SERPENT DARTS

When Seeta was thus in the desperation of utter sorrow, Trijata, her raakshasi companion, who was looking closely at the motionless figures of the princes, suddenly burst out: "Dear Seeta, there is no cause for grief. Neither your husband nor Lakshmana is dead. Look at their faces. Is this how the dead look? They are bound by a charmed weapon and are unconscious for a while.

Look at the orderly array of the army. Have courage. Be not frightened." Her words fell like nectar in Seeta's ears. The Vimaana returned to Lanka and Seeta was taken back to the Asoka Vana.

In time the force of the arrows charged with sorcery weakened. Raama opened his eyes and sat up. Though sorely wounded, he recovered his strength by an exercise of will-power and sat up. He looked at his brother lying on the ground and cried out: "Alas! What is the use of victory now for me? Why did I bring you, dear brother, with me to the forest and get you killed like this? How can I return without you to Ayodhya? You used ever to console me in my sorrow.

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