“What shall I say or put into other’s mouth, my lord, an ocean of compassion and the knower of all hearts that you are? Now that my Guru is pleased and my master 590 * ÝR” RMACARITAMNASA* (yourself) propitious, the torment, which was the creation of my foul mind is over. I was obsessed with imaginary fears and my anxiety had no foundation whatsoever. It is no fault of the sun if anyone mistakes the quarters. My own ill-luck, my mother’s perversity, the odd ways of Providence and the cruelty of fate, all conspired with the avowed object of ruining me; but you came to my rescue by redeeming your vow (of protecting your devotees), a protector of the suppliant that you are. This is, however, no novel procedure for you; it is well-known to the world as well as to the Vedas and is an open secret. If the whole world is hostile and you alone are kindly disposed, my lord, tell me through whose goodness if not through yours, can one’s good be accomplished? My lord, you are of the same disposition as the tree of paradise: it is neither for nor against anyone.” (1—4)