138
CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM
guest, and ran forward to receive the arrow, says the teller of the tale, as a man might run to embrace his beloved. Thus was the life of Vibhishana saved, though that of Lakshmana himself was well-nigh lost. The siege lasted many days, but the town finally fell, and only the fortress remained to be attempted.
And now, at last, did Rama achieve his heart's desire, for he engaged in single combat with Havana, and slew him with his own hand. Then the great doors of the castle were flung open, and the moment had come for the return of Sita.
