SUKA, the Raakshasa scout, went and reported to Raavana: "I did my job according to your instructions. But my efforts were fruitless. They were rough with me and made me feel thankful to be allowed to come back. Rama, to whom it was sport to slay Viraadha, Kabandha, Khara and others, has arrived with the army of Sugreeva. 'They have somehow come to know of the place where Seeta is held captive. The bears and monkeys have crossed the sea and are standing ready for battle before Lanka. The visible earth is covered with this army. There is nothing to be gained by discussions and debates. Their hate can only be quenched with our blood, Oh King! Consider well what needs to be done, and do it."

And then he added with fear, in a suppressed voice: "We may yet escape if Seeta is restored."

Raavana was enraged. "What did you say?" he cried. "Let no one talk to me of Seeta being restored. They do not know my strength who talk like this. I can slay the gods, the Vaanaras, the Gandharvas and the Yakshas. My darts can burn up Indra himself and Yama too. Wait and see how this wretched fellow Rama and his army will be destroyed."

Raavana believed what he said. He bad dwelt long on his previous achievements and, filled with pride, had become foolishly obstinate.

Then he sent for two of his ministers and told them: "Scouts have come and reported that a large army has built a causeway to Lanka and has come over here. This is indeed strange news, but as yet nothing serious has happened. Go and observe the enemy and bring me a full and detailed report of their strength."

Accordingly, the Spies assumed the shape of Vaanaras and coming to Rama's camp and mixing with the other Vaanaras looked all around. But Vibheeshana, discovering their disguise, caught hold of them and produced them before Rama. They pleaded that they were mere messengers sent by their king and prayed for release.

Rama said: "Show them our army. Let them have a good look around before they return. Give them free and full opportunity to see our strength. And, Oh you Raakshasa messenger! When you oo back to Raavana, tell him, 'The strength on which you relied when you carried Seeta away is to be put now to the test. Your fortress, your city and your army will be destroyed. Rama's darts will pierce your body.' Yes, convey this message to your king."

The spies heard Rama's words and agreed to convey them to their master. Then, impelled perhaps by force of habit, they said: "Victory to thee!" The Vaanara army took this to be a fine omen.

The spies went back to Raavana and said: "O King! We were discovered by Vibheeshana and were in fear of death but Rama would riot" let them kill us and be ordered our release. King! Our enemies are determined. Rama and Lakshmana, Sugreeva the Vaanara king and Vibheeshana, they are all of one mind. It is difficult for us to prevail against an army led by such warriors. We have seen Rama, son of Dasaratha. He impressed us as being by himself strong enough to destroy our city and army. We have seen the courage of the Vaanaras and their eagerness for battle. It is not expedient to try the fortune of war with them. It seems best to restore Seeta to Rama. Do consider what should be done."

Of course the advice was sincere and well meant, but Raavana could not control his fury. He said: "Even if the whole world turns against me, I shall not yield to fear. Even if all the Devas, Gandharvas and Vaanaras join together to oppose me, I shall not return Seeta. Because you were thrashed by the enemy, you give me this cowardly advice. Faint hearts! Where is the foe who can vanquish me?"

Having said this, he went to his high tower and himself surveyed the enemy's strength. His ministers and officers were with him.

Those who had gone out to reconnoitre described at length the Vaanara chiefs and the army behind them. They recounted the strength of that huge army of bears and monkeys gathered together from the far-flung forests, mountains and river-valleys of the world. They spoke of their physical strength and courage, their firm devotion to Rama, their unity and eagerness to slay the Raakshasas. All those that had gone confirmed this.

"Look!" one of them, said. "That majestic and graceful youth with matted locks and bow in hand is Rama. See how he looks round him with eyes of love and command and how his glances seem to brighten the quarters and to fill all with devotion and confidence. The mighty armed warrior near him is his brother Lakshmana, a peerless bowman and Rama's second soul. And look! Next to him is Sugreeva, wearing Vaali's garland. He is the equal of Vaali himself. There, next to him you see Vibheeshana, your brother. It is not easy to vanquish such warriors. Consider well and take all steps necessary for victory in such a situation."

As the ministers extolled the strength of the enemy, Raavana's rage grew more and more furious. This is the way of a tyrant. The wise king is never angry with those who bring him true information or with ministers who give him good advice for his welfare. But now Raavana's mind was confused. He had no use for true facts or good advice.

His thought followed a strange line. He judged Rama by his own character. He thought that, if Seeta could be made somehow to yield to him, Rama would return home disgraced and brokenhearted. Hence he resolved to make one last attempt with a different technique. He sought the help of a Raakshasa sorcerer. "Oh, Lightning-Tongue!" he said (that was his name), "prepare a head which looks so exactly like Rama's that it will deceive Rama's nearest and dearest into believing it is his. When I send for you, come to the park where Seeta is incarcerated and place it before her."

The sorcerer agreed to do as he was bidden.

Then Raavana went once again to the Asoka park and tried to beguile Seeta. "Your husband and his army have been destroyed." he said. "My warriors crossed the sea and attacking Rama and his monkeys, when they were tired and asleep, killed them all. A warrior has brought the head of your husband for me to see. Why do you still persist in your obstinacy? Join my wives now and reign as their chief. Take my advice and become the queen of Lanka."

Then he ordered a Raakshasa to fetch Vidyut-Jihva, the sorcerer. The conjurer came and placed before Seeta a head, which looked exactly like Rama's.

Startled by the sight, Seeta cried, "So then, is this my fate?" and broke into hopeless lamentation.

Meanwhile, Rama's army bad come close to Lanka and the ministers and generals sent word to Raavana desiring an immediate interview. Raavana, therefore, had to leave Seeta at once and go to the Assembly Hall.

Raavana's presence was necessary to keep up the sorcerer's illusion. So, when he left the place, the apparition of Rama's head vanished like smoke. Sarama, who was a lady of the royal household posted as a companion of Seeta, consoled her explaining the illusion. She said: "No one has killed Rama. He has reached Lanka at the head of a great army. They have built a wonderful causeway across the sea and are all over Lanka like a submerging sea. The Raakshasas are panic-stricken. Raavana is only trying to deceive you through sorcery."

Sarama went on to inform Seeta: "Several ministers advised Raavana to restore you and save himself by unconditional submission. But he would not listen to them. 'I may perish in battle,' he said, 'but I will not bow, a suppliant before Rama. I shall never return Seeta and sue for peace.' Holy lady! No harm can come to you, Rama will surely triumph and this wicked one will perish.

Even as Sarama was speaking, the noise of the drums and trumpets sounded by the Vaanara army reached Seeta's ears and filled her with joy. She knew that Raavana's end was near. The Raakshasas in Lanka heard the same noise and trembled in fear.