Thereupon, saying, 'So be it,' that king of bears, surrounded by his

forces, approached the Western gate, where the monkey, Hanuman, was

stationed. And then the lord of bears saw Hanuman approach, surrounded

by monkeys sighing hard, who had faught the fight. And seeing on the way

that host of bears dreadful and resembling dark clouds, on the march,

Hanuman made them desist. And that illustrious one along with that

force, speedily presented himself (before Rama), and with a heavy heart

addressed him, saying--"As we were fighting in the field, Ravana's son,

Indrajit in our very sight slew Sita, crying (in distress). O subduer of

enemies, seeing her (in this plight) I, with my senses bewildered, have

been overwhelmed with grief. Therefore I have come unto thee to inform

thee of what hath befallen". Hearing these words of his, Raghava,

overwhelmed with grief, dropped down to the earth, like a tree whose

roots have been severed. Seeing the god-like Raghava down on the earth,

the foremost monkeys from all sides rushed forward and came to where (he

was). And with water scented with lotuses,[340] they fell to sprinkling

that one resembling a furious fire[341] that hath suddenly arisen.

Thereat Lakshmana overcome with sorrow, embracing Rama, spoke unto him

words fraught with reason and import,--"Profitless[342] virtue is

incapable, O noble one, of delivering from calamaties thee, who hast

subdued thy senses, and who ever abidest in the good path. Beings and

the mobile as well as the immobile cannot have that direct perception of

virtue which they have of happiness. Therefore, I ween, virtue is a

non-entity. Inasmuch as the mobile (albeit devoid of any regard for

virtue) are nevertheless happy, and as the mobile also are so, this

virtue cannot lead to happiness. (If it were so), one like thee would

have not been placed in peril. If unrighteousness would bring

unhappiness on creatures, Ravana should hence to hell, and thou

possessed of virtue, shouldst not come by misfortune. And seeing that he

is free from danger, and thou art in it, righteousness and its opposite

are found to have tendencies the very reverse of those assigned to them

respectively (by the Vedas). And if by means of virtue, one attaineth

the felicity attached to it, and by means of unrighteouness, one reapeth

its proper fruit, then let those that are unrighteous reap the fruit of

their impiety,--nor let those that set their face against sin, be

deprived of the fruit of their righteousness; and let those that walk in

the way of virtue reap the fruit of their piety. But as prosperity

attendeth those that are established in un-righteousness, and as those

regardful of righteousness fare lamentably,--these[343] have not the

senses assigned to them (by the scriptures). If, O Raghava, (it is

contended that) unrighteousness cutteth off the wicked, then whom shall

unrighteousness, himself slain by the act of slaughter of the

destroyer,--slay in his turn? Or if it is said that one is slain or

slayeth another by ordinance, then it is Destiny, which is touched by

the sinful act and not he. O chastiser of foes, incapable of meting out

retribution,[344]--unmanifest itself, and non-existent, how can virtue,

even if we grant its existence, find out the person that should be

slain? If, O foremost of the good, it had existed, thou wouldst not have

come by any misfortune. But inasmuch as thou hast fallen into this

plight, there is no such thing as virtue. Or itself feeble and impotent,

it taketh refuge in manliness. And being powerless and bereft of

dignity, it should, I deem, by no means be followed. And if virtue is a

property of manliness, then carefully forsaking virtue, do thou follow

strength as thou hast hitherto followed virtue. But, O subduer of

enemies, if truthfulness be virtue, art thou not bound by that departing

from which the king lost his life?[345] And, O chastiser of foes, if

virtue must be practised above all, or if prowess must have

precedence,--then the thunder-handed Satakratu would not have celebrated

his sacrifice, slaying the ascetic.[346] O Raghava, virtue aided by

prowess, destroyeth enemies. Therefore, O Kakutstha, people, for

compassing their ends, resort to both virtue and prowess. This, sire, is

my opinion: this, O Raghava, is virtue. But thou, having then renounced

the kingdom, hast laid the axe at the root[347] of righteousness. Like

streams issuing out mountains, all acts spring from wealth flowing from

various regions and attaining magnitude. Like a shrunken stream in

summer, all the acts of that foolish person who hath been divorced by

