Śrī Rāmacandra intends to tell Lakṣmaṇa, “I had previously acquired a treasure in this solitary place. I thought that I was learned in the ways of love but she outwitted Me in her playful dealings with Me. Her habits were noble. Previously, while living in the city, her sportive dealings with Me were subdued because of the presence of her mothers-in-law and other [respected superiors]. But because this was a solitary place, she completely gave herself to delightful enjoyments here.”

[Once,] after the divine couple had sported in the waters of the Godāvarī for a long time, Rāma became tired. But because He couldn’t just go away, He wanted to walk on a pathway of rock slabs and so looked [for one]. However, the residents of Kosala understand a man’s thoughts just by his glance (prekṣitajñās tu kosalāḥ). So she understood that her beloved was looking for a way out. In order to tire Him again, she then sat next to Him on the rock slab [that He wanted to step on and climb up]. And whenever He caught hold of some other corner of another slab [to climb on it and leave], she would sit on that particular slab while throwing water on His face, [thus preventing Him from going away]. She was naturally endowed with a sweet smile, [but] delighted at her victory [over Him], she burst into laughter.

She [then] spoke to Lakṣmaṇa in various ways, “Because Rāma has never ever suffered defeat from any one, now that He has been freshly defeated by a woman, His face is downcast in embarassment. Both of You have achieved whatever You have set Your mind upon. Both of You have extremely great strength and courage. You are princes. We are just weak girls. Both of You go out for hunting and to kill enemies. We never leave our homes. Certainly, Your elder brother has indeed conquered [everyone]!”¹