Chereads / Sundara Kānda: Hanuman's Odyssey / Chapter 34 - Swings in Mood

Chapter 34 - Swings in Mood

Moved as Hanuman to the core

Made he move to soothe Seetha.

Know am Hanuman Rama's man

Came in search of thee his spouse.

Rama is so scholarly

Well versed he with four Vedas

Possesses as well Brahmastra

Spares that none in combat zone.

Know Lakshman is no less sad

That he made thee hapless then.

Having heard all what he said

Joyous turned then Rama's wife.

Hoping for the best in life

How well said that one should live.

Felt all at ease then Seetha

With the simian her man sent.

Seeing change in Seetha thus

Moved he then to reach her close.

What if Ravan came disguised

Developed Seetha thus second thought.

Opened my mind to Ravan

What a fool I made myself!

Taking Hanuman for Ravan

Sank in sorrow then Seetha.

Saddened as her change of stance

Bent then Hanuman in reverence.

Sighed then Seetha at her fate

She at length thus addressed him.

In thy disguise as vanar

Won't I know thee vile Ravan?

How come thou think I forgot

Saintly garb donned by thee then?

What a shame on thee Ravan

Stalk thou dame so unwilling?

Sensing Hanuman in distress

Looked she into his eyes then,

Feelings what she saw in him

Made her sing a different tune:

Make as thou me feel easy

And that Ravan puts me off

Think my fears are but liars

Seems thou art but Rama's man.

If thou are by Rama sent

Won't thee tell me his welfare?

Flood waters as wear river-banks

Rama's name so weans sorrows.

Is it true and not a dream

That Rama's Hanuman is with me?

Making nights for me wink-less

That Ram can't sooth me in dreams

Seems dream-god is jealous of me!

Sights as 'n when man vanar

Said to bring all good tidings,

Came I face-to-face with thee

Won't it then all portend well?

How come at the drop of hat

Changing am I my thinking?

Time I kept my doubts at bay

Lest Ravan should gain leeway.

In spite of her averments thus

Failed Seetha to trust Hanuman.

Having into shell withdrawn

Kept she then her own counsel.

Having gauged her state of mind

Addressed Hanuman her sweetly.

It's but sun-like shines thy Ram

Nears him when moon turns all pale.

Him none equals in learning

Rivals gods in kindness Ram.

Sight at his all vile turn pale

Next to him looks Cupid but plain.

Using his man Maareecha

Turned who into golden deer

Contrived Ravan to make Ram

Chase it leaving thee his spouse.

Ram in time would let Ravan

Pay the price for snaring thee.

To make thee privy his intent

Sent I was by thine own Lord.

Lovelorn Ram is crestfallen

Lakshman too is ever eager

To set thee free from evil Ravan.

Pledged his force all Lord Sugreev

That Lord Ram could fight Ravan.

Back home all but think of thee

Know they sent me to trace thee.

Take it won't thee long to meet

Ram and Lakshman in this spot.

Treats me equal as Sugreev

Servant like I serve thy Ram.

Crossed I know the sea this vast

Bade by Ram to reach thee now.

Know it none of Ravan's tricks

But am Hanuman Rama's man.