wealth, are annihilated.--He that renouncing riches within his

reach,[348] hankers after enjoyment,--being carried away by his

overmastering desire, taketh to getting at wealth by sinful acts; and

then he incurreth guilt. Unto him that hath wealth are friends, unto him

that hath wealth are acquaintances,--he that hath wealth is an

individuality in this world, and he that hath wealth is a learned

person. He that hath wealth is powerful; he that hath wealth is

intelligent; he that hath wealth is mighty-armed; and he that hath

wealth is full of all graces. All these that I have ennumerated are the

evils of forsaking fortune. (I cannot divine) what made thee, renouncing

the monarchy, to adopt such a course.--He that hath riches, hath virtue

and desire attending on him, and hath everything auspicious. That one

without wealth, that seeketh it, cannot secure the wealth of prowess,

without riches and desire. And, O lord of men, cheerfulness, and desire,

and pride, and piety, and anger, and self-restraint, and

self-control--all these come from wealth. As the planets are not

discovered on a stormy day, that wealth, the want of which renders this

world naught even unto the ascetics practising righteousness,--is not

visible in thee. O hero, thou having abode by the words of thy superior

and having come (to the forest), thy wife dearer then life itself hath

been ravished by Rakshas. But, O hero, to-day, O Raghava, by my acts

will I remove this huge sorrow that hath been heaped upon us by

Indrajit. Therefore, rise thou up. Rise up, O foremost of men, O

long-armed one, O thou who observest vows. Why dost thou not understand

thyself as the Supreme Soul?[349] And, O sinless one, urged on behalf of

thy welfare, I, waxing wroth on hearing of the slaughter of Janaka's

daughter, shall with my shafts entirely raze to the ground Lanka with

cars and elephants and steeds and the foremost Rakshas".

[340] _Padmatpalasugandhibhih_--water scented with _padmas_--_lotuses

proper_, and _utpalas_--_blue lotuses--(Nymphea cerulea).--T._

[341] 'Rama,' remarks the commentator, 'was a fire lighted by his grierf

for Sita.'--T.

[342] 'Profitless,' although apparently an epithet of virtue, is really

the predicate of the sentence. 'Virtue, incapable of delivering

thee.....is _profitless.'--T._

[343] Virtue and vice.

[344] 'In consequence,' remarks Ramanuja, 'of their being devoid of

consciousness.'

[345] Explains the commentator,--'King Dacaratha lost his life, because

he did not observe his word of installing thee in the kingdom. Art

thou not bound by his word as well?'--T.

[346] The Logic is all in a jumble; but such is the text. The ascetic

was Vicwarupa. The meaning, according to the commentator, is that,

prowess is first and virtue next. Indra first used force, and then

acquired merit.--T.

[347] 'Root', remarks Ramanuja,--'which is interest!'

[348] The commentator would have '_gotten_ riches.'

[349] Rama is conceived as an incarnation of Vishnu.--T.

SECTION LXXXIV.

As Lakshmana devoted to his brother was comforting Rama, Bibhishana,

posting his forces at their proper quarters, came there, surrounded by

four heroes accoutred in various arms, resembling masses of collyrium or

leaders of elephant-herds. And approaching the high-souled Raghava,

overwhelmed with grief, he saw the monkeys with tears in their eyes. And

he saw that joy of the Ikshwaku race--the high-souled Raghava--stupified

with grief, lying on the lap of Lakshmana. And seeing Rama cast down and

inflamed with grief, Bibhishana, inly pained, said,--'What is this?'

Thereat, gazing at Bibhishana's countenance as well as all those

monkeys, Lakshmana, with his eyes flooded with tears, said these words

pregnant with dire import,--"O placid one, hearing from Hanuman's lips

that Sita hath been slain by Indrajit, Raghava hath been overcome with

stupor". As Sumitra's son was speaking thus, Bibhishana, preventing him,

addressed the stupified Rama in these pregnant words,--"O king, all that

Hanuman in distressful guise had communicated unto thee I deem as

improbable, like unto the drying of the deep. I know the intent of the

impious Ravana with reference to Sita, O mighty-armed one. Her he will

not slay. I, seeking his welfare, had besought him much, saying,--'Let

go Vaidehi',--but he did not act up to my speech. Neither by

conciliation, nor by gift, nor by dissension,--and where is war?--nor by

any other means is one capable of obtaining the very sight of Sita.

Having bewildered the monkeys, the Rakshasa hath gone back; and, O

mighty-armed one, know her to be the illusory daughter of Janaka.

