RAAMA DISCONSOLATE

Lakshmana tried to encourage him with words of hope, but Raama was inconsolable. "No, no, my brother. There is no hope," he said, "Seeta is nowhere. I have lost her forever. I shall live no more."

He lay unconscious for a time. Then he came to himself and lifted his voice and wept. Nothing that Lakshmana said could comfort him.

Lakshmana, how can I go back to Ayodhya?" he cried. "Won't they laugh at me for returning alone after allowing Seeta to be killed and eaten by Raakshasas? Having brought her to the forest and having failed to protect her, what shall I tell Janaka?

"No, you should go alone to Ayodhya. Go and look after our mothers. Greet Bharata from me and tell him it was my dying wish that he should continue to rule as king."

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