Do you proceed soon, O hero, to Sugriva of mighty prowess, and repairing hence even to-day do you contract friendship with him, taking vow in the presence of flaming fire* that you shall not envy each other. This refers to the the oriental custom of performing every sacred rite in the presence of fire as witness. The Hindus regard the fire with sacred reverence and for this in all their social and religious ceremonials fire plays, a very prominent and sacred part.
गच्छ शीघ्रमितो वीर सुग्रीवं तं महाबलम्। वयस्यं तं कुरु क्षिप्रमितो गत्वाद्य राघव॥ अद्रोहाय समागम्य दीप्यमाने विभावसौ। न च ते सोऽवमन्तव्यः सुग्रीवो वानराधिपः॥