To-day, going to the sacrificial ground (called) Nikumbhila, he will

offer oblations into fire; and there the deity of fire will present

himself along with Vasava and the (other) divinities. And then Ravana's

son shall be invincible in battle. Indubitably that illusion hath been

wrought by him, to deceive (the monkeys), so that they might not through

their prowess disturb him there. Thither will we go before he hath

furnished his (sacrifice). O foremost of men, shake off this vain sorrow

that hath overcome thee! Seeing thee smitten with grief, this entire

host is dispirited. Here, with thy heart composed, do thou stay,

summoning thy strength. Send Lakshmana along with us and the flower of

the forces. This foremost of men by means of sharpened shafts will make

Ravana's son give up his rites; and then shall he be capable of being

slain by us. These keen and sharpened shafts of his, attaining access of

velocity through the feathers of birds, and themselves resembling fierce

fowls, will drink his[350] blood. Therefore, O mighty-armed one, do thou

in order to the destruction of the Rakshasa, commission Lakshmana, even

as the wielder of the thunder-bolt commandeth the same. And as to-day no

time should be lost, therefore do thou send Lakshmana for compassing the

destruction of the foe, even as Mahendra sendeth the thunder-bolt for

bringing about the destruction of the enemies of the immortals. If that

foremost of Rakshasas can finish his rites, he shall be invisible to

both celestials and Asuras; and, he fighting after finishing his

sacrifice, the celestials themselves shall be placed in great jeopardy".

[350] Indrajit's.

SECTION LXXXV.

Hearing his speech, Raghava, overwhelmed with grief, could not perfectly

comprehend what was said by the Rakshasa. Then, summoning up patience,

Rama--captor of hostile capitals--spoke unto Bibhishana, seated near the

monkeys,--"O lord of Nairitas, I once more wish to hear what, O

Bibhishana, thou hast said". Hearing Raghava's words, Bibhishana,

skilled in speech, again spoke these words, saying,--"O mighty-armed

one, I have stationed the forces, O hero, agreeably to thy directions.

The entire force hath been divided around; and the leaders have also

been placed properly. Further, O mighty master, listen to what I have to

say. On thy having been causelessly aggrieved, we all of us were seized

with grief. If this anxiety of thine conduceth to the joy of the enemy,

do thou cast it off. And, O hero, bestir thyself,--and summon up

spirits. If thou art to have Sita, and if the night-rangers are to be

slain by thee, do thou, O Raghu's son, listen to my profitable speech.

Let Sumitra's son go forth, environed by a mighty force, for slaying in

battle the son of Ravana, who hath gone to Nikumbhila; with shafts

resembling venomous serpents, discharged from the round[351] of his bow.

By virtue of his austerities, that hero, from a boon conferred by the

Self-sprung, hath obtained the Brahmaciras weapon, together with steeds

coursing at their will. Now he with his army hath gone to Nikumbhila;

and when, having finished his rites, he gets up, know that all of us are

slain. 'When not reaching Nikumbhila, and not having finished thy

offerings unto fire, thou, equipped with arms, art slain by a foe,--O

enemy of Indra, that is thy death.'--Thus, O mighty-armed one, did the

lord of all creatures confer a boon (on Indrajit), and, O king, thus was

the death of this intelligent one ordained. O Rama, for compassing the

destruction of Indrajit, do thou commission a mighty force. On his being

slain, know that Ravana along with his retainers are slain".--Hearing

Bibhishana's words, Rama said,--"O thou having truth for prowess, I know

the illusion of that fierce one. Without doubt, he is skilled in the

Brahma weapon, is potent in illusion and, is possessed of exceeding

strength. In conflict, he depriveth of consciousness even the celestials

with Varuna (at their head). And as that illustrious (one) goeth about

in the welkin on his chariot, none, O hero, can perceive his course,

like the course of the Sun when the sky is covered with clouds". And

Raghava, being well acquainted with the illusive energy of his

wicked-minded foe, addressed the renowned Lakshmana, saying,--"Environed

by the entire host of the lord of monkeys,--accompanied by the leaders,

O Lakshmana, headed by Hanuman,--with Jambavan~king of bears--and girt

round by the forces,--do thou slay this son of the Rakshasa, possessed

of the strength of illusion. And accompanied by his counsellors, this

high-souled night-ranger shall follow at thy back, in this engagement

with that one skilled in illusion". Hearing Raghava's words, Lakshmana

endowed with dreadful prowess, with Bibhishana,--took up another

excellent bow. And donning on his mail, and putting on his armour and

his sword, and furnished with arrows, and a bow in his left

hand,--Sumitra's son, touching Rama's feet, feeling elated, addressed

Rama, saying,--"To-day the shafts discharged from my bow, piercing

Ravana's son, shall fall into Lanka, even as swans drop into a tank.

