Maricha's cries of agony had the effect that Ravana had hoped for. "Go Lakshmana," said Sita, alarmed at the sound of agony that echoed through emerald green tunnels and over glistening canopies of verdant jungles. "My heart quails and I shudder at the dangers that lurk in the dark depths of the jungle. Like a bull amongst lions, Rama must be in the midst of tormenting rakshasas". Sita's desperate implorations made no impact on Lakshmana. He made no move to leave and this annoyed Sita who gave vent to her agony in no uncertain terms. She told him harshly "You are an enemy of your brother, in the guise of a friend. Infatuated with me, you desire the destruction of your brother. If you think that you cannot leave me unguarded, you are mistaken. You are here to serve Rama. If Rama himself is in peril, of what use is your presence here". Tearful and woebegone she looked like a frightened doe. To her detriment she refused to recognize Lakshmana's purpose, which was as free of guile as his heart was free of sin. Lakshmana tried to convince Sita, that there was no need to fear for Rama, "Sita there is nothing in this creation that can match Rama's peerless might. Neither pannagas, suras, gandharvas, devas, rakshasas nor men can ever face, let alone vanquish Rama in battle. Bands of rakshasas roam this forest to avenge their slain leaders. They are vicious and wily. One among them obviously imitated Rama's voice to strike terror in our hearts. The voice that you heard is as illusory as the mythical city of Gandharva. Give up your doubts and your causeless anxiety". His words fell on deaf ears. Sita looked at Lakshmana with utter contempt. Eyes flashing and red with anger she lashed out, "Lakshmana you are a man without character. You have accompanied Rama only to harm him. Incited by Bharata, conniving with him, do you behave thus? How can I, married to Rama who is as handsome as a god, ever think of anyone else? Not for a moment will I survive without Rama, nor would I hesitate to give up my life in your presence". Lakshmana's predicament was pathetic. He was hurt and in a quandary as he begged to differ. "Vaidehi, to me you are a deity. Your words are unjust and improper, but not unusual of women. Whimsical, harsh, inconsistent and indifferent, their sharp tongues can cause a rift between the closest of relationships. Your blame of me is most undeserving and pierces me like red-hot arrows. May the gods of the forest bear witness to your anger, which repels my efforts to protect you! Women are callous and suspicious. How can you suspect me, to whom his brother's word is law? I will go now go. May the deities of the forest protect you .The omens that I behold, make me apprehensive of your safety and I fear that the worst is yet in store for us. Will I ever see you with Rama again?"
Summary
Maricha's cries of agony had the effect that Ravana had hoped for. "Go Lakshmana," said Sita, alarmed at the sound of agony that echoed through emerald green tunnels and over glistening canopies of verdant jungles. "My heart quails and I shudder at the dangers that lurk in the dark depths of the jungle. Like a bull amongst lions, Rama must be in the midst of tormenting rakshasas". Sita's desperate implorations made no impact on Lakshmana. He made no move to leave and this annoyed Sita who gave vent to her agony in no uncertain terms. She told him harshly "You are an enemy of your brother, in the guise of a friend. Infatuated with me, you desire the destruction of your brother. If you think that you cannot leave me unguarded, you are mistaken. You are here to serve Rama. If Rama himself is in peril, of what use is your presence here". Tearful and woebegone she looked like a frightened doe. To her detriment she refused to recognize Lakshmana's purpose, which was as free of guile as his heart was free of sin. Lakshmana tried to convince Sita, that there was no need to fear for Rama, "Sita there is nothing in this creation that can match Rama's peerless might. Neither pannagas, suras, gandharvas, devas, rakshasas nor men can ever face, let alone vanquish Rama in battle. Bands of rakshasas roam this forest to avenge their slain leaders. They are vicious and wily. One among them obviously imitated Rama's voice to strike terror in our hearts. The voice that you heard is as illusory as the mythical city of Gandharva. Give up your doubts and your causeless anxiety". His words fell on deaf ears. Sita looked at Lakshmana with utter contempt. Eyes flashing and red with anger she lashed out, "Lakshmana you are a man without character. You have accompanied Rama only to harm him. Incited by Bharata, conniving with him, do you behave thus? How can I, married to Rama who is as handsome as a god, ever think of anyone else? Not for a moment will I survive without Rama, nor would I hesitate to give up my life in your presence". Lakshmana's predicament was pathetic. He was hurt and in a quandary as he begged to differ. "Vaidehi, to me you are a deity. Your words are unjust and improper, but not unusual of women. Whimsical, harsh, inconsistent and indifferent, their sharp tongues can cause a rift between the closest of relationships. Your blame of me is most undeserving and pierces me like red-hot arrows. May the gods of the forest bear witness to your anger, which repels my efforts to protect you! Women are callous and suspicious. How can you suspect me, to whom his brother's word is law? I will go now go. May the deities of the forest protect you .The omens that I behold, make me apprehensive of your safety and I fear that the worst is yet in store for us. Will I ever see you with Rama again?"