"O king! A
huge monkey terrible to look at has laid waste the royal garden. It was in secret talk
with Seeta."
Of course they omitted to add that they had fallen asleep and given a chance for Seeta to
talk to the monkey.
"We tried our best to get some information from Seeta," they added. "We
asked her who he was, and how he came there, and what he told her. But she refuses to
answer. You should seize and slay this creature. Do send a strong foe. The beautiful grove is completely' devastated except for the Simsupa
tree under which Seeta is seated. Its spreading branches have suffered no damage. The
monkey which laid waste the tanks and bowers has spared the habitation of Seeta. There
must be a reason for this.
We suspect that this is not an ordinary wild animal. It
must have been sent by some enemy of yours, either Indra or Kubera. Or
could it have anything to do with Raama? How did this monkey dare to talk to Seeta? He
must be a messenger from Raama. Do
send your warriors to capture this terrible beast." |