This very day shall my arrows, shot from my redoubtable bow-string, rive

the body of that terrific one". Having spoken thus, the effulgent

Lakshmana, eager to slay Ravana's son, went before his brother. And

having saluted at the feet of his superior and went round him, Lakshmana

set out for the sacrificial ground (named) Nikumbhila, protected by the

son of Ravana. And accompanied by Bibhishana, that powerful son of the

king--Lakshmana--after his brother had offered up prayers in his

behalf,--set off with all speed. And surrounded by thousands of monkeys,

Hanuman as well as Bibhishana together with his counsellors--speedily

went in the wake of Lakshmana. And strongly encompassed by that mighty

monkey-host, (Lakshmana) saw the forces of the bear-king stationed on

the way. And having proceeded far, Sumitra's son--enhancer of the

delight of friends--from a distance discovered the forces of the

Rakshasa-monarch, drawn up in battle-array. And that subduer of

enemies--Raghu's son--bearing his bow in his hand, coming upon him whoso

martial might lay in illusion,--stopped (there) for conquering his foe

agreeably to the ordinance[352] of Brahma. And accompanied by

Bibhislnna, the heroic Angada, and the Wind-god's offspring, the

powerful son of the king dived into the forces of the foe, various,

blazing with burnished arms, dense with standards; And thronging with

mighty cars,[353] capable of striking terror (into the hearts of the

spectators), instinct with immeasurable energy, and resembling darkness.

[351] The bow drawn to its full stretch, becomes circular.--T.

[352] The ordinance was that Indrajit should be slain while remaining

outside Nikumbhila, his rites not yet finished.--T.

[353] _Maharathai (ab.)_ may also mean with mighty car-warriors.--T.

SECTION LXXXVI.

When things were in this condition, Ravana's younger brother addressed

Lakshmana in words fraught with evil to foes and conducing to the

welfare (of his own party), saying,--"Do thou without delay bring on an

engagement between this cloud-black Rakshasa army, which thou beholdest,

and the monkeys having rocks for their arms. O Lakshmana, do thou exert

thyself to break through his[354] mighty army; and when the ranks are

broken, the son of the Rakshasa-lord shall be visible. And scattering

among the foes shafts resembling Indra's thunder-bolt, charge him while

he hath not yet finished this ceremony. Slay, O hero, this wicked one,

this son of Ravana, given to illusion, and of terrific feats,--the fear

of all the worlds". Hearing Bibhishana's words, Lakshmana graced with

auspicious marks began to shower arrows on the son of the

Rakshasa-chief. And bears and monkeys, given to fighting excellently

with trees, in a body rushed towards that army (of Rakshas) drawn up

there. And the Rakshasas (on their part) burning to slaughter the

monkey-forces, rushed in the encounter with sharpened shafts and darts

and _tomaras_. And there took place a tremendous onslaught of the

monkeys and the Rakshasas. And Lanka resounded all around with that

mighty tumult; and the sky was covered with weapons of various shapes,

and whetted arrows and trees and dreadful upraised mountain-tops. And

Rakshasas having frightful faces and arms, plying their arms among the

foremost monkeys, began to spread terror (there). And in the same way

the monkeys in the conflict fell to slaying and wounding the Rakshasas

with trees and hill-tops. And great was the terror that was spread among

the warring Rakshasas by the flower of the bears and monkeys, possessed

of gigantic persons and endowed with prodigious strength.

