Sumantra went on with his narration of events that had taken place after he left Rama. He said that even the horses shedding tears were reluctant to part with Rama and how he had tarried with Guha, in the hope of Rama sending for him. "Rama's exile is beyond description" he said, "and so are the ensuing effects on nature. A shroud of gloom hangs over the entire earth, where trees wither, flowers have no scent, rivers and lakes are dry and limpid pools turbid. The forests are soundless as no beasts roam there. Weighed down with grief, the leaves of the lotus have drowned, groves and gardens have lost their charm and birds no longer chirp. People behold my chariot in disappointment for they do not see Rama in it."

As he listened to Sumantra Dasaratha was a picture of abject misery. Wearied of deceptions, deprived of a dutiful son and denounced by his people, he was haunted by a sorrow that bore him down. Blaming himself, he told Sumantra, "Enticed by Kaikeyi, whose mind is an abode of evil, I have committed an unforgivable folly, which will now destroy my dynasty. "Sumantra! If ever I have rendered you a service, bring back that mighty armed son of mine or take me to him, as I am about to die. If still alive I can feast my eyes on my gloriously handsome son with Sita and Lakshmana by his side. To Kausalya he said, "The ocean of grief in which I am immersed is boundless. It has Rama's misfortune as its currents and Sita's banishment as its utmost bourne. My sighs are the waves whose foaming waters are polluted by my tears. My flailing arms are like the fish and my wailing competes with the sound of crashing waves. In its depth dwells the dreadful volcanic fire, called Kaikeyi, who is born out of my copious tears. This ocean is infested with monstrous crocodiles, which are the words of the hunch -back. Its fathomless waters are like the wicked boons of Kaikeyi and its far shores are Rama's exile, caused by that vile woman! Without my Rama, how can I cross this ocean of sorrow? It will be a great calamity if inspite of my longing I cannot ever behold my Rama and Lakshmana."