Tara's gentle persuasive words had their effect and Lakshmana fell silent. In the quiet of that moment encouraged by Lakshmana's silence Sugriva shed his fear. He tore at his garlands and as the soft petals of the flowers dropped to the ground it seemed symbolic of the end that phase in his life, spent in pursuit of pleasures and passion. Standing before Lakshmana in all humility Sugriva told him that he owed his kingdom his life and his fame to Rama, whose debt would be impossible to repay, if ever he could! "Rama can destroy Ravana with his own might. My presence there at that time will be the only help I will be rendering him. How can anyone rival him who with a single arrow had cleaved seven Sala trees a mountain and the earth? When the mere twang of his bowstring can strike terror and make the earth with its mountains quake, of what need is others' help to Rama? "Forgive my lapses Lakshmana. There are none in the world that is free from mistakes. I may have exceeded my limits and lost my credibility! But I have not lost my integrity and my reverence for Rama!" Pleased with Sugriva Lakshmana said, " You deserve the kingdom and the pleasures it offers.In a world where the greatest among men loathe admitting their faults, you not only confess but also regret them! In many ways you are an equal of Rama. The gods themselves have sent you to our rescue. Let us now go to Rama who grieves for Sita, who is so dear to him. Holding you responsible for Rama's sorrow, I lost my temper. Do forgive me!"