Dialogue from a Mythological Play

What could be their intention in coming here?

Speak with a bit of caution, brother.

They do not look genuine to me.

After coming to the forest, you have become very suspicious, Lakshman.

My experiences have been such, brother.

Look, that learned priest is coming towards us.

Salutations, noble Brahmin.

Salutations, learned priest.

May you be blessed, may you be blessed.

You seem to be lost travelers?

O holy Brahmin, your guess is correct.

We are looking for the way to Rishyamook Mountain.

Hmm, my guess is correct, my guess is correct.

Would you please be kind enough to tell us which path leads to the peak of Rishyamook Mountain?

Hmm, what is your purpose? What is your purpose?

Beautifying this river of pure water, the two swift ones have arrived near Pampa, the best of mountains.

Illustrious, endowed with great beauty, and possessing the prowess of a mighty bull.

Why do you address me thus, and why do you not speak further?

O eminent Brahmin, with cleverness and courtesy,

the way you have become curious to know about us through your sweet Sanskrit speech,

has left us in deep thought as well. Are you really who you appear to be?

What do you mean?

Meaning, instead of answering our small question,

you only want to find out our secret?

Noble sir, please go your way.

Since we have reached this far, we will also reach the peak of Mount Rishyamuk.

Anger causes harm, young ascetic.

Let go of your anger and just tell me, whom do you wish to visit on Mount Rishyamuk?

Years have passed, and no one has traveled this path.

Why are you so eager to go there?

Another question in response to our question?

Brother, do not get involved with him. We will find our own way.

Your words are not entirely without merit.

But we are mesmerized by his scholarly speech.

He appears to be a great scholar, knowledgeable in Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda.

In the mind of such a grammarian and Vedic scholar...

...there can be no possibility of any deceit or malice.

Befriending him will be in our best interest.

Very well, you may befriend him.

The thing is, O holy Brahmin, we have been instructed...

...that the mighty Sugriva resides on Mount Rishyamook. We must meet him.

King Sugriva? He doesn't meet anyone.

How do you know? Do you know him?

Of course I do, of course I do.

Sugriva is a righteous soul, a supreme leader among the Vanaras.

And I am his family priest, Pandit Kesari Nandan.

Family priest?

Yes, family priest. He doesn't meet anyone without our counsel.

So tell me, who gave you the directions to Mount Rishyamook?

Mother Shabari.

The ascetic Mother Shabari?

What is the reason? What is the purpose?

Brother, this learned scholar only knows how to ask questions.

I guess this learned scholar's name itself is Maharaj Prashnanand.

His guru never even taught him how to answer questions.

And you are only skilled in showing anger.

And you are peaceful, patient, and grave. Brave men, god-like figures,

Please express your intention.

The thing is, noble priest, Mother Shabari has guided us.

She told us that meeting King Sugriva at this time would be beneficial for us.

If, as you say, Sugriva cannot be met,

then please arrange a meeting with his minister, Shri Hanuman. It would be your immense kindness.

You want to meet Hanuman?

Certainly. If we get to see him, then the means to meet Sugriva will also become easy.

If you give your real identity, we will call Hanuman right now, this very moment.

Look, he will call him this very moment. As if Hanuman is locked in his book.

Certainly. Please introduce yourself, and Hanuman will appear at the snap of my fingers.

Very well, then listen.

We are the sons of the highly glorious King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.

We wish to forge a friendship with the Monkey King Sugriva.

My name is Lakshmana, and this is my elder brother, Lord Ramachandra.

Ram? Lord Ramachandra?

You yourself?

Yes, brother, Lord Ram himself is here. Now snap your fingers and call Hanuman.

Lord Ram!

What are you doing?

This is not proper.

Firstly, we have come to your doorstep to ask for something,

secondly, you are in the form of a Brahmin, the family priest of King Sugriva.

In every way, you are worthy of worship, O noble Brahmin.

Then why are you touching my feet? I will incur sin.

Touching the master's feet is not a sin, Lord.

But I am not your master.

Your master is King Sugriva.

A master's friend is also a master, my Lord.

Therefore, you are my master and worthy of worship.

You lifted this servant and embraced him,

this is your greatness.

For such a compassionate master, a servant should even sacrifice his life.

You speak such sweet words, learned sir,

yet you have not revealed your identity.

This is the sign of a skilled spy.

Brother Lakshman, what is secret anymore?

All doubts have been cleared.

Only a small regret remains in my heart,

I am but a foolish monkey, and I was late in recognizing my Lord.

But Lord Ram is all-knowing,

why did he take so long to recognize his eternal devotee, Hanuman?

Hanuman? You are Hanuman?

Yes, brother, I am that very eternal servant, Hanuman.