Thereupon having performed the morning rites the lotus-eyed Rāma, in the early morning, sat on his royal throne and in the company of Brāhmanas and citizens engaged in looking into state affairs. The assembly consisted of the priest Vasishtha, the saint Kashyapa, ministers well versed in politics, other religious preceptors, moralists, members and kings. The assembly of Rāma, of unwearied, actions appeared like that of Mahendra, Yama and Varuna. Rāma said to Lakshmana, gifted with auspicious marks “O Saumitri having long arms, do thou proceed to the city-gate to receive those who have come here for business.” According to Rāma’s command Lakshmana, gifted with auspicious mark, arrived at the gate and called those who had come there for business. But none said that he had been brought there by any business. For there was neither disease nor poverty in the kingdom. During Rāma’s regime the earth was filled with corns and Asadhis. Children young men and middle-aged people did not meet with death. The earth was governed piously so there was no obstacle. Thus during the administration of Rāma none was seen who wanted justice. Lakshmana, with folded hands, said to Rāma, “None has come for business.” Thereat, Rāma, with a delighted heart, replied— “Do thou go, O Saumitri, and see if any one has come for business. Royal policy if properly adopted, impiety can stand nowhere. It is for the fear of the king that people protect one another. And although laws, instituted by me are protecting the subjects like so many arrows, still, O thou having long arms, do thou be engaged in governing the subjects.” Being thus addressed Lakshmana issued out of the house and saw that a dog was waiting at the gate. Casting its looks around it was again and again barking. Beholding it in that plight the valiant Lakshmana said “O generous sir, what business has brought thee hither—do thou relate it confidentially.” Hearing the words of Lakshmana, the dog replied— “I wish to relate it unto Rāma, of unwearied actions, who is the refuge of all creatures and who declares fearlessness unto all.” Hearing the words of the dog Lakshmana entered the beautiful palace to relate it unto Rāma. And having communicated it unto Rāma he issued out and said to the dog: — “If thou hast anything true to speak thou mayst come and communicate it unto the king.” Hearing the words of Lakshmana, the dog said— “We cannot enter into the houses of divinities, kings and Brāhmanas nor can we go there where is fire, Indra, the sun or the wind, for we are the vilest born; so I cannot enter there. For king is the personification of virtue and specially the king Rāma is truthful, well versed in the science of fighting and ever engaged in the welfare of all beings. He is perfectly cognizant of where the six qualities are to be applied—master of morality, knoweth all, seeth all and the best of beautiful. He is the moon, death, Yama, Kuvera, the giver of riches, fire, Indra, the sun and Varuna. O Saumitri, do thou go and communicate unto the king protecting his subjects that without his permission I do not wish to go there.” Thereupon the highly effulgent and noble-minded Lakshmana entered the palace and said to Rāma: — “O thou having long arms, O thou the enhancer of Kausalyā’s joy—I have communicated thine orders—I shall relate shortly everything regarding that; do thou hear. That dog, as a beggar, is waiting at the gate for thy commands.” Whereto Rāma replied: — “Bring him speedily here who is waiting at the gate for business.”