66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

Rama’s presence. Now how can we go back and face him?
We cannot return and report our failure. We may ask for
more time but what shall we do with more time? If Rama
asks what we are doing further, how shall we answer him? I
cannot bear to face Rama’s disappointment. The best thing
for me would be to end my life here. Some of you may go
back and report the truth.”
One of the leaders of the party was an experienced
devotee and elder of the name of Jambavan, who although
now in the form of a bear was a ripe soul full of knowledge
and wisdom. He said to Angada, “You are your mother’s only
hope and the anointed heir-apparent, and it is your duty to
live. You must go back and tell Rama the truth that you have
not discovered Sita’s whereabouts; and he will perhaps tell
you what you should do next, and you may also tell him all the
others you have left behind here have ended their lives.”
At this moment Hanuman said, “We have, of course,
exceeded the time given to us, but that is unimportant. Do
you realize that there are many other parts of this world and
other worlds where we may have to search? Do not despair
or give up. There is much that we could still do. If we are to
die let us die in a battle. Remember Jatayu, how he died
nobly fighting Ravana to the last.”
This sounded very encouraging in the present gloom, and
the mention of Jatayu brought an unexpected repercussion.
When his name was mentioned, they suddenly saw a new