"Seeing Seeta in his flying chariot in the air, I intercepted it and gave
him battle. I struck down his bow and smashed his chariot. His charioteer I slew. The
marks of my last great fight you can see all round this place. I did my best how I wish it
were better for your sake! At last as, weary with toil, I was still waging a hopeless
combat-age against youth, beak and talons against keen weapons and panoply of steel, he
cut off my wings and legs and as I fell wounded to death, he lifted Seeta and flew with
her into the sky in a southern direction.
Though racked with the pangs of death, I
have clung to life for love of you to tell you what I know. Now that I have done this,
bless me and let me die." Tears flowed from Raama's eyes as he listened to
Jataayu's tale. He flung aside his bow and embraced the bird. The princes' sorrow knew no
bounds. They lamented loudly, rolling on the ground. |
