All the heroic monkeys, headed by Angada and the great monkey Hanuman,
approved highly of the words of Jambavan. And these leading monkeys
headed by the Wind-god's son proceeded leaping from the summit of the
Mount Mahendra. And these highly powerful ones, having huge persons,
resembling the Mount Mandara, covered the welkin as if like so many mad
elephants. They carried, as it were with their own looks, the highly
powerful Hanuman, gifted with great velocity, having control over his
own self, and adored by the _Siddhas_. They were resolved upon
satisfying Rama's end and acquiring glory for themselves. Their desires
were satisfied and mind elevated in consequence of their beholding Sita
and burning down Lanka. All of them were anxious to communicate this
pleasant news, to enter into conflict and were resolved upon bringing
about Rama's wellbeing. And leaping and ascending the sky they got at
the _Madhuvana_,[429] preserved by Sugriva, resembling the celestial
garden, covered with many trees, picturesque and incapable of being
devastated by any. And the monkey-chief Sugriva's maternal uncle, the
heroic and high-souled Dadhimukha always guardeth that picturesque and
spacious garden of the lord of monkeys. They were greatly worked up with
anxiety. And beholding thdt large orchard, those yellow-coIouted monkeys
were greatly delighted and begged honey of the prince: And the prince
respectfully allowed these elderly monkeys headed by Jambavan to drink
honey. And being thus commanded by the intelligent prince--Vali's son,
those monkeys ascended the trees infested with bees and feasting on
fragrant fruits and roots, were greatly delighted and intoxicated. And
thereupon those monkeys, beside themselves with joy for being allowed to
drink honey began to dance hither and thither. Some sang, some laughed,
some danced, some bowed down, some read, some walked hither and thither,
some leaped and some talked at random. Some sprang upon one another,
some quarrelled with one another, some leaped from one tree to another,
and some jumped down on the earth from the tops of the trees. Some rose
up with great velocity from the earth to the tops of the huge
trees--some sang, others approached them laughing--some wept and others
approached them weeping. Some were stricking with their nails and others
struck them in return. And thus the entire monkey host were bewildered
with intoxication. There was none amongst them who was not drunk and
none who was not excited with pride. Thereupon beholding all the fruits
eaten up and the trees divested of leaves and flowers, the monkey
Dadhimukha was worked up with ire and attempted to prevent them. And
that heroic, elderly monkey, the guard of the garden, was in return
remonstrated with by them who were greatly intoxicated. Thereat the
highly spirited monkey again made up his mind to protect the garden from
their devastations. He used harsh words, undauntedly towards some,
struck the weak with his palm, quarrelled with some, and consoled others
with soothing words. They were greatly excited with drink, and being
prevented forcibly by Dadhimukha, they giving up all fear, began to pull
him. And striking him with their nails, biting him with teeth, crushing
him with their palms and feet, they, being drunk, almost reduced him to
death and devastated the mangoe forest.
[429] An orchard teeming with various trees bearing delicious and sweet
fruits.--T.