Seeing the leaders of monkeys as pointed out by Suka,--the exceedingly
puissant Lakshmana--Rama's right arm--and his[78] brother Bibhishana
staying near Rama, and Sugriva of dreadful prowess--sovereign of all the
monkeys,--and the strong Angada, grandson unto the thunder-handed
one,[79] and the powerful Hanuman; and the unconquerable Jambavan; and
Sushena; and Nila; and Nala--best of monkeys,--and Gaya; and Gavaksha;
and Sarabha; and Mainda; and Dwivida,--Ravana, with his heart agitated a
little, and his wrath aroused,--when their talk had ended, rebuked those
heroes, Suka and Sarana. And he wrathfully spoke unto them, standing in
humble guise with their heads hung down, harsh words faltering with
passion,--"That counsellors subsisting (on the wealth of their master
and sovereign), should say aught disagreeable to him, whether they meet
with his favor or disfavor--is not meet. Without being questioned, it is
(proper) for you both to hymn the praises of a foe that is opposed and
that hath advanced for encounter! Ye have in vain worshipped your
preceptors, aged people, and spiritual guides, for ye have failed to
appropriate the cream of Political Science, which should be availed of.
Or if ye had appropriated the same, you have forgotten it afterwards;
and ye bear the burden of ignorance. And it is owing to my good fortune
that, having such stupid counsellors, I have as yet held my kingdom.
Have ye no fear of death that ye use harsh speech towards me, who am the
ruler and whose tongue dispenseth good and evil? Even trees may exist in
the forest, coming in contact with burning fire; but transgressors
cannot exist, visited with the chastisement of the monarch. I shall slay
these wicked wights, who praise the side of the enemy, if my anger be
not moderated, remembering their former good offices. Avaunt! Go hence
from near me! I do not wish to slay you, remembering your good acts.
Slain ye (already) are, who are ingrate and cherish no affection for
me". Thus accosted, Suka and Sarana, seeing (how things stood), covered
with bashfulness, went out, saluting Ravana by uttering 'Victory!' Then
that ranger of night, the Ten-necked one, said unto Mahodara, who was
present, to summon some spies. Thus accosted, Mahodara speedily ordered
some spies (to present themselves). Thereat, the spies, hurriedly
arriving there at the mandate of the monarch, and, presenting
themselves, stood with joined hands, uttering blessings of victory. Then
the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, addressed the spies, who were heroic,
faithful, calm, and courageous,--"Go hence, and acquaint yourselves with
the exertions of Rama; as well as with those who, being the custodians
of Rama's closest counsels, have gladly joined him (here). How he
sleepeth and how he waketh, and what he engageth himself in,--having
deftly acquainted yourselves with all this thoroughly, do you come (back
here). The wise king that gathers (a knowledge of) his enemy through
spies, can, putting forth a modicum of effort in conflict, neutralise
(his exertions)". Thereat the spies, saying,--"So it is", taking Sardula
to the fore, with delighted hearts went round the sovereign of the
Rakshasas. And, having gone round the high-souled Rakshasa-chief, the
spies set out for where Rama with Lakshmana was. And repairing secretly
to the vicinity of the mountain bordering on the fair shore,[80] they
saw Rama and Lakshmana with Sugriva and Bibhishana. And seeing that
host, they were overwhelmed with fear. And, while staying there, they,
discovered by the righteous lord of Rakshasas, Bibhisana, were sore
harassed (by the monkeys). And that wicked Rakshasa, Sardula, alone was
taken (before Rama). But Rama liberated him, who was assailed by the
monkeys. And Rama also, entertaining no enmity against them, also
liberated the others, (who accompanied Sardula). And, on having been put
to straits by the powerful monkeys of fleet vigor, they,[81] breathing
hard, and with their consciousness lost, again arrived at Lanka. Then
those exceedingly strong spies, always ranging outside, presenting
themselves before the Ten-necked one, informed him of the forces of
Rama, stationed near mount Suvela.
[78] _i.e._ Ravana's
[79] Indra.--T.
[80] _Suvelasya Sailasya_--may also mean, of the mount _Suvela_.--T.
[81] The spies, that is.--T.