And remaining in that mansion, (Hanuman) desirous of getting a sight of
Sita graced with a fair presence, went into bowers, and picture
galleries, and night-houses;[296] but her he did not find. And not
finding the beloved (spouse) of Raghu's son, that mighty monkey
reflected,--"Surely Sita is not alive,--for although I have searched
(through and through), yet Mithila's daughter I have failed to find. And
that girl solicitous for the preservation of her chastity, and staying
in the prime path of virtuous woman,--that chaste one--hath, for
certain, been slain by this chief of the Rakshasas, (ever) finding
delight in iniquity. And seeing the wives of the Rakshasa monarch,--of
frightful forms,-- monstrous; of lurid hue; having huge faces; with
large horrid eyes,--the daughter of Janaka hath given up the ghost from
fright. Failing to see Sita, and (thereby) annuling my prowess, and
having long spent the appointed space in company with the monkeys, way
have I none to present myself before Sugriva, that monkey being puissant
and given to meting out sharp chastisement. Having searched the inner
apartment through, and seen the wives of the Rakshasa, I do not see the
chaste Sita. Therefore vain is the trouble that I take. What, alas!
shall the monkeys assembled tell me when I shall go (to them)? 'O hero,
tell us what thou hast done, repairing there.' And not having seen
Janaka's daughter, what shall I answer? The term fixed (by Sugriva)
having been past, certainly meet it is that I should fast to death. And
what shall the aged Jambhavan, and what shall Angada, say? And what,
again, shall the assembled monkeys say to me when I shall have crossed
over the main? But perseverence is the source of good fortune; and
perseverence bringeth about supreme happiness. Search again I will,
where I have not yet searched. Perseverence, for certain, ever bringeth
people to all profitable objects. Whatever one doeth with vigor, beareth
fruit. Therefore will I put forth fresh dear efforts vigorously. I will
search such places held by Ravana as I have not yet seen. I have again
searched the picture-galleries and the sporting-structures, and
edifices, and roads passing through gardens, as well as the cars."
Having thought thus, Hanuman again set about searching the subterranean
abodes, religious buildings, and many-storied mansions. And flying up,
and coming down, and staying, and going at places, and opening doors,
and shutting others, and entering and issuing out, and falling down as
if darting up, that mighty monkey began to range on all sides. There was
not even space measuring four fingers in that inner apartment of Ravana,
to which the monkey did not repair. And he saw the abodes of the
nobility, the daises, the trees by the crossings the holes, and the
tanks. And Hanuman saw there Rakshasas of various forms, frightful and
deformed; but he saw not Janaka's daughter. And Hanuman saw there the
wives of Vidyadharas; but he saw not Raghava's beloved. And Hanuman saw
there transcendentally beautiful women--daughters of Nagas--having
countenances resembling the moon; but he saw not Janaka's daughter. And
Hanuman saw there daughters of Nagas forcibly brought by the lord of the
Rakshasas; but he saw not Janaka's daughter. Having seen other beauteous
females, and not seeing her, the mighty-armed son of the Wind-god was
oppressed with sadness. Seeing that the endeavours of the monarch of
monkeys, as well as the bounding over the main, had come to nought, the
offspring of the Wind-god was plunged in thought. Descending from the
aerial car, Hanuman, son unto the Wind-god, his senses deprived by
sorrow, was again wrought up with anxiety.
[296] Intended for stay at night.--T.