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Then like one possessed by an evil spirit, and trembling again and again, Kaugalya lying down on the ground like one dead, spoke unto the charioteer, saying, “Do thou take me where Ka&kutstha is and Sita and Lakshmana: without them, I cannot live for a moment. Do thou without delay turn the car. Do thou take me also unto Dandaka. If I do not follow them, I shall repair to the mansion of Yama.” Thereat the charioteer with joined hands comforted that exalted lady with ready words faltering and choked with rising vapour, “Do you leave grief and sorrow and the violent emotion. Renouncing grief, Raghava is living in the woods. And in the forest, the righteous Lakshmana, having his senses under control, is ministering unto R&ama’s feet and is thus adoring

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the gods for happiness in the next world. And even in the lonely woods, Sit& as if remaining at home, having fixed her thoughts on Rama, is living a life of love. And there appears not the least trace of any distress afflicting her; and Vaidehi seems to me as if she were meant (by Nature) for a life away from home. And as formerly going unto urban villas she disported, she disports now even in the lonely forest. And although living in the lone forest, that one of a countemance resembling the infant moon, sports merrily like a girl, in the garden represented by R&ma’s self. Ayodhya without Rama would have seemed a wilderness to her whose heart is fixed on him and whose very life depends upon him. Vaidehi is now asking (Rama) concerning the villages and towns (in their way); and observing various trees and the courses of the rivers, Janaki, asking R&ma or Lakshmana (for information), is learning all about them. And Sit& sports as she used to do in arbours stationed at the distance of only one rosa from Ayodhy&. This only I remember ; but all that she had from sudden impulse communicated unto me concerning Kaikeyi, does not rise into consciousness.” Suppressing this topic which had come up through heedlessness, the charioteer spoke sweet words cheering up that noble lady. “Neither through the fatigue of travel, nor the influence of the wind, nor excitement, nor the sun, hath Vaidehi’s lustre resembling the lunar light suffered any diminution. The countenance of that fair-speaking one resembling the lotus and comparable unto the full moon in splendour, hath not waxed pale. Her feet now without the dye of ihe liquid lac, but naturally furnished with the roseate hue of the same, are gorgeous like lotus buds. Still Vaidehi decked in ornaments from affection for Rama, goes gracefully, rebuking with her bangles the wavy gait (of cranes). Supporting herself-on Rama’s arm, Sita arrived at the forest, is not inspired with fear on beholding either an elephant, or a lion, or a tiger. Thercfore they are not to be

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bewailed, nor your own self, nor the lord of men. This history of Rama will endure for ever in this world. Renouncing grief and with cheerful hearts, well established in the life led by the Maharshis, they living in the forest on wild fruits as their sustenance, are maintaining the noble promise of their sire.” Consoled by the truth-telling yet sweetspeeched charioteer, that lady oppressed with grief for her son, ceased not to wail loudly—“My beloved,” “My soa,” “Raghava.”