Chapter XLIV: Section XLV

Hearing that cry in the forest resembling her husband's voice Sita spake unto Lakshmana saying "Do thou go and learn what has befallen Raghava. He is crying aloud in pitiable accents; hearing them my life and soul are incapable of remaining any longer in their proper places. It behoveth thee to save thy brother who is crying aloud in the forest; do thou immediately repair hence to save him, who is in need of thy help. He hath been over-powered by the Rakshasas like unto a bullock brought under the power of a lion," Remembering the behest of Rama, Lakshmana did not go, though accosted thus by Sita. Extremely mortified, the daughter of Janaka spake unto him saying "O Son of Sumitra, thou art an enemy unto Rama, in the garb of a brother. Thou dost not proceed for the relief of thy brother who hath been reduced to such a plight. Dost thou desire, for fine, O Lakshmana, Rama's destruction? Truely being under the influence of lust for me thou dost not follow Raghava! For this thou dost welcome Rama's disaster; thou hast no affection for him. For this it is that thou dost sit here without anxiety not seeing the highly effulgent (Rama). Rama, following whom thou hast repaired unto this forest, being in danger, of what avail is life unto me?" Vaidehi Speaking thus being influenced by sorrow, and with tears in her eyes, like unto a deer, Lakshmana spake unto her saying "O Vaidehi, celestials, Danavas, Gandharbas, Rakshasas, Asuras, or Pannagas, there is none who can defeat thy husband. There is not the least doubt in this. Worshipful madam! Celestials, Danavas, Gandharbas, Rakshasas, Picachas, men, Kinnaras, animals, or birds, there is none among them, who can withstand Raghava, who equals the lord of celestials in warfare. In fact there is none who can do away with Rama in battle. It doth not behove thee therefore to accost me thus. Nor do I dare leave thee here alone in this forest without Rama. Even the mighty heroes, as the Lord of celestials, cannot subdue his prowess with all their strength. Even the Almighty Himself, with the celestials and the three worlds, cannot defeat him. Do thou therefore renounce grief and console theyself. Sooner shall thy husband return killing the best of deer. It is not his voice nor one sent by any deity. It is but an illusion of that Rakshasa (Maricha). O Vaidehi, thou hast been left unto my charge by the high-souled (Rama)--I therefore do not dare leave thee behind, O thou the jewel of a damsel. We have made these night-rangers our enemies. For compassing the destruction of Khara, O worshipful one, and devastating Janasthana, Rakshasas oftentimes use improper words unto us in this extensive forest. O Vaidehi, to create mischief unto the pious is the only amusement of these Rakshasas--thou shoudst not therefore be anxious for this." Being thus addressed by him her eyes were reddened with ire, and she spake these harsh words unto the truthful Lakshmana saying "O cruel one! O thou the destroyer of thy line! it is a disgrace unto thee that thou wishest to protect me (killing Rama). Methinks, this mighty disaster of Rama is welcome unto thee, or else why shouldst thou seeing this, speak thus, O Lakshmana. It is not a wonder that an evil desire lurks in thee who art a hypocrite and a cruel-hearted enemy. Verily art thou a monster of wickedness, that Rama repairing unto woods, thou hast, being lustful for me, followed him alone. Or hast thou been engaged by Bharata to act thus? But thy or Bharata's intention shall not be satisfied, O Saumitre. How shall I desire another man after serving the lotus-eyed Rama of dark blue hue as my husband? I shall renounce my life before thee, therefore, O Lakshmana; without Rama I shall not maintain my being for a moment on this earth." Hearing these brazen words of Sita, capable of making one's down stand on end, the self-controlled Lakshmana with joined hands spake unto her saying "Thou art a very Goddess unto me, I therefore dare not answer thee. What thou hast spoken, O Maithelee, is nothing surprising for females. Such is the nature of womankind on this earth. Women by nature are crooked, fickle, devoid of religious knowledge, and bring about difference between father and son. O Vaidehi, O daugther of Janaka, truly am I incapable of putting up with these words of thine. They have pierced through both of my ears like a heated _Naracha_. However the deities ranging in this woodland are my witnesses-- may they hear thee. I spoke what was fair and have been thus addressed by thee with these harsh words. I do alawys obey my superior's commands. Fie on thee! Thy destruction is near at hand that dost thou suspect me, being influenced by this womanish nature. I shall go where Kakuthstha is, may good betide thee, O thou the best of damsels! May the deities of the forest protect thee, O thou of expansive eyes! Many a bad omen appear before me. May I see thee again when I shall come back with Rama." Being thus accosted by Lakshmana the daughter of Janaka replied weeping and being bathed in tears. "Without Rama, O Lakshmana, I shall drink virulent poison, enter fire or dive into the Godaveri. I shall destroy this body either by hanging or by falling down from the top of a high object. I shall never be able to touch another man but Rama." Speaking thus unto Lakshmana, Sita, being enveloped with grief, weeping, struck her belly[56] with her hands. Seeing the daughter of Janaka of expansive eyes weep thus in pitiable accents, Lakshmana losing his attention began to console her. Afterwards the pure-hearted Lakshmana, having control over his senses, saluting Sita with clasped palms and bending low a little proceeded where Rama was, casting again and again his glance upon her as he went.

[56] Properly it should be "struck her breast." But it has a special
significance here, i. e.--she would not be satisfied until her
belly be filled with all the Rakshasas slain.--T.