Seeing the forces with banners flying quartered on the banks of the
river Ganga, and engaged in various occupations, the lord of the
Nishadas, Guha, said unto his relatives ranged around, "This mighty host
here appeareth like an ocean. I do not find its end even by thinking of
it in my mind. Surely the foolish Bharata hath come hither himself: on
his car appears the huge Kovidara, banner. Belike, he will either bind
us by nooses or slay us and next Dacaratha's son Rama banished from the
kingdom by his sire. Desirous of taking complete possession of the rare
regal fortune of that sovereign (Rama), Kaikeyi's son, Bharata, comes to
destroy him. Rama the son of Dacaratha is both my maintainer and friend.
Do ye in his interests, donning on your mail, wait on the banks of the
river. And stationed on the river Ganga, let my powerful retainers
subsisting on fruits and roots and meat, be prepared for opposing
Bharata's passage over the river. And let hundreds upon hundreds of
Kaivarta youths accoutred in mail remain in each of five hundred
barks."--Guha issued this order. "But if Bharata be well disposed
towards Rama, this host shall today safely cross the Ganga." Having said
this, the lord of the Nishadas, Guha, taking a present of flesh, fish
and honey, went out for interviewing Bharata. Seeing Guha approaching,
the powerful son of the charioteer knowing season, humbly informed
Bharata of it, saying, "This lord (that approaches) surrounded by his
relatives, is very potent in Dandaka and is an old friend of your
brother. Therefore let Guha, the lord of the Nishidas, see you, O
Kakutstha. He indubitably knows where Rama and Lakshmana are." Hearing
these wise words of Sumantra, Bharata at once said,--"Let Guha see me."
Receiving permission, Guha, right glad, appeared before Bharata, bending
low, and said, "This place is thy home. But thou hast stolen a march
over us. We dedicate all this unto thee. Do thou reside in the abode of
thy servant. Here are fruits and roots gathered by the Nishadas and meat
dry and moist and various other produces of the forest. I pray that
entertained in various ways and heartily partaking of meats and drinks,
this army may spend the night here. Tomorrow morning, thou wilt go along
with thy forces."