| One finds
snakes in places of worship. Ants infest food offerings. The udders of cows are dry and
yield no milk. Elephants, horses, camels and monkeys fall sick, reject food and behave
strangely. Medicines have lost their efficacy. Crows perch in numbers on the house-tops
making hideous noises. Vultures circling overhead
fill the augurs with anxiety. Foxes boldly enter the city and bowl at unusual hours. Wild
beasts haunt the streets. These portents should not be disregarded. I beg of you, restore
Seeta to her husband. It is only since her coming here that these omens are noticed as you
can verify by asking others.
Why should we, who have so much to lose, needlessly incur
any one's enmity? Let us restore Seeta to her people and live happily."
Thus did Vibbeeshana plead earnestly with his brother.
"Never, never!" exclaimed Raavana. "Let there be no talk here of Seeta
being returned to her people. I do not think much of this enemy. I see nothing to be
afraid of. Now, you may go." |
