And that tiger-like Rakshasa possessed of prowess, (still) under the
influence of slumber, strode along the picturesque highway. And that
exceedingly unconquerable one, surrounded by thousands of Rakshasas,
went on, showered with blossoms from the houses (standing by). And then
he saw the grand and graceful residence of the lord of the Rakshasas,
having golden networks and sun-bright to behold. And entering the
mansion of the Rakshasa sovereign, like the sun entering into a mass of
clouds, he saw his elder brother seated at a distance; even as Sakra
sees the Self-sprung seated. And Kumbhakarna surrounded by numbers of
Rakshasas, entered his brother's abode, making the very earth tremble
with his tread. And arriving at the abode and passing the entrance, he
saw his superior anxiously seated on the car, Pusphaka. Seeing
Kumbhakarna come, the Ten-necked one, exceedingly rejoiced, raised him
up and drew him near himself. And then the exceedingly mighty
Kumbhakarna saluted the feet of his brother and said,--"What dost thou
say?" Thereat, delighted, Ravana, springing up, again embraced (his
brother). And embraced (by his brother), and duly greeted by him, that
brother (of Ravana)--Kumbhakarna seated himself on a shining and superb
seat. And seating himself on that seat, the wondrous powerful
Kumbhakarna, with his eyes reddened in wrath, addressed Ravana,
saying,--"O king, why, honoring me, hast thou awaked me? Tell me, whence
springeth thy fear? And who shall be a ghost?"[205] Thereat, Ravana,
waxing wroth, and with his eyes rolling in rage, said unto Kumbhakarna,
seated,--"O highly powerful one, thou hast slept away a long space of
time. And having been asleep, thou dost not know the great fear of mine
springing from Rama. This graceful son unto Dacaratha possessed of
strength, along with Sugriva, having crossed the ocean, is destroying
our race. Alack! see in own Lanka, woods and forests have been flooded
with an ocean of monkeys coming without any ado by the bridge (which
they have constructed). Those Rakshasas that were prime, have been slain
in battle by the monkeys; but I find no destruction of the monkeys in
fight. Nay, the monkeys have never been before even vanquished (by the
Rakshasas) in battle. And therefore hath this fear sprung up (in my
heart). Save me from this, O exceedingly powerful one. Do thou now
destroy these. It is for this that I have roused thee. Do thou, favoring
me, whose exchequer is empty, save this city of Lanka, having only young
folks and the aged left. And, O long-armed one, do thou perform thy
dearest acts in behalf of thy brother. And, O subduer of enemies, I had
never before said so unto my brother. In thee is my affection and great
is the probability of thy succeeding. In the wars of the celestials and
Asuras, O foremost of Rakshasas, countless were the celestials that thou
as an antagonist hadst beaten. Therefore, O thou of dreadful strength,
summon thy entire energy. Him find I not among all beings, who is thy
peer in prowess. And, O lover of battle! O dear unto friends, as thou
likest, do this beloved good office, this prime benefit, unto me. By thy
own energy, smite the hostile hosts, even as a mighty and strong wind
(scattereth away) autumnal clouds.
[205] _Having been slain by me._