Then like one possessed by an evil spirit, and trembling again and
again, Kaucalya lying down on the ground like one dead, spoke unto the
charioteer, saying, "Do thou take me where Kakutstha is and Sita and
Lakshmana: without them, I cannot live for a moment. Do thou without
delay turn the car. Do thou take me also unto Dandaka. If I do not
follow them, I shall repair to the mansion of Yama." Thereat the
charioteer with joined hands comforted that exalted lady with ready
words faltering and choked with rising vapour, "Do you leave grief and
sorrow and the violent emotion. Renouncing grief, Raghava is living in
the woods. And in the forest, the righteous Lakshmana, having his senses
under control, is ministering unto Rama's feet and is thus adoring the
gods for happiness in the next world. And even in the lonely woods, Sita
as if remaining at home, having fixed her thoughts on Rama, is living a
life of love. And there appears not the least trace of any distress
afflicting her; and Vaidehi seems to me as if she were meant (by Nature)
for a life away from home. And as formerly going unto urban villas she
disported, she disports now even in the lonely forest. And although
living in the lone forest, that one of a countenance resembling the
infant moon, sports merrily like a girl, in the garden represented by
Rama's self. Ayodhya without Rama would have seemed a wilderness to her
whose heart is fixed on him and whose very life depends upon him.
Vaidehi is now asking (Rama) concerning the villages and towns (in their
way); and observing various trees and the courses of the rivers, Janaki,
asking Rama or Lakshmana (for information), is learning all about them.
And Sita sports as she used to do in arbours stationed at the distance
of only one _krosa_ from Ayodhya. This only I remember; but all that she
had from sudden impulse communicated unto me concerning Kaikeyi, does
not rise into consciousness." Suppressing this topic which had come up
through heedlessness, the charioteer spoke sweet words cheering up that
noble lady. "Neither through the fatigue of travel, nor the influence of
the wind, nor excitement, nor the sun, hath Vaidehi's lustre resembling
the lunar light suffered any diminution. The countenance of that
fair-speaking one resembling the lotus and comparable unto the full moon
in splendour, hath not waxed pale. Her feet now without the dye of the
liquid lac, but naturally furnished with the roseate hue of the same,
are gorgeous like lotus buds. Still Vaidehi decked in ornaments from
affection for Rama, goes gracefully, rebuking with her bangles the wavy
gait (of cranes). Supporting herself on Rama's arm, Sita arrived at the
forest, is not inspired with fear on beholding either an elephant, or a
lion, or a tiger. Therefore they are not to be bewailed, nor your own
self, nor the lord of men. This history of Rama will endure for ever in
this world. Renouncing grief and with cheerful hearts, well established
in the life led by the Maharshis, they living in the forest on wild
fruits as their sustenance, are maintaining the noble promise of their
sire." Consoled by the truth-telling yet sweeet- speeched charioteer,
that lady oppressed with grief for her son, ceased not to wail
loudly--"My beloved," "My son," "Raghava."