Hearing his own army hard beset by the enemies, and drooping,--the

unconquerable one, ere yet he had finished his rites, rose up. And

issuing from the gloom of the trees, Ravana's son, fired with wrath,

ascended his car, which had already been well yoked (with steeds). And

accoutred in a dreadful bow and arrows,--that one resembling a mass of

collyrium, having a red face and eyes, looked dreadful like the

Reaper--Death. And soon as they saw him mounted on his car, that host of

Rakshas possessed of dreadful impetuosity, eager to engage with

Lakshmana, stood on their ground. At this time that subduer of

enemies--Hanuman--resembling a mountain, uprooted a giant tree incapable

of being bandied. And in that encounter, the monkey, consuming (the

forces) like the fire risen at Doomsday, made that army of Rakshasas

insensible with innumerable trees. And finding the Wind-god's son,

Hanuman, suddenly spreading devastation among the Rakshasas by

thousands, (they) showered (shafts) on him. And approaching on all sides

that one resembling a hill, those bearing whetted darts attacked him

with darts; those bearing swords in their hands, with swords; those

bearing javelins in their hands, with javelins; with _patticas_, those

equipped with _patticas_; and with bludgeons, and maces and graceful

_kuntas_; and with hundreds of _sataghnis_, and iron clubs; and with

terrific axes; and with _bhindipalas_; and with boxes like unto

thunder-bolts; and slaps resembling the _acani_. And fired with fury, he

(on his part) spread a huge havoc among them. And Indrajit saw that

foremost of monkeys, resembling a hill, the offspring of the

Wind-god--possessing himself in calmness, while destroying his foes. And

thereat, he[355] addressed his charioteer, saying,--"Go where the monkey

is. Being disregarded by the Ratkshasas, he makes havoc among us". Thus

accosted by him, the charioteer went where the Wind-god's offspring was,

carrying the exceedingly invincible Indrajit seated on the car. And

rushing forward, that irrepressible one--the Rakshasa--began to shower

on the monkey's head arrows and swords and _patticas_ and scimitars and

axes. And bearing all those dreadful arms, the Wind-god's offspring,

overcome with a mighty rage said,--"O wicked-minded son of Ravana, if

thou art a hero, fight on. Combat with me with thy arms. If in the

encounter, thou bearest my impetus, then, O thou of perverse sense, thou

indeed art the foremost of Rakshasas". Then Bibhishana pointed out unto

Lakshmana the son of Ravana, who with his bow upraised, was eager to

slay Hanuman. "This one that, mounted on his car, is eager to slay

Hanuman, is the son of Ravana that hath vanquished Vasava himself (in

battle). Do thou, O son of Sumitra, with peerless shafts capable of

resisting enemies,--dreadful, and competent to finish the lives (of

foes),--slay the son of Ravana". Thus accosted by Bibhishana terrific

unto foes, that high-souled one saw (Indrajit) of dreadful prowess,

difficult to get at, and resembling a hill,--stationed on his car.

[354] Indrajit's, that is.

[355] Indrajit.

SECTION LXXXVI

Having spoken thus unto Sumitra's son, Bibhishana experienced delight,

and taking (Lakshmana) bearing a bow in his hand, hurriedly went off.

And proceeding some way and entering the mighty wood, Bibhishana pointed

out unto Lakshmana the (place of) sacrifice. And the energetic brother

of Ravana showed unto Lakshmana the Nyagrodha, dreadful to behold and

resembling a mass of sable clouds. "Here offering presents unto the

ghosts, the powerful son of Ravana afterwards engages in conflict. Then

the Rakshasa becomes invisible to all beings; and he slayeth his enemies

in battle and fastens them with excellent shafts. Do thou, ere he hath

passed beyond the Nyagrodha, with flaming arrows destroy the powerful

son of Ravana along with his car and steeds and charioteer". Thereupon

saying,--'So be it,' the exceedingly energetic son of Sumitra--that

delight of his friends--took up his post there, stretching his

variegated bow. And Ravana's son Indrajit, endowed with strength,

mailed, and armed with a sword, and furnished with a banner, was seen

mounted on a fire-hued chariot. And the highly powerful Lakshmana

addressed Pulastya's son, never knowing defeat, saying,--"I challenge

thee to the encounter. Do thou give me battle, exerting thy utmost".

Thus addressed, the exceedingly energetic and intelligent son of Ravana,

seeing Bibhishana there, spoke anto him harshly, thus,--"Born and bred

in this (Rakshasa race), thou art the very brother of my father. Why, O

Rakshasa, being my uncle, dost thou range thyself against thy son? But

neither kinship, nor emity, nor race, O wicked-minded one, nor co-birth,

can, O destroyer of righteousness, avail to make thee discern thy duty.

