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I was saved by
your father from the dire wrath of Indra and am ever greateful to him. I now live in
safety sheltered by the sea. In olden days, we mountains had wings and flew hither and
thither in the
sky and the world was in dread of us. Then Indra, to rid the world of this terror,
relentlessly pursued us and cut off our wings.
It was
from this common fate that your father rescued me. You are engaged in the most fatiguing
task of flying across the sea. I have come up here to offer you some rest. Stay here for a
while and then fulfil Raama's Purpose.' I declined the offer for lack of time and, taking
leave of him, went on my way."
Thus, in proper sequence and without omission, Hanumaan recounted all that happened during
the passage and in the city of Lanka; how he searched for Seeta in vain in Raavana's
palace, how he found her at last in the Asoka Vana, how there Raavana Sought and
importuned her and was spurned by her, what dire threats he held out, how the raakshasis
teased her and drove her to think of putting an end to her own life, and how it was at
this juncture he approached and gave her news of Raama and hope and interest in life.
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