A SECOND FATHER DIES

With such loving words Lakshmana sought to give courage and consolation and both walked on. They had not proceeded far when they came on Jataayu, bloody and mutilated, unrecognisable, lying on the ground.

At first Raama thought it was some Raakshasa disguising himself td deceive them and, wild with anger, cried: "Look! Here is a Raakshasa who has eaten Seeta!" and rushed towards him, bow in hand.

Then raising his ruffled and gory head with great pain, Jataayu spoke in a feeble voice that seemed struggling with death. "Do not kill me, dear Raama, who has but a few moments more to live! The dear princess you are searching for has been carried off by Raavana and he could do so only by first robbing me of my life!

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