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Havinc bathed, Rama, Sit& and Sumitr&a’s son wen their own asylum from the banks of the God&vari. Arriv at the asylum, Raghava along with Lakshmana, perform his morning devotions, entered the cottage. And hono of the Maharshis, Rama happily dwelt in that cottage; ; * Thyself, the meaning is evident when shall we all meet together.—T.

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ated with Sita that migty-armed one looked like the Moon conjunction with Chitra. And he carried on various conrse with his brother Lakshmana. As Rama was thus seated ith his mind engrossed in that talk, A Rakshasi came to at region at her will. And that one named Surpanakha, ster unto the ten-necked Rakshasa, coming upon Rama, saw m like a celestial, having a leonine chest, mighty-arms, id expansive eyes resembling lotus leaves, with the power- | gait of the elephant, wearing a head of matted locks, with resplendent countenance, bearing regal marks. And beIding Rama dark-blue like the lotus, and becoming like andarpa himself, and resembling Indra, the Rakshasi was addened with desire. R4ma was graced with a beauteous muntenance, that Rakshas had a hedeous face; Rama had slender waist, she had a huge abdomen ; he-had expansive res, she had terrible eyes ; he was gifted with an elegant ‘ad of hair, she had coppery hair; Rama was of a ‘ar. presence, she was of an unsightly presence ; &ma had a sonorous voice, she had a hedeous voice ; ima was youthful, the Rakshasi was an old hag; Rama id mellifluous accents, she had harsh accents; Ra&ma as ever abiding by justice, she was unruly; Rama is handsome, she was ugly. That Rakshasi being rought up with passion addressed Rama saying “Wear g matted locks, and equipped with bows and arrows, ry hast thou along with thy wife come to this gion haunted by R4&kshasas? It behoveth thee to say vat the object of thy visit is.’ Thus accosted by the ikshasi, Surpanakhd, that subduer of his foes from sincerity disposition began to relate everything:—‘“‘There was a ng named Dagaratha endeued with the prowess of a celesul. Iam his eldest son known among men by the name of ima. This is my younger brother (named) Lakshmana, ver)serving me. This is my wife, known by the name of ta. Commanded by my father and mother, I in obedience 69

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to their mandate, desirous of acquiring religious merits, has for the purpose of securing righteousness, come to tt forest for dwelling here. I also am anxious to know the Whose daughter art thou ? And what is thy name, and whi thy lineage? Possessed of a captivating form, thou appea est to me as a Rakshasi. Tell me truly why thou hast con here.” Hearing these words the Rakshasi, afflicted with lu said, “Listen, O Rama. I will relate everything truly. am a Rakshasi, capable of wearing shapes at will. My nan is Surpanakha. Striking terror into the hearts of all, [ ran; this forest alone. My brother is named Ravana.* Th mayst have heard of him. And he that is given to long sle —the mighty Kumbhakarna, the righteous Bibhishana, wi never serves the R&akshasas, and the brothers Khara a Dushana renowned in conflict (are also my brothers). Rama, I have surpassed them all (in prowess). At first sig of thee, Iapproach thee, thou best of men, as my husban with (feelings of) love. 1am endeued with power, and ran: about at will by virtue of my strength. Become my husbai for ever and a day. What wilt thou do with Sita ? D formed and unsightly, she is not worthy of thee. I am fit { thee. Do thou look upon me as a wife. This unsight grim unchaste and human one with a lean abdomen, wil devour up, along with this brother of thine. Then havi thy wish, in company with me, thou wilt range the Dandak surveying the various mountain summits and forests.” Th addressed, Kakutstha having charming eyes, well skill in speech, with a smile, began to speak thus. * Another reading is: my brother is named Ravana—a Rakshasa, and lord of Rakshasas. He is the son of Viasavan. Thou mayst have hear him.—T.