ANGER AND RECONCILIATION

Thus politely did Maaruti convey his advice to Sugreeva. The latter accepted it and, thanking Hanumaan, ordered Neela to mobilise the Vaanara army. "All the world must be searched and Seeta found," he said. "Order therefore the most powerful Vaanaras to come and join up at once. Those who fail will be summarily punished." Having said this, Sugreeva went back into private apartments.

Raama and Lakshmana spent the time in their cave waiting for the end of the rainy season and the fulfilment by Sugreeva of his promise. But when the rains were over and the forest and its creatures shone with renewed beauty, Raama grieved intensely at the thought of Seeta suffering at the hands of the Raakshasas.

"The world is full of life and joy," said Raama. "But Seeta is in agony somewhere. And I sit still here, awaiting the favour of this ungrateful Vaanara king. Alas, she walked cheerfully through the Dandaka forest, as if it were a palace-park; she did not mind the stony ground and the thorns in the path. What must be her suffering now? But this king, drowned in his cups and revelling in the company of his women, has forgotten his promise to me.

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