Canto 18
Ravan on Heat
In time it was time to dawn
Sprang up Lanka to last man.
Vedic chants that rent the air
Sounded music to Hanuman.
Surely Ravan would wake up
Then to sound of that music.
Thought as Hanuman so Ravan
Stirred in bed in Seetha’s thought.
Lust of his for Rama’s wife
Made him lose his peace of mind.
Got as he down from his bed
Lost he no time to reach her.
Entered Ravan that garden
Failed it charm his enamored heart.
Stride in his to reach Seetha
Left Ravan all deer stranded.
Heat of Ravan’s lusting self
Made the drops of dew boil.
So to be at beck and call
Moved in tow his women folk too.
Heading he thus his harem
Headed Ravan to add one.
Fanned some then their man on move
Dames with swords some doubled for guards.
Held one pretty jug of gold
Filled with vintage wine for him.
Shade one leggy lass of grace
Gave him with a hood of gold.
Still in stupor some of them
Seemed to follow him by scent.
With no time to turn becoming
Followed him some as they woke.
Let loose was hair on their face
Had they none their bras on them.
Lusted they all for Ravan
Bestowed on them he favours.
Felt they proud of his valour
Fetched which riches of all worlds.
Wore they all those gold jewels
Made which Hanuman gasp for breath.
Sighted as he Ravan then
With the women he saw by night
Overawed Hanuman none the less.
Aiding nascent light at dawn
Led him some with candlelights.
With his libido thus evident
Looked Ravan like Cupid on earth.
In his stride his silk garment
Slid over his broad shoulders.
Overwhelmed by what he saw
Discreet distance kept Hanuman.
Hand in hand moved Ravan’s wives
Seemed they strengthened his position.
Cooed then koels to caution
Seetha as he seemed nearing.
Strode yet Ravan in long strides
Towards Seetha whom he snared.
Wondered Hanuman why Ravan
Wanted Seetha who spurned him.
For she spurned a handsome king
Valued Hanuman Rama’s spouse.
At the might of king Ravan
Felt he humble being strong.
At length Ravan reached Seetha
Turned who by then his heartthrob.