But when Sita urged him with cutting words, Lakshana’s resolve, under Hari’s mystic influence, was shaken. Committing her to the care of all the sylvan gods and the deities presiding over the quarters, he went to find Rama, that Rahu to the moonlike Ravana.

Meanwhile Ravana, seeing the hermitage deserved, drew near to Sita in the guise of a recluse. He who is so dreaded by gods and demons that they sleep not by night nor eat by day,

- even that Ravana went furtively on his mission of thieving, glancing this side and that like a dog. ‘O Garuda,’ said Kakabhushundi, ‘when a man sets his foot on the path of evil, all bodily vigour, reason and strength desert him.’

He invented alluring stories of various sorts; he persuaded her with a show of political wisdom (tact or diplomacy); he had recourse to threats and blandishments. But Sita said, ‘Listen, sir anchorite! You speak like an unholy swindler!’

Then Ravana revealed his proper form, and when he declared his name, Sita was terror-stricken. But summoning up all her courage, she said, ‘Stay awhile, O wretch; my lord has come.

Even as a tiny hare would woo a lioness, so O king of demons, would you woo your own destruction (by setting your heart on me).’ On hearing these defiant words the Ten-headed flew into a rage, though in his heart he rejoiced and adored her feet.

Full of rage, Ravana now seated her in his chariot and in anxious haste drove through the air; he was so agitated with fear that he could scarcely drive the chariot.