Those kings, man and monkey, that monkey the Wind-god's son,
Jambavan--sovereign of bears--the Rakshasa, Bibhishana, the son of Vali,
Angada, Sumitra's son, the monkey, Sarabha, Sushena along with his
friends, Kumuda, Nala, and Panaca, arriving at the dominions of the
enemy, assembled together, began to deliberate. "Yonder is that Lanka
ruled by Ravana, invincible even unto the celestials, serpents and
Gandharvas. Let us, keeping before us success in the enterprise, consult
together for the purpose of arriving at a decision. We are here daily
nearing Ravana, lord of Rakshasas". As they were speaking thus, Ravana's
younger brother, Bibhishana, said in a pregnant speech free from
provincialism,--"Anala, Panaca, Sampati and Pramati--all courtiers of
mine--having gone up to Lanka, have come back here. Wearing the forms of
birds, they entered into the hostile forces; and, having seen the
measures that had been adopted (by them), have come (back). O Rama,
hearken to me as I tell thee truly anent the provisions which they have
related, made by the wicked-minded Ravana. In the Eastern gate stayeth
Prahasta along with his forces; in the Southern, the exceedingly
powerful Mahaparcwa and Mahodara; and in the Western, Ravana's son,
Indrajit, supported by innumerable Rakshasas, equipped with _patticas_,
swords and bows, and bearing darts and maces in their hands,--surrounded
by heroes carrying various weapons. And, backed by many thousands of
Rakshasas weilding weapons, and accompanied by Rakshasas conversant with
counsel, Ravana himself, his heart agitated to the height, guardeth the
Northern gate of the city. And Virupaksha with a powerful force
accoutred in javelins, clubs and bows, protects the garrison in the
centre. Having seen these hosts thus disposed in Lanka, my counsellors
have speedily come back here. There are ten thousand elephants, an Ayuta
cars, two of horses, and about a _koti_ of Rakshasas, powerful and
strong, and equipped with arms in conflict.[98] These night-rangers are
ever the favorites of the Rakshasa ruler. And, O king, a _koti_ of
forces accompany each of these Rakshasas in battle". Having conveyed
this information concerning Lanka, which had been communicated by his
counsellors, the mighty-armed Bibhishana showed (unto Rama) those
Rakshasas themselves. And in company with his counsellors, Ravana's
graceful younger brother, ever striving for the welfare of Rama, by way
of answer communicated everything that was going forward in Lanka unto
Rama, having eyes resembling lotus-leaves,--"O Rama, when Ravana battled
with Kuvera, sixty lacs of Rakshasas marched forth (to meet him). In
prowess, energy, vigor, exceeding fortitude, and hauteur, they resembled
the wicked-minded Ravana himself. In this matter, thou ought not to grow
wroth,--I only arouse thy wrath, and do not endeavour to frighten
thee.[99] Thou canst subdue even the celestials by thy prowess.
Therefore thou, environed by a mighty army, having arrayed the
monkey-forces in order of battle, shalt thrash Ravana (in battle)". When
Ravana's younger brother had spoken thus, Raghava, said these words with
reference to his beating the foe,--"Let that foremost of monkeys, Nila,
surrounded by an immense number of monkeys, cope with Prahasta at the
Eastern gate of Lanka. And, engirt by a mighty force, let Angada, son of
Vali, resist Mahaparcwa and Mahodara at the Southern gate (thereof). And
let that son of the Wind-god, Hanuman, backed by innumerable monkeys,
(beating the host stationed) at the Western gate, find entrance (into
the city). I myself, determined to compass the destruction of the lord
of Rakshasas, who, waxing powerful in consequence of the boon he hath
received, hath brought about the destruction of high-souled saints
resembling gods and Danavas,--and who goeth round all regions,
oppressing people,--will, along with Sumitra's son, smiting (the foe),
occupy the Northern entrance, where Ravana with his army is stationed.
And let the powerful king of monkeys, and the puissant sovereign of
bears, and the younger brother of the Rakshasa-chief, manage the
soldiery posted in the centre. And in this battle, the monkeys need not
assume the forms of human being. And let this serve for a sign that the
monkeys, in order to the recognition of our own forces, appear with
their proper monkey-marks. We seven only shall battle with the foe in
human shapes,--_viz_., I along with my brother, the exceedingly
energetic Lakshmana, and my friend Bibhishana counting for the fifth in
company with his own following". Having said this unto Bibhishana, for
attaining success in the enterprise, that lord, the intelligent Rama,
seeing the sides of Suvela more beautiful (than other places), intended
to ascend it. Then, environed by a mighty host, the high-souled and
magnanimous Rama, his features mirroring forth high
exultation,--overshadowing the entire Earth (with his forces), set out
for Lanka, determined upon destroying the enemy.
[98] These are, remarks the commentator, the leaders.--T.
[99] _i.e._ "Thou ought not to be angry with _me_; for I do not
frighten thee, but rouse thy _wrath against Ravana".--T._