Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

"""So"""Sita broughtto Ramathe other wives of Ravana consoled her and lifted her up,saying Life :is uncertain for all, and all things change."Meanwhile Vibhishana made ready the funeral pyre, andRavana was taken to the burning-ground and burnt withevery rite and honour due to heroes. Ravana s wivesreturned to Lanka, and the gods departed to their ownplace.Then Lakshman, taking water brought from theocean by Sugriva in a golden jar, anointed Vibhishana aslord of the city of Lanka and king of the rakshasas, andthereat the monkeys and rakshasas both rejoiced.Stta broughtBut now Rama called Hanuman to him, and sent him tosearch for Sita and inform her of all that had befallen ;and hefound her stillby the Asoka tree, guarded by rakshasls.Hanuman stood before her humbly and told his tale, andto Ramashe gave him the message :Idesire to behold my lord."Then the radiant monkey came to Rama and gave himSlta s message. Rama wept thereat and was plunged inthought, and with a heavy sighhe said to Vibhishana :"Do thou bring Sita hither quickly, bathed and fitlyadorned with sandal-paste and jewels."He repaired toher and gave her Rama s command ;she would have goneto him unbathed. But thou shouldst do according to thylord s word," he said. be it,"she replied,and whenshe had made her ready, worthy bearers brought her on apalanquin to Rama. Rama, beholding her who had longbeen the prisoner of Ravana, and overcome with sorrow,was stricken at once with fury, joy, and grief.O lord ofrakshasas, O gentle king,"said he to Vibhishana, do thoubring Sita near to Then Vibhishana drove me."away thecrowd of monkeys, bears, and rakshasas, and the attendants with canes and drums roughly hustled the assembled95