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THE ORDEAL OF SITA 143 his labours. How easy had it been to me to die there, only I supposed that other motives moved him I Go, Lakshmana, and make for me here a funeral pyre I Methinks that is the only remedy for the disaster that has come upon me."

This, then, was Sita's desire for guardians and establishment ! Lakshmana looked towards his brother in anger and surprise, but, receiving only a quiet gesture, hastened to have the funeral pyre prepared. The face of Rama was like that of Death himself in the hour of the final destruction of all things, and none present dared to speak to him. As for Sita, her tears v/ere now raining down ; but still she stood there, waiting patiently.

When the wood had been piled and the fire set blazing, Sita walked three times round her husband, standing in his place, with head bowed, and it was evident to all that her heart was full of sweet- ness. Then, coming forward to the fire, and standing before it with her hands folded as for prayer, she said, " Do thou, O Fire, the witness of the worlds ! protect me, whose heart has been ever true 1 Take me to yourselves, O ye pure flames ! for unto the Lord of Purity the pure fleeth."

Saying this, and walking three times round the pyre, the Queen, having bidden farewell to the world with undaunted4leart, entered into it. Like