Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

Rama sWrathriver and the trees and all the animals where Slta was.Then Rama deemed that rakshasas had eaten her, takingrevenge for Khara. But next they came to where Jatayuhad fought with Ravana, and saw the broken weaponsand the car and the trampled ground and Rama raged;against all beings, and would destroy the very heavensand earth, unless the gods gave back his Slta. Thenthey perceived the dying Jatayu, and deeming him to bea rakshasa that had eaten Slta, Rama was about to slayhim. But Jatayu spoke feebly,and related to Rama allthat had befallen, so that Rama, throwing down his bow,embraced the friendly bird and lamented for his death ;andJatayu told of Ravana and comforted Rama with assurances of victory and recovery of Slta. But therewith hisspirit fled away, and his head and body sank down uponthe ground and Rama mourned over his friend ; :"Ah, Lakshmana," he said,"thiskingly bird dwelt hereand now is dead because of me:contented many years,he has given up his life in seeking to rescue Slta. Behold, amongst the animals of every rank there are heroes,even amongst birds. am I more sorry for this vulturewho has died for me than even because of Slta s loss."Then Lakshman brought wood and fire, and they burnedJatayu there with every right and offering due to twicebornmen, and spoke the mantras for hisspeedy comingto the abodes of the shining gods and that ; king of vultures, slain in battle for a good cause, and blest by Rama,attained a glorious state.Then Rama and Lakshman set out to search for Slta farand wide ;it was but a little time before they met ahorrid rakshasa, and it was no light matter for them tocome to their above in battle with him. But he, woundedto death, rejoiced,for he had been cursed with that form61