03.265
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Then (they saw) her—afflicted by grief for her husband, helpless, clad in soiled garments, wearing only a few remaining jewels, weeping, and faithful to her husband. (03-265-1)
Rāvaṇa, afflicted by the arrows of desire, saw her being served by the demonesses as she sat on the stone surface, and he drew near to her. (03-265-2)
Unconquered in battle by devas, dānavas, gandharvas, yakṣas, and kimpuruṣas, he went to the aśoka grove, deluded by Kandarpa (the god of love). (03-265-3)
Clad in divine garments, radiant with prosperity, adorned with well-polished jewel earrings, and wearing a splendid garland and crown, he appeared like Spring personified. (03-265-4)
He, though adorned with great effort like a wish-fulfilling tree, is still fearful if he is like a tree in a cremation-ground sanctuary, even when decorated. (03-265-5)
He, the night-wanderer, was seen near her, the slender-waisted one, having approached Rohiṇī, like the planet Saturn. (03-265-6)
Having addressed the beautiful-hipped woman, who was as powerless and frightened as a wild cow struck by the arrows of Kāma, he said these words to her. (03-265-7)
O Sītā, this much is enough; your husband's favor has been accomplished. Be gracious, O slender-bodied one, and let your adornment be done. (03-265-8)
Worship me, O beautiful-thighed one adorned with most precious ornaments and raiment; among all women, be the foremost for me, O woman of exquisite complexion. (03-265-9)
There are for me celestial maidens, and women belonging to royal seers as well. There are also daughters of Dānavas, and women of the Daityas. (03-265-10)
Fourteen crore piśācas are at my command. Twice as many crores of man-eating rākṣasas of terrible deeds. (03-265-11)
Then my threefold yakṣas, who follow my command, some have indeed sought refuge with my brother, the lord of wealth. (03-265-12)
O auspicious lady, Gandharvas and apsarases always attend to me when I have gone to the lavatory, O beautiful-thighed one, just as they would to my brother. (03-265-13)
I am also the son of the Brahmin-sage, directly descended from the sage Viśravas; as the fifth among the protectors of the worlds, thus is my renowned fame. (03-265-14)
O lovely one, there are divine foods to be eaten and enjoyed, and various kinds of drinks—just as they are for the lord of the gods, so they are for me. (03-265-15)
May the evil deed, the act caused by your forest dwelling, be destroyed. Become my wife, O lovely-hipped one, just as Mandodari (became a wife). (03-265-16)
Thus addressed by him, Vaidehi (Sita), with a beautiful face, turned away and, having placed a blade of grass between them, spoke to the night-wandering demon. (03-265-17)
Due to misfortune, Vaidehī, slender-thighed and devoted to her husband, with unceasing tears streaming onto her breasts, pouring together, uttered that paltry statement. (03-265-18)
O lord of the rākṣasas, I the unfortunate one have repeatedly heard such despondent words of yours. (03-265-19)
Therefore, for your own auspicious happiness, turn your mind away. I am another's wife, always unattainable and devoted to my husband. (03-265-20)
A wretched human woman is not, indeed, a suitable wife for you; having violated a helpless one, what pleasure will you obtain? (03-265-21)
The Brāhmaṇa, who is like Prajāpati, the source of Brahman, is your father; how can you, being equal to the guardian of the world, not uphold righteousness? (03-265-22)
How are you not ashamed here, calling the king of kings, brother, friend of Maheśvara, lord, and lord of wealth? (03-265-23)
After saying this, Sītā burst into tears, her breasts quivering; the slender-bodied one covered her face and her neck with her garment. (03-265-24)
As she wept, the radiant woman's long, well-arranged braid, shining and glossy and black, was seen on her head like a serpent. (03-265-25)
After hearing those very harsh words spoken by Sītā, Rāvaṇa, though rejected, being of evil mind, again spoke further words. (03-265-26)
O Sītā, if desire afflicts my limbs, let Kāma, the Makara-bannered god, be the cause. But I will not unite with you, you of beautiful hips and charming smile, if you do not desire me. (03-265-27)
What is there indeed that I cannot do, that you, even today, pursue only Rāma, the human who should have become our food? (03-265-28)
Having thus spoken to her, who possessed flawless limbs, he, the lord of the rākṣasa hosts, became invisible on the spot and went off in the direction he desired. (03-265-29)
Vaidehī (Sītā), emaciated by sorrow and attended by Trijaṭā, remained there at that very place, surrounded by demonesses. (03-265-30)
