarded border of the camp into a road of welcome.
Read the passage from the Manas
उभय भाँति तेहि आनहु हँसि कह कृपानिकेत। जय कृपाल कहि चले अंगद हनू समेत।।44।।
"Bring him either way," the Lord said with a smile, He who is the abode of mercy. Crying "Victory to the compassionate one!" they set forth, Angada and Hanuman together.