SEETA COMFORTRED

Seeta concluded her story with the statement that two more months remained of the allotted twelve-month term and that her life would then end. To Seeta overwhelmed by grief, Hanumaan spoke words of comfort.

"O princess of Videha! Raama, the noblest of men and the mightiest of warriors has sent me to you with good news. His beloved brother Lakshmana, ever anxious for your welfare, sends through me his salutations to you.

"Ali! What happiness is mine!" she exclaimed. "I now see the truth of the common saying that so long as life lasts there is hope.'

Thus between these two utter strangers a profound confidence and affection sprang up like the sudden blossoming of the paarijaata in Indra's garden. Yet when, in his joyful eagerness to console and encourage Seeta, Hanumaan took a nearer step to wards her, Seeta lost the confidence inspired by his words and again grew suspicious.

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