Thereupon going to bed, Shatrughna began to meditate upon that excellent theme relating to Rāma and treating of diverse subjects and did not enter into sleep. In sooth the high-minded Shatrughna spent the night in no time listening to that charming song set in musical notes. The night being over, he first went through the morning rites and then with folded hands addressed the foremost of ascetics, Vālmiki, saying: — “O illustrious Sir, I am anxious to see Rāma, the enhancer of the delight of the Raghu race. And my desire is that thou mayst with other illustrious Rishis, grant me permission on this.” Shatrughna, the slayer of enemies, having said this, the great ascetic Vālmiki embraced and bade him farewell. He was greatly anxious to behold Rāma and saluting the foremost of Munis he speedily proceeded to Ayodhyā. Thereupon having entered the highly picturesque city Ayodhyā, the graceful descendant of Ikshwākus, Shatrughna reached where the long-armed and the highly effulgent Rāma was waiting. He espied there Rāma in the midst of the councillors like Indra amongst the immortals burning in his own effulgence. And having bowed with folded hands unto Rāma, having truth for his prowess, Shatrughna said: — “O great king, I have carried out all thine behests; I have slain the vicious Lavana and filled his city with subjects. O descendant of Raghu, twelve years have passed away without thee—I do not wish to live any longer separated from thee. Do thou therefore, O Kākuthstha of unmitigated prowess, have compassion on me. Without thee, I cannot live for ever in a foreign province like a motherless child.” He having said this, Rāma embraced him and said: — “Be not sorry, O hero. This is not a becoming action for Kshatriyas. The kings, O Rāghava, are never tired of living in a foreign land. According to the morality of the Kshatriyas, their greatest duty consists in governing the subjects. O heroic and foremost of men, do thou, at intervals, come to Ayodhyā to see me and return to thy own city. Forsooth thou art dearer than my life. But it is an incumbent duty to govern the kingdom. Do thou therefore, O Kākutstha, live with me for seven nights, and afterwards return to thy city with thy servants, army and conveyances.” Hearing those moral and charming words of Rāma, Shatrughna poorly replied, saying: — “Thy command shall be carried out.” Thereupon Shatrughna, well-skilled in the use of bows, remained with Rāma for seven nights and then addressed himself for departure. Thereupon having invited Bharata and Lakshmana, the high-souled Rāma, having truth for his prowess, speedily went for his city in a huge chariot. The high-souled Lakshmana and Bharata followed him on foot for some distance.