And as if ministering unto him (Hanuman), arose the many thousand-rayed
Moon in the midst of the stars, enfolding all creatures with his
luminous canopy. And that highly heroic monkey beheld the Moon hued like
the sheen of conch, or milk, or lotus-stalk, arisen and afloat (in the
heavens),-- like a swan swimming in a pool. And that intelligent one
from the earth beheld the Moon arrive at the mid-heavens; momentarily
beaming out in lunar light; appearing (splendid) as if in conjunction
with the Sun himself,--and like a bull loitering in his stall. And he
saw the mild-rayed (Moon), chasing away the remorse of all; swelling the
sea; and displaying all creatures,--attain the middle of the sky. And
that Lakshmi who on earth remains on Mandara, at eve in the sea, and on
the lotus on water, looked exceedingly lovely, stationed beside the
charming Moon. Like a swan in a silver cage, like a lion in a cave in
Mandara, like a hero on a haughty elephant, appeared the Moon in the
middle of the sky. And with (the mark of) the horn the Moon resembled a
sharp-horned bull, or a mighty white hued hill with towering summits, or
an elephant with his horns plated with gold. And, with his dirt composed
of particles of cool water removed; and the darkness dispelled in
consequence of the vicinity of the mighty planet;[244] and with his
spots appearing clear because of his shining appearance, appeared the
hare-marked[245] worshipful Moon in full splendour. And like a lion on
coming out of his cavern, or a lordly elephant on entering into the
thick of a mighty encounter, or a monarch on obtaining a
kingdom,--appeared the Moon in full splendour. And now appeared the
revered Mid-night, chasing away darkness with the Moon displayed,--when
flesh-eating (Rakshasas) lend full liberty to their vicious appetite for
flesh; and when disputes between lovers cease,[246]--and which bringeth
down heaven itself.[247] The sounds of strings sweet unto the ear spread
around; females sleep beside their husbands; and night-rangers, given to
astounding and terrible acts, are, in the same way, out, indulging in
their sports. And the intelligent monkey saw mansions crowded with
(Rakshasas), some inebriate with wine and others with wealth; and
abounding in cars and horses and golden seats; and fraught with the
grace got of heroism. And (Rakshasas) were parleying,--moving about
their plump arms,--railing at each other; and throwing intemperate
speeches at each other. And (Hanuman saw) Rakshasas striking at their
chests (by way of challenge), sinking on the persons of their beloved,
wearing diverse habiliments, or stretching their tough bows. And (he)
saw debonair damsels daubing their frames with pastes; and others,
again, sleeping,--and fair-faced wenches smiling,--and others sighing
hard under the influence of anger. And with gigantic elephants roaring,
(the place), honored by pious persons,--with its heroes heaving
sighs[248]--looked exceedingly beautiful like a lake in which serpents
are sighing forth. And in that apartment (Hanuman) saw persons of
commanding understandings,[249] endowed with a soft tongue,--instinct
with the spirit of reverence--the foremost men of all this world,-- and
bearing euphonious appelations,and clad in diverse attires. And
beholding those well-formed people, whose conduct was of apiece with
their many virtues, (Hanuman) rejoiced exceedingly. And he saw some
having beautiful forms; and others deformed,--and both possessed of
splendour. And (Hanuman) saw there their wives worthy of noble ornaments
and endowed with eminent beauty; of spotless character; possessing great
potency; like unto stars in point of excellency of conduct,--displaying
side-glances and other tokens of dalliance, --engaged in dear drinking.
And at dead of night Hanuman saw some females blazing in beauty,
affected simultaneously with bashfulness and bliss, on being embraced by
their paramours, like birds embracing their mates. And the sensible
Hanuman saw there other females seated in stately halls,-- lying in
happiness on the laps of their lovers,--beloved of their lords--intent
on virtue,--married women,--under the influence of Madana. And Hanuman
saw some without sheets, like unto golden streaks,--paragons among
women-- of the hue of molten gold,--and some of a moon-like complexion,
endeued with loveliness,--bereft of their beloved. And that exceedingly
heroic monkey saw females in their homes experiencing the height of joy
in the company of their beloved dear unto their souls; charming with
blossoms; filled with gladness; and enchaining the hearts of their lords
with their loveliness. And Hanuman saw crowds of faces like unto the
Moon displayed,--with elegant eyes furnished with lovely lashes, and
side-long looks; and multitudes of ornaments resembling beautiful lines
of lightning. But Hanuman saw not Sita, of the highest lineage,--ever
abiding by the way of righteousness; born in a royal line,--like unto a
delightful and well-begot plant,-- of a slender frame,--sprung from the
mind (of Brahma himself); established on the eternal road (of chastity);
having her gaze fixed on Rama; always engrossed in the contemplation of
Rama,--the mind itself of her lord,--who had entered through and through
into the heart of her graceful lord,--ever superior to all other women;
oppressed with the grief of separation; and having her throat afflicted
with the vapour of grief; who formerly had her throat graced with that
best of ornaments--the _nishka_; of excellent eyelashes; having a
mellifluous voice; like unto a peahen ranging in the woods; (now) like
unto an indistinct lunar lining, or a streak of gold covered with dust,
or the color of a sore-scar, or a gold-leaf broken off by the wind. And
not finding, (after so long a search) the Sita of the lord of men,-- the
spouse of Rama; best of those skilled in speech the monkey, deeming
himself as having suddenly lost his skill in search, was overwhelmed
with sadness.
[244] The sun. It is a planet in Hindu cosmogony.--T.
[245] The spots are fabled as the marks of hares on the lap of the
Moon.--T.
[246] _i. e._ in consequence of sleep.--T.
[247] A beautiful characterization of sleep, reminding one powerfully of
"Macbeth hath murdered sleep," &c.--T.
[248] In expectation of an access of warriors.--T.
[249] According to the commentator, _Vuddkipradhanan_ means _persons
possessing many virtues_. I differ from him.--T.