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An impromptu court of enquiry is convened, with commander in chief Sukreep as its presiding officer. Benyagai sees that there can be no further point in deception and divulges her errand and her identity. "I am Benyagai, daughter of Pipeck, Prince of Longka," she says. "Totsagan, the demon king, imposed this undertaking on me, and I had no choice but to obey him." Phra Ram summons his soothsayer and commands him to pass judgement on his daughter. In tears, for demons no less than human kind are subject to paternal devotion, Pipeck admits that there can be no other punishment for his daughter's deception than death. Phra Ram is deeply touched, both by the demon's suffering and by his loyalty. "Come now," he says, "she is your daughter, the comfort of your old age. She shall live. Indeed, she shall return to Longka and tell our adversary of his newest defeat." Hanuman is told to see Benyagai safely on her way to Longka. One might as well imagine that water will not dissolve sugar as expect the gallant monkey not to exercise his charms upon a lovely woman. They have flown no great distance before his soft words, warm looks and ardent caresses awaken passion in Benyagai's slender form. Somewhere before the Hematiwan Mountains they sink to the mossy floor of the forest, where only the nodding flowers and the shy beasts of the woodland are their witnesses, and embrace. Some time later, Benyagai arrives back at Longka and tells Totsagan of the failure of her mission. Disappointed though he is, the king gives her a regal reward. Hanuman, too, is a little late returning to camp. The generals ask him if he had trouble on the way. "Quite the contrary," says Hanuman. |
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