Then Ravana heard the tumult raised by the highly energetic monkeys
roaring in company with the Rakshasas. And hearing that low and solemn
noise--that prodigious uproar--Ravana said in the midst of his
counsellors,--"From mighty roars that are heard of in innumerous
delighted monkeys,--resembling the roar of clouds,--it is evident,
beyond a doubt, that there is great rejoicing there. And the salt Ocean
is vexed with these thundering noises. The brothers--Rama and
Lakshmana--have been fast bound with sharp shafts; and here this uproar
is exciting my alarm". Having spoken thus unto his ministers, the lord
of the Rakshasas addressed the Nairitas present there, saying,--"Do you
speedily acquaint yourselves with the cause of rejoicing that hath
arisen of these monkeys on this mournful occasion". Thus accosted, they
hurriedly mounting up on the wall, surveyed the forces maintained by the
high-souled Sugriva as well as those exalted ones--Raghu's sons--
emancipated from their terrific arrowy fetters and arisen (now)".
Thereat, with their hearts wrought up, grim-visaged Rakshasas descending
from the wall, appeared before the Rakshasa-lord with pale faces. And
then with woe-begone faces, those Rakshasas, skilled in speech,
faithfully informed Ravana in full of that unfortunate circumstance.
"Those brothers--Rama and Lakshmana--who had in battle been bound up in
arrowy fetters by Indrajit,--and whose arms lay moveless,--having been
emancipated from the arrowy bonds, are seen in the field of battle; and
those ones like unto the foremost of elephants in strength, seem like
elephants that have snapped their fetters". Hearing those words of
theirs, the exeedingly powerful lord of the Rakshasas was wrought up
with anxiety and anger, and his countenance lost its complexion.
"Indrajit, having routed them in conflict, had bound them by means of
irrisistible and terrible arrows, resembling venomous serpents, and like
unto the Sun himself,--which had been conferred on (Indrajit) as boons.
But if my enemy, having actually been bound by the weapons, can have
been liberated, all this strength of mine I see placed in peril. And
those shafts resembling Fire in fierceness, which had in battle deprived
my foes of their lives,--have forsooth been rendered fruitless". Having
said this in high rage, Ravana, sighing like a serpent, addressed a
Rakshasa, named Dhumraksha, seated in the midst of the Rakshasas,--"O
thou of dreadful prowess, surrounded by a mighty force, do thou march
forth to compass the destruction of Rama along with the monkeys". Thus
accosted by the intelligent lord of the Rakshasas, Dhumraksha, turning
about, issued out of the abode of the king. And speedily sallying forth
from the gate of (Ravana's) residence, he said unto the general of the
forces,--"Do thou speedily move off thy forces. Why should a warrior
linger?" Hearing Dhumraksha's words, the general of the forces,
following them, at the command of Ravana forthwith made the army ready.
And those powerful and dreadful night-rangers, bursting with high
spirits,--with bells tied to their arms,--set up shouts, and surrounded
Dhumraksha. And bearing various weapons in their hands, and wielding
darts and clubs, and equipped with maces and bearded darts and rods and
iron bludgeons and _parighas_ and _bhindipalas_ and lances and nooses
and axes,--those terrific Rakshasas sallied out, roaring like unto
clouds. And others, accoutred in armour, with cars; adorned with
banners; furnished with golden networks, and mules having various faces,
and extremely swift steeds, and lusty elephants in rut,--tiger-like
Nairitas incapable of being subdued, even as tigers--sallied out
(thereafter). And then Dhumraksha himself ascended a superb car, bearing
faces of deer and lions decked with gold,--and sending forth a loud
clatter. And the highly powerful Dhumraksha, surrounded by Rakshasas,
cheerfully issued out of the Western Entrance, where Hanuman was posted.
And thereat, fell fowls of the air forbade that exceedingly dreadful
Rakshasa of a fearful form, as he went out ascending an excellent car,
yoked with mules, and sending sharp sounds. And an exceedingly terrific
vulture alighted at the crest of the car; and forming themselves into
lines, vultures began to drop down about the top of the banner. And
emitting a frightful cry, (a headless trunk) dropped down before
Dhumraksha. And that god[160] showered down blood; and the earth shook.
And the wind blew awry with a sound resembling thunder. And every side,
covered with darkness, appeared dim. And witnessing those dreadful
inauspicious omens at the outset, fraught with fear unto the Rakshasas,
Dhumraksha was greatly aggrieved; and the Rakshasas marching before him,
were stupified. And then as that strong and fearful one, eager for
encounter, surrounded, by innumerable night rangers, issued out (of the
city), he beheld that monkey-host, protected by the arm of
Raghava,--resembling the deep at the time of the universal dissolution.
[160] Indra--cloud-compeller.