Canto 19
Dame in Despair
Seetha whose head bowed so low
Sensed that Ravan neared her then.
Shook she like a paddy reed
Swept by stormy coastal winds.
Cried she no end in her fright
Black-eyed Seetha at the threat.
Like she was a forlorn boat
In the midst of sea that vast.
Severed as from a well-grown tree
Seemed so withered a branch Seetha.
In spite of her forlorn state
Gave her bright look innate charm.
Made though Ravan her captive
Mind of hers was with her man.
Bore she travails to love Ram
Than to triumphant Ravan turn.
Kept as captive by Ravan
End of tunnel she saw none.
Wondered Hanuman how her fate
Deemed it fit to languish her.
In her grief then looked Seetha
Like one caught in some scandal.
Looked she like a waning lamp
Amidst Ravan’s women on guard.
For the loss of Rama’s love
Wore she look of bankrupt then.
Made her grief then look her like
Lotus stem that plucked from bed.
Like the moon on eclipse night
Lost she spark of her charm then.
Looked she like a lotus pond
Trampled by score wild elephants.
River beds seemed cheeks her both
With lean streams in summer months.
Fair as lily though she was
Sunburns turned brown her fair skin.
Pined then Seetha as lioness
In some zoo for jungle mate.
With her thick plait Seetha looked
Like earth with its well-grown trees.
Fed by Rama’s thoughts Seetha
Lived she just by breathing air.
That her man might slay Ravan
Prayed she gods all in reverence.
It was in that state Ravan
Found the one he craved no end.