Canto 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Having into shell withdrawn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.