Ramavijaya. 81

who shamelessly admitted Sita into his house, though she
lived under the roof of Kavana for many years. I am a
pure washerman. I am the man who clean and remove
the dirt and spots on the dresses and clothes of the people^
and do you mean to say that I will admit your unclean
daughter again into my house 1 You can take her back.
I do not wish to see her face.' This is the only man who has
scandalized you." As soon as Rama heard these words
from the officers, he became exceedingly sorry and, having
called Lakshuman, said to him, " You see, my brother,
that Rajaka has scandalized me, though Sita is faithful
and as pious as any thing. That wicked washerman has
scandalized me, because I have admitted her into my
house. I cannot bear this at all, I, therefore, hade you
take Sita to the yonder forest and, leaving her there alone,
return to me as soon as possible." " You need not take
to your heart what Kajaka has said about you,'1 replied.
Lakshuman. " There are many wicked persons who are
in the habit of scandalizing others. As a wise and pru-
dent man you should not mind it. Let the people say
whatever they like. Why do you mind that stupid man ?
I shall cut off his tongue." « What you say is right," con-"
tinned Rama, « but if you cut og the tongue of that man,
the people will say that we are guilty. It is, therefore,
far better, if we get rid of Sita, so that nobody may speak
ill of us." Lakshuman hesitated to comply with his wish-
es, when Kama exclaimed, tfc If you do not obey me, I
shall kill myself on this spot." Finding that Rama was
serious, Lakshuman immediately got up and entered the
room of Sita, who kindly received him and made him sit
with her. Lakshuman said to her, « Rama has told me
to take you to the yonder forest as soon as possible. So,
kindly prepare yourself and accompany me there." '«Has
Kama told you to take me to the forest ?»' replied she.
« AW I am very fortunate. Some days ago he asked