And Maricha appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared
before the princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she
sent away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to protect
her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow and quiver and
scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of _Guana_ skin, Rama went
in pursuit of that deer, after the manner of Rudra following the stellar
deer[50] in days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from his
view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that deer was,
viz., that he was a _Rakshasa_, that illustrious descendant of Raghu's
race took out an infallible arrow and slew that Rakshasa, in the
disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon Sita
and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry of
distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from whence the
cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou hast no cause of
fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite Rama? O thou of sweet
smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy husband Rama!" Thus addressed,
the chaste Sita, from that timidity which is natural to women, became
suspicious of even the pure Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud.
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