TO THE FOREST

Raama was saying to the good charioteer, "Faster, faster" The people were saying, "slow, slow." And the crowd became bigger and bigger. Sumantra managed somehow to take the chariot out of the press of the mourning town where, in addition to the loud sorrow of the crowded streets, the houses were full of mourning women and children.

The King stepped out of Kaikeyi's apartment and looked at the departing chariot. A long time he stood there watching the cloud

of dust as though he saw in it the beloved form of Raama. When even this went out of sight, he fell down, moaning. Kausalya and Kaikeyi sat on either side.

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