________________
The
Childhood
of
Sita
1 HE city of Mithila had never greeted a brighter dawn. Covered with the soft splendour of sunshine, everything began to behave differently. The earth looked greener and smelt sweeter than ever, and the sky, clear of the clumsy patches of clouds, was anxious to descend amorously with a view to hugging it. The Himalayan peaks gleamed in the distance like golden arrows challenging the supremacy of the gods. That was the best moment for song which filled the air. Even the unmusical peacock attempted to sing. But the busy citizens of Mithila had no time to spare for its unpredictable melodies. Amused by its vanity, they went about their daily round with great expectations. For they knew that some magnificent gift of the gods was in store for the kingdom of Videha that morning. What was it? Only the elders claimed to have an answer to such questions. But they would not share it with the youngsters, nor with one another. So the secret remained with them—at least till the bounty became tangible. And when it did, they would say:
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