SECTION XXXVIII.

Having been bent upon mounting Suvela, Rama, followed by Lakshmana,

addressed in sweet and excellent words, Sugriva, and that righteous

night-ranger, Bibhishana, versed in counsel and conversant with

precepts, who was devoted to him,--saying,--"We shall all ascend this

mount Suvela, bedight with metals; and pass this night even here. And

(from here) will we view the abode of that Rakshasa who, foul of soul,

hath carried off my spouse, to bring destruction down on himself,--who

knoweth nor morality nor good conduct nor behaviour (conducive to the

dignity of his descent),--and who, in consequence of his base

propensity, hath committed himself to so heinous a course of action".

Having decided thus, Rama, filled with wrath at Ravana, coming to

Suvela, ascended its variegated plateau. And Lakshmana, collected, went

in his wake. And, upraising bow and arrow, Sugriva, (ever) engaged in

valorous acts, accompanied with Bibhishana as well as his counselors,

following him, also ascended (the mountain). And all those rangers of

mountains, gifted with the vehemence of the Wind in hundreds ascended

mount Suvela, where Raghava was stationed. And ascending the mountain in

a short time, they all beheld from its summit the city, appearing to be

built on the air. And the monkey-leaders beheld Lanka, exceedingly

splendid with noble gateways; gracefully enclosed with a wall; thronging

with Rakshasas; and defended by sable Rakshasas. And the foremost of

monkeys saw these appearing like another wall (overtopping the one

beneath). And on seeing the Rakshasas, the monkeys burning for battle

set up various roars in the presence of Rama. Then the Sun, crimsoned

with Eve, ascended the Setting-hill and Night came, illumined by the

Moon at his full. Then the master of the monkey-army, Rama, saluted and

honored by Bibhishana, accompanied by Lakshmana as well as the leaders

of the monkeys, sojourned happily on the breast of Suvela.

The Rāmāyana, Volume 3. Yuddhakāndam · 第 12 / 47 章