with grief.  We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation.  And in course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture Jatayu.  Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of frightful form, and inspiring terror into every heart, like a second son of Vinata.[52] And coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, ’Who are ye that are speaking thus of my brother Jatayu?  I am his elder brother, by name Sampati, and am the king of birds.  Once upon a time, we two, with the desire of outstripping each other, flew towards the sun.  My wings got burnt, but those of Jatayu were not.  That was the last time I saw my beloved brother Jatayu, the king of vultures!  My wings burnt, I fell down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!’ When he finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a few words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee!  And, O king, the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us, was greatly afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, ’Who is this Rama and why was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain?  Ye foremost of monkeys I wish to hear everything in detail!’ We then informed him of everything about this calamity of thine and of the reason also of our vow of starvation.  That king of birds then urged us (to give up our vow) by these words of his:  ’Ravana is, indeed, known to me.  Lanka is his capital.  I beheld it on the other side of the sea in a valley of the Trikuta hills!  Sita must be there.  I have little doubt of this!’ Hearing these words of his, we rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of foes, to take counsel of one another for crossing the ocean!  And when none dared to cross it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the great ocean which is a hundred Yojanas in width.  And having slain the Rakshasis on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within Ravana’s harem, observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her lord, with matted locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and lean, and melancholy and helpless.  Recognising her as Sita by those unusual signs, and approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I said, ’I am, O Sita, an emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by Pavana![53] Desirous of having a sight of thee, hither have I come travelling through the skies!  Protected by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal brothers Rama and Lakshmana are in peace!  And Rama, O lady, with Sumitra’s son, hath enquired of thy welfare!  And Sugriva also, on account of his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy welfare.  Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here.  Confide in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a Rakshasa!’ Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then replied to me, saying, ’From the words of Avindhya I know that thou art Hanuman!  O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and respected Rakshasa!  He told me that