FIRST AMONG THE ASTUTE

If I go back now to report what I have seen to Raama and my king, who knows what meanwhile will happen here? Before Raama, Lakshmana and the Vaanara host arrive here, Seeta, unable to bear her suffering, might put an end to her life. All my labours would then be lost. It is not enough to have seen Seeta. I must talk to her, give her news of Raama and put hope and courage into her heart, so that she may hold with life in spite of all.

"How would Raama receive me if I return without speaking to Seeta? I must find some way of speaking to Seeta."

In the rosary of Hanumaan's name occurs the title, Buddhimataam Varishtham, 'First among the Astute.' It is a true description.

"In what form should I appear before Seeta? In what language should I speak to her? If suddenly a monkey came and spoke to her in this Asoka grove, Seeta would surely suspect foul play and imagine that Raavana was playing some new trick on her. If I appeared suddenly before her, she might cry out in fear. In her present condition this is most likely to happen. The Raakshasis guarding her, who have now fallen asleep, will be startled awake and discover me.

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