Even as Sita sat huddled and woebegone Ravana kept declaring his undying love for her, pleading, "Why do you hide your body from me Sita? Beautiful are your eyes and beautiful your limbs. You, who are the joy of the world and the love of my life, have nothing to fear from me, nor from anyone else on this earth, be it man or rakshasa." "Rakshasas are permitted to carry away women by force and consort with the wives of other men. Though our race does not condemn, but condones such acts as meritorious, I Ravana will not touch you against your will. But do save me from the ravages of my desire. It does not become you who are the jewel among woman to wear no jewels. Vigils and fasts are not your lot. The single braid, these soiled clothes and your sleeping on the floor do not become you. Anointed with priceless unguents, robed in finery, bejewelled with celestial ornaments, you should be revelling with me, eating the best of food and drinking the best of wine. Rama can never equal me either in penance or strength. Accept me and all things heavenly will be yours. I lay at your feet, not only my kingdom, my possessions and my wealth, but also myself whom even the gods cannot face. Many a time have I trampled on their royal standards on many fields. Think of my power, my glory and my strength I will conquer the entire earth and bestow it upon Janaka for your sake. What do you see in Rama who wanders in the jungles? Bereft of wealth and victory he leads the life of an ascetic, wearing bark and sleeping on the harsh forest floor. I doubt if he is even alive. Thousands are my wives who are the best and most beautiful of the earth, and they will serve you. Come, be my love and my chosen queen!" Ravana warned saying, Sita, you will never again see Rama nor will he ever get you away from me. Youth is transient and like the flowing waters, is gone forever, never to return! There is none more beautiful than you on this earth. My eyes rivet and refuse to move away from any limb of your body that they behold. Exhausted after having created you to such impeccable perfection, Brahma creates no more perhaps! I cannot take my eyes off your mesmeric beauty, which even the creator would find irresistible. Rich as Kubera am I and many are the worlds that I have won, make me your lord and enjoy them all. Forget Rama who can never equal me in neither splendor penance nor might. Come be mine, Janaki!I will give you the earth and all its riches. Wine, dine and be merry. Let us revel on the golden shores of the sea and in gorgeous green groves!"
Summary
Even as Sita sat huddled and woebegone Ravana kept declaring his undying love for her, pleading, "Why do you hide your body from me Sita? Beautiful are your eyes and beautiful your limbs. You, who are the joy of the world and the love of my life, have nothing to fear from me, nor from anyone else on this earth, be it man or rakshasa." "Rakshasas are permitted to carry away women by force and consort with the wives of other men. Though our race does not condemn, but condones such acts as meritorious, I Ravana will not touch you against your will. But do save me from the ravages of my desire. It does not become you who are the jewel among woman to wear no jewels. Vigils and fasts are not your lot. The single braid, these soiled clothes and your sleeping on the floor do not become you. Anointed with priceless unguents, robed in finery, bejewelled with celestial ornaments, you should be revelling with me, eating the best of food and drinking the best of wine. Rama can never equal me either in penance or strength. Accept me and all things heavenly will be yours. I lay at your feet, not only my kingdom, my possessions and my wealth, but also myself whom even the gods cannot face. Many a time have I trampled on their royal standards on many fields. Think of my power, my glory and my strength I will conquer the entire earth and bestow it upon Janaka for your sake. What do you see in Rama who wanders in the jungles? Bereft of wealth and victory he leads the life of an ascetic, wearing bark and sleeping on the harsh forest floor. I doubt if he is even alive. Thousands are my wives who are the best and most beautiful of the earth, and they will serve you. Come, be my love and my chosen queen!" Ravana warned saying, Sita, you will never again see Rama nor will he ever get you away from me. Youth is transient and like the flowing waters, is gone forever, never to return! There is none more beautiful than you on this earth. My eyes rivet and refuse to move away from any limb of your body that they behold. Exhausted after having created you to such impeccable perfection, Brahma creates no more perhaps! I cannot take my eyes off your mesmeric beauty, which even the creator would find irresistible. Rich as Kubera am I and many are the worlds that I have won, make me your lord and enjoy them all. Forget Rama who can never equal me in neither splendor penance nor might. Come be mine, Janaki!I will give you the earth and all its riches. Wine, dine and be merry. Let us revel on the golden shores of the sea and in gorgeous green groves!"