And beholding the forest filled with flowery trees and desiring to have
a full view of her, he, well-nigh, spent the night. And at that late
hour of the night, he heard the chantings of the Vedas by the Rakshasas,
conversant with the six supplementary parts of the Vedas,[320] engaged
in the performance of sacrificial rites and knowing Brahma. And
thereupon the mighty Ten-headed Rakshasa, having huge arms, awoke with
the sounds of those auspicious instruments pleasant unto ears. And
awaking, that great and powerful lord of Rakshasas, having his cloth and
garlands loosened, began to think of Vaidehi. And that Rakshasa, puffed
up with pride, was passionately attached unto her and so he could not
restrain his amour in him. And so adorned with all ornaments, he,
casting his looks on the roads containing jewelled and golden gates and
appearing in grace, entered the forest of Asoka, filled with various
trees containing fruits and flowers of all seasons and with ponds;
beautified with various flowers; variegated with inebriete and wondrous
birds; filled with various beautiful wolves; thronged with various deer
and covered with fruits fallen on the earth. And one hundred damsels
followed in the train of the son of Pulastya[321] like unto the damsels
of the celestials and Gandharvas following Mahendra. And among those
fair ones, some carried _chowries_ and some fans. And some carrying
water in golden jars headed the train while others carrying the golden
throne covered with a coverlet followed it. And a favourite damsel
carried in her right hand a jewelled drinking bowl filled with wine. And
another carrying the white umbrella having golden ribs resembling the
full moon and goose, followed in the train. And in this wise the
excellent wives, of Ravana, having their eyes rendered sleepy with sleep
and wine, followed their heroic husband like unto lightnings following
the cloud. Their necklaces and _keyuras_ were displaced, paste faded,
hair dishevelled and they had drops of sweat on their faces. With sleep
and intoxication, were reeling those fair ones of beautiful
countenances, having their hairs with garlands disbanded and their
persons wet with perspiration. And in this way those beloved wives, (of
Ravana) having inebriete eyes, followed, out of amour and reverence,
their husband. And their mighty husband, brought under the control of
amour and having his mind firmly attached unto Sita, proceeded slowly.
And that monkey, son of Maruta, heard the sound of _kanchees_ and
_nupuras_ of those excellent damsels. And the monkey Hanuman also beheld
Ravana, of extraordinary deeds and of inconceivable prowess and
strength, at the gate. His whole body was seen on all sides by the light
of the lamps lighted with perfumed oil and carried by the Rakshasees
before. He was inflamed with amour, pride and haughtiness and his
expansive eyes were coppery and idle. And he appeared like Cupid himself
just appearing in view, leaving behind his bow and arrows. And holding
his excellent robe, covered with flowers, washed, set with jewels and
white as the foam of the churned nectar, he placed it in its proper
place. And Hanuman, hiding himself on the tree, in the midst of many
leaves and flowers, tried to recognise him as he approached. And
beholding him, that foremost of monkeys saw that highly famous king
Ravana, surrounded by his excellently beautiful and youthful wives,
enter that forest of enjoyment filled with birds and animals. There was
a warder by name Sankukarna in that forest--highly powerful, wearing
various ornaments and addicted to drinking. And by him was seen that
lord of Rakshasas--the son of _Visravasa_. And that highly energetic
monkey beheld that effulgent (Ravana) surrounded by excellent damsels
like unto moon encircled by stars. And beholding him the monkey
reflected--"This must be Ravana--for he is the person whom I saw
sleeping in an excellent apartment in that city." Thinking this, that
highly effulgent son of Maruta--Hanuman leaped (high upon another
branch). And effulgent as he was, that highly intelligent monkey hid
himself on a branch covered with leaves, being unable to stand before
the effulgence of that Rakshasa. And Ravana proceeded in that way, being
anxious to behold the blue-eyed Sita, having spacious breast, excellent
hips and a lock of black hair.
[320] Grammar, Prosody, astronomy, pronounciation, the meaning of the
unusual terms and the ritual of the Hindu religion.--T.
[321] Refers to Ravana, Pulastya being his father--T.