And that captor of hostile capitals, the mighty-armed Rama, was
advancing (upon Lanka) with the sounds of drums mixed with the blares of
conchs. Hearing this noise, Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--reflecting for a
while, cast his eyes upon his counselors. And addressing there all those
counsellors, that afflictor of the world--the crooked and highly
powerful lord of the Rakshasas, Ravana, making his court
resound,--running down (Rama's) crossing the main, as well as his vigor,
strength and manhood,--said to them,--"What ye have said touching Rama's
(prowess), hath been heard by me. And I also know ye to be of sterling
valor in the field. Yet why, knowing Rama's prowess, do ye silently look
at each other?" Then the maternal grand sire (of Ravana), possessed of
exceeding wisdom, named Malyavan, hearing his words, said,--"The king
that is accomplished in the various kinds of learning,[94] and that
followeth polity, ever commandeth affluence and bringeth his enemies
under his subjection. He that seasonably concludes peace and carries on
war with his enemies,--and who advances his own party, attaineth great
affluence. A king should enter into peace, if he be an equal or inferior
of his adversary, and engage in war, if be more powerful,--but an enemy
should never be disregarded. Therefore, O Ravana, peace with Rama is
what commends itself to me; and do thou render unto him that for which
thou hast been invaded (by him), _viz._, Sita. All the Devarshis and
Gandharvas wish for (Rama's) victory. Therefore, do not enter into
hostilities with him; but do thou bend thy mind to ther conclusion of
peace with him. That possessor of the six attributes, the Great-father,
hath appointed two courses, (respectively) for the Asuras and the
celestials, having for their proper objects righteousness and
unrighteousness. Righteousness, we hear, is the course of the
high-souled celestials, as, O Rakshasa, unrighteousness is that of
Rakshas and Asuras. During the Krita Yuga, righteousness swalloweth up
sin; and during Tishya,[95] unrigheousness swalloweth up virtue. Thou,
ranging the three worlds, hadst extinguished pregnant piety, and reaped
unrighteousness; and it is for this that thy foes have waxed potent.[96]
And, having grown through thy neglect, unrighteousness devoureth us, and
that protector of the gods, (righteousness), is strengthening the side
of the celestials. Thou, addicted to carnal pleasures and acting in
defiance of duty, hadst aroused the high wrath of the saints resembling
fire. The power of these possessed of souls sanctified through
asceticism, and ever engaged in invoking the aid of righteousness, is
incapable of being resisted and is like flaming fire. The twice-born
ones engage in contemplation with intent minds, and loudly recite the
Vedas. They overpower the Rakshas, uttering the Vedas; and thereat they
fly in all directions like clouds scattered in summer. And the smoke
that ariseth from the Agnihotra sacrifices of saints resembling fire,
enveloping the energy of the Rakshasas, spreads over the ten cardinal
quarters. And ther fierce austerities of vow-observing saints, performed
at particular sacred spots, try the Rakshasas sore. Thou hast obtained a
boon, conferring immunity at the hands of deities, Danavas and Yakshas.
But men and monkeys, bears and Golangulas, possessed of enormous
strength and endowed with vigor, and of indomitable prowess,--coming
here, are setting up roars. Witnessing various and many dire portents, I
perceive the destruction of all the Rakshasas. Dreadful and terrific
clouds, uttering harsh sounds, are showering blood all around Lanka. And
(live) vehicles are dropping profuse tears. And all sides, covered with
dust, do not appear bright as formerly. And beasts of prey, jackals and
vultures, are emitting frightful cries, and, entering into the garden of
Lanka, form themselves into bands. And in dreams mighty dark-hued women
in front of dwellings, seizing at (the furniture ) thereof, and speaking
inauspiciously, laugh displaying their sable teeth. And in houses dogs
are feasting on the articles of worship. And cows bring forth asses, and
mongooses, mice. And cats are pairing with leopards, and swine with
dogs, and Kinnaras with Rakshasas and human beings. And red-footed white
sky-coursing pigeons, urged on by Doom, are going about for the
destruction of the Rakshasas. And female-parrots in houses, wounded and
worsted by other birds delighting in discord, are dropping down,
emitting indistinct notes. And all the birds and beasts are crying
(distressfully) with their faces turned towards the sun. And at dusk a
frightful, withered, tawny-hued male figure, looking like Death himself,
with his head shaven, peereth into the houses (of people). These and
other evil omens occur. Rama I deem as Vishnu assuming the form of a
man. Raghava of steady prowess, for certain, is no human being,--he that
hath built a bridge over the deep, must be an exceedingly wonderful
person. Therefore, O Ravana, conclude peace with Rama--king of men.
Having ascertained fit course, do thou act properly". Having said this
unto that vile one, and knowing the intention of the lord of Rakshas,
that strong Malyavan, of exceeding prowess, became silent, eying Ravana.
[94] The commentator says there are four and ten kinds of learning: but
unfortunately he does not enumerate them.--T
[95] The Kali Yuga.--T
[96] While ranging the three worlds on a career of conquest, thou
didst, disturbing sacrifices, _etc._, wrong righteousness.--T