CLOSELY GUARDED

Crossing the Pampa and then the sea, Raavana entered the city of Lanka. He went to his apartments with the grief-stricken Seeta. The fool thought that he had secured the prize, but he was taking home his own death in a woman’s form. Then, summoning some demon-like Raakshasis, he ordered them to keep watch over Seeta, specially commanding them to let none approach her with out his permission.

"Give her whatever she wants, clothes or gold or jewels. Serve her and do her honour as you would serve and honour me," he en joined them.

And he added the warning: "Anyone who utters a word which might offend her will be punished with death. No one, knowingly or unknowingly, should cause her anger or grief."

Having thus installed Seeta in the inner apartment, he considered what should be done next. He sent for some clever spies and gave them this mandate:

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