THE GOOD BIRD JATAAYU

Seeing this wandering ascetic, clad in saffron clothes, carrying his water-pot and staff, Seeta greeted him respectfully, according to the courtesy due to holy men. He desired hospitality. As in duty bound, she offered him a seat and placed before him some fruits and roots as was the custom.

The ascetic sat and looked again at Seeta. His desire grew stronger. Sinner and Raakshasa though he was, he had an instinct that made him wish to win her heart; he wished not to ravish but to secure Seeta's willing consent and make her his wife.

The King of Lanka wanted and hoped to persuade Seeta. He thought she would yield to him for his wealth and power, turning her back on poverty-stricken Raama. He thought also that this would be the best way of disgracing and punishing Raama. He expected Seeta to behave like other women he had known.

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