Sita listened silently to Rama's monologue. A depiction of charm and grace, her presence produced a blissful serenity. So immense was her adoration of Rama, that even the thought of separation from him angered her. "Do your casual commands bid me to do what you take so lightly? What is my offence that you want to punish me so she said "My knowledge of dharma says every one, whether a father, mother, brother or son, is meant to enjoy or suffer the merits or demerits that they have accrued in their past lives. The wife alone is meant to share the fate of her husband. Accordingly, your banishment is mine. Do I have to teach you, an embodiment of dharma, of its subtleties? For a woman, her husband is her only refuge. Do you pretend ignorance of this rule, my lord? I do not mean to rebel or contradict your wishes, but life for me is not possible without you." And then her anguished heart gave way to such torrential tears that they drenched the very earth out of which she was born.

Rama gently wiped Sita's tears trying to cajole and reason with her, but his soft-spoken consort was not to be deterred, as she continued, "I do not mean to disobey, but separation from you will kill me.For a woman the glories of the world mean nothing, compared to being with her lord.The code of conduct imbibed in me says to follow that lord to the very ends of the world.When you who protect the most insignificant lives on earth are with me what do I have to fear? I will not shirk the forest where you are or live in a heaven where you are not. Serving you and living in the enchanting exuberance of a forest alive with a myriad bird and beasts, can life be anything but bliss? A bliss enhanced by your presence." Neither Rama's renowned eloquence nor dharma could shake the gentle princess from her single-minded resolve.