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Meanwhile, in Longka city, Totsagan has woken from his enchanted sleep. Ever since he first saw Nang Seeda, he has suffered the scourging of an unrequited passion for her, which neither Nang Monto nor any other of his beautiful wives is able to assuage. Every minute of the day is spent with the image of Nang Seeda before his eyes, while at night such sleep as he is able to snatch is haunted by her unattainable loveliness. Now, such is his suffering, his very reason seems to be tottering. Shouting, he rouses his women, calls up his bodyguard and charioteers, demands lights and food and drink. The palace hums like an upset hive as the demons rush to fulfill the distracted king's demands. In a little time he has been appareled in his most costly robes. Mounted on his lion-drawn chariot and accompanied by a full retinue, he drives out to the park where Nang Seeda is confined. The tumult of his arrival and the glitter of torchlight through the trees arrest Hanuman as he is about to disclose his presence to the sleepless and sorrowing Seeda. The Son of the Wind takes in the situation in a flash and immediately swings himself into the branches of a tree, from which he can watch what happens and hear what is said without being seen. |
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