Chaupái.
One of them, by name Trijatá, was devoted to Ráma's service, prudent and wise. She declared to them all a dream, how that they for their own sake ought to show Sita reverence. "In my dream a monkey set fire to Lanká, and put to death the whole demon army, and set Rávan on an ass, naked, with his head shorn and his twenty arms hacked off. In this fashion he went away towards the south,[1] while Vibhíshan succeeded to the throne of Lanká. The city resounded with cries for mercy in Ráma's name, till the Lord sent Sita among them. I deliberately warn you that four days hence this dream will be accomplished." Upon hearing her words, they were all dismayed and went and threw themselves at Sita's feet,
Dohá 11.
after which they dispersed in every direction. But Síta was troubled at heart: 'At the end of a month[2] this vile monster will slay me.'
Chaupái.
With clasped hands she cried to Trijatá: "Mother, you are my helper in distress; quickly devise some plan that I may be rid of life, for this intolerable bereavement is no longer to be endured. Bring wood and erect my funeral pyre and then set fire to it. My affection, reverend dame, will thus be attesed." Who could bear to listen to such an agonizing cry ? When she heard her speech, she clasped her feet and would fain comfort her by reciting the majesty and might and glory of her lord. "Hearken, fair lady; there is no fire to be had at night;" and so saying she went away home. Sitá exclaimed: "Heaven is unkind; without fire my pain cannot be cured. I see the heaven all bright with sparks, but not a single star drops to the earth. The moon is all ablaze, but no fire comes from it, as if it knew what a poor wretch I am. Ye Asoka trees,[3] that hear my prayer, answer to your name and rid me of my pain; and you flame-coloured opening buds, supply me with fire to consume my body." A single moment seemed like an age to the monkey, as he beheld Sita thus piteously lamenting her bereavement.
- ↑ The realm of Yama, the god of Death, is supposed to be in the south. For this reason a Hindu will never, when it is possible to avoid it, have the door of his house in that direction. Muhammadans even at the present day are much influenced by the same superstition.
- ↑ As appears from what follows, it is not death that she dreads, but the long interval of a month, which has to elapse before ber death takes place.
- ↑ The name Asoka is derived from a 'without' and soka 'pain.' The conceit cannot be preserved in an English translation.
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