Rama came out of the empty cottage and wondered at what could have happened to Sita, where she could be found and how? Into his troubled mind wafted Lakshmana's gentle tones, "Maricha's ploy had the exact result that he had intended. His cries of agony imitating your voice drove Sita to distraction. That very instant she wanted me to go looking for you and my refusal to leave her unguarded enraged her. Fear and frustration made her goad me into leaving and I had no choice. Trying to rid her of her anger and anxiety, I said, 'Will Rama who has the might and valor to protect even the devatas, stoop so low as to cry for help? Rama is invincible to all in the three worlds. No man is born or ever will be who can vanquish him.' My efforts to allay her fears were futile; she lashed out at me with such ferocity that I listened to her in stunned disbelief!" "Overpowered by fear and grief her words were harsh, 'Why do you not go Lakshmana, why do you tarry? So that Rama may die and you may claim me? Do not even entertain such thoughts. Did Bharata counsel you to destroy Rama at an opportune moment? Are you perhaps at this very instant awaiting that opportunity? Speak Lakshmana! You are not a brother, but an enemy of Rama!' Sita's scorn scorched me like fire. Powerless to stop her unfair accusations, I left reluclantly, abandonning my resolution not to leave her unguarded." Disagreeing with Lakshmana, Rama contended that leaving Sita alone was an unwise move. He said, "There exists no rakshasa whom I cannot subdue and you are aware of it. How can you, vexed by her prattle, leave Sita? It makes me unhappy as it is not only a breach of promise, but a dereliction of duty. The rakshasa, who lured me away in the guise of a deer, now lies dead. His dying cries of agony, assuming my voice deceived Sita, and she made you leave."
Summary
Rama came out of the empty cottage and wondered at what could have happened to Sita, where she could be found and how? Into his troubled mind wafted Lakshmana's gentle tones, "Maricha's ploy had the exact result that he had intended. His cries of agony imitating your voice drove Sita to distraction. That very instant she wanted me to go looking for you and my refusal to leave her unguarded enraged her. Fear and frustration made her goad me into leaving and I had no choice. Trying to rid her of her anger and anxiety, I said, 'Will Rama who has the might and valor to protect even the devatas, stoop so low as to cry for help? Rama is invincible to all in the three worlds. No man is born or ever will be who can vanquish him.' My efforts to allay her fears were futile; she lashed out at me with such ferocity that I listened to her in stunned disbelief!" "Overpowered by fear and grief her words were harsh, 'Why do you not go Lakshmana, why do you tarry? So that Rama may die and you may claim me? Do not even entertain such thoughts. Did Bharata counsel you to destroy Rama at an opportune moment? Are you perhaps at this very instant awaiting that opportunity? Speak Lakshmana! You are not a brother, but an enemy of Rama!' Sita's scorn scorched me like fire. Powerless to stop her unfair accusations, I left reluclantly, abandonning my resolution not to leave her unguarded." Disagreeing with Lakshmana, Rama contended that leaving Sita alone was an unwise move. He said, "There exists no rakshasa whom I cannot subdue and you are aware of it. How can you, vexed by her prattle, leave Sita? It makes me unhappy as it is not only a breach of promise, but a dereliction of duty. The rakshasa, who lured me away in the guise of a deer, now lies dead. His dying cries of agony, assuming my voice deceived Sita, and she made you leave."