Touched by Dasaratha's grace and the beauty of his words Visvamitra said "Noble king of the mighty Ikshvaku dynasty guided by Vasishta you alone can speak thus. Let me now tell you the purpose of my visit, and may your pledge to do my will be redeemed! Engaged in performing certain rituals I am facing great hindrances, from the rakshasas Maricha and Subahu who have been raining flesh and blood on the sacrificial altar. These demons whose magical powers allow them to take any form at will, disrupt my efforts at all times and I have come away in despair. I cannot unleash my wrath upon them either, for the ritual is such that it forbids my uttering of curses while it is being conducted. So I ask you, give meRama your first born who knows no fear. He alone with his divine radiance is capable of slaying the rakshasas and I shall spread his fame in all the three worlds. Maricha and Subahu are of no match for Rama. They can never face him! Deem them dead already! I know of Rama's boundless courage and might which broods no retaliation .The most powerful Vasishta knows and so do the other sages. If your dharma and your fame are to remain forever on this earth, give me Rama! If Vasishta and your ministers allow it, send Rama with me, for ten nights. Let not the auspicious time set for my ritual slip away and do not sorrow." Visvamitra having said what he had to fell silent and Dasaratha shattered and frightened sat on his throne, trembling with fear.