Being thus accosted by Hanuman, Rama, the son of Dacaratha, placing that
jewel on his breast, wept with Lakshmana. And beholding that excellent
jewel, Raghava, stricken with grief, with eyes full of tears, spake unto
Sugriva, saying,--"Forsooth my heart melteth on beholding this jewel as
milk trickleth down from the udders of a cow on beholding its calf. This
jewel was conferred on Sita. by my father-in-law at the time of our
wedding, and to enhance its beauty, she wore it on her head. And this
jewel, obtained from the bed of the ocean, was conferred on him (Janaka)
by the intelligent Sakra, greatly delighted for being adored in a
sacrifice. O gentle one, this bringeth back to my mind, the memory of my
father, and father-in-law the king of Videha. This excellent jewel
appeared beautiful on the crown of my dear one, and methinks, on
beholding it, I have as if got back my beloved spouse. Do thou relate
unto me again and again, O gentle one, what Vaidehi hath said, as if
sprinkling me with the water of her words like unto one rendered
senseless. What greater grief can there be, O Saumitri, that I behold
the jewel obtained from the ocean but not Vaidehi? Truly doth Vaidehi
live for a long time if she breathes for a month. But O hero, I cannot
live for a moment even without that one having dark-blue eyes. Do thou
take me there where thou hast beheld my dear spouse. I cannot live for a
moment while I have received intelligence about her. How liveth that
timid damsel, having a beautiful waist, being terrified, amidst the
terrible and grim Rakshasees? Truly her countenance is not appearing
beautiful like unto the autumnal moon, enveloped with clouds, although
cleared off the darkness. Do thou relate unto me in sooth, O Hanuman,
what Sita hath spoken unto thee. I shall live by these words, as the
sick are cured by medicine. O Hanuman, what halh my dear wife,
sweet-speeched, and highly beautiful, spoken unto thee, being separated
from me? How breathes she going through a series of calamities?"