O thou of perverse understanding, thou art indeed to be pitied; as thou

art worthy of being reproached by the virtuous; since, renouncing thine

own, thou hast espoused servitude under another. Neither by thy

character nor yet thy understanding dost thou perceive the mighty

difference that lieth between living with one's own kindred, and taking

refuge with the base. If one that is not our own, be furnished with

every grace, and if one's own be void of all merit,--one's kindred,

albeit unworthy, is preferable; and he that is not ours, is even always

such. He that, forsaking his own party, serveth that of another, is

destroyed even by the latter, when his own party is destroyed. O

night-ranger, such is this thy relentlessness, that, O Ravana's younger

brother, thou being a kindred, art capable of displaying thy manliness

(as no other person can do so)". Thus addressed by his brother's son,

Bibhishana answered,--"O Rakshasa, why dost thou speak as if in

ignorance of my character? O impious son of the Rakshasa-chief, do thou

forego the roughness which thou assumest on behalf of my dignity.[356]

Albeit born in the race of Rakshas of cruel deeds, yet having regard to

the first of principles pertaining to men, my character is not that of a

Rakshasa. I do not take pleasure in the terrible; nor do I revel in

unrighteousness. But how can a brother, although differing from his

brother in character, be renounced by the latter?[357] One renouncing a

person, lapsing from virtue and bent on sinful acts, attaineth

happiness, even as one doth by shaking off a venomous snake from his

hand. The wise have called that impious one given to stealing others'

goods and violating others' wives,--as worthy of being forsaken, even

like a house that is aflame.--Robbing others' property, outraging the

wives of others, and inspiring fear among friends,--these three vices

lead to destruction. The dreadful slaughter of sages, rebellion against

all ihe gods, overweening conceit, anger, long-continued enmity, and

running amuck of counsel,--these sins are sapping the life and fortune

of my brother; and they have hidden his virtues even as clouds cover a

mountain. It is on account of these vices that my brother, thy sire,

hath been deserted by me. And this city of Lanka will not be, nor thou,

nor thy father. Thou art proud, and haughty, and a boy, O Rakshasa. Thou

art fettered by the noose of Fate. Do thou say unto me whatever thou

likest. To-day thou hast addressed harshly me, who have fallen on evil

days; but, O worst of Rakshasas, thou canst not pass this Nyagrodha.

Having smitten the Kakutstha, thou canst not live. Fight with that

man-god, Lakshmana, in encounter. Being slain, thou shalt serve the

deities in the abode of Yama. Displaying thy own prowess, do thou spend

all thy weapons and all thy shafts. But coming within the ken of

Lakshmana's arrows, thou wilt not to-day go hence, living, with thy

forces".

[356] Or, on account of thy heroism.

[357] Some read _Vishamacilana_. Then the sense would be: 'How else

could a brother bearing a difference in character, renounce his

brother?' meaning Ravana.--T.

SECTION LXXXVIII.

Hearing Bibhishana's words, the son of Ravana, deprived of his senses by

passion, spoke harshly, and rushed forward in wrath. And with upraised

weapons and scimitars, he, resembling the Destroyer himself, was mounted

on a mighty car yoked with black steeds, and ornamented (on all sides).

And that one endowed with terrific strength up-raised a huge, gigantic,

strong and powerful bow, and shafts capable of destroying foes. And that

mighty bowman and slayer of foes--the powerful son of Ravana--adorned

(with ornaments) and mounted on his chariot, saw him dight (with his own

splendour). And fired with wrath, (Indrajit) addressed Sumitra's son,

who, mounted on Hanuman's back, like unto the risen sun in

splendour--accompanied Bibhishana; and he also addressed all those

principal monkeys, saying,--"Do ye behold my prowess! To-day do ye in

the conflict bear my arrowy shower shot from my bow, incapable of being

approached, and resembling the down-pour in the sky. To-day my shafts

discharged from my mighty bow shall mangle your limbs, even as fire

burneth up a heap of cotton. To-day with your persons pierced with sharp

shafts, with darts, and javelins, and _rishtis_ and arrows, shall I

despatch you all to the abode of Yama. Who shall stay before me,

fleet-handed, creating an arrowy shower in the field, and roaring like

unto clouds? Formerly in a night-engagement, with my shafts resembling

the thunder-bolt and _vajra_, ye two along with your foremost adherents,

were rendered insensible and laid down on the earth by me. But, perhaps,

thou hast forgotten it. As thou hast presented thyself for battle before

me, fired with wrath and resembling a venomous serpent, it is evident

thou wilt go to the region of Yama". Hearing the vaunt of the

Rakshasa-chief, Raghu's son, inflamed with rage, with an undaunted

countenance, spoke unto Ravana's son,--"O Rakshasa, hard is the

achievement of the task that thou hast mentioned. He that compasseth

business by act is alone intelligent.--But thou, O wicked-minded one,

incompetent as thou art to bring about thy end, attaining thy arduous

aim by words only, deemest thyself as crowned with success. That thou

hadst rendered thyself invisible in the field of conflict, was the work

of a thief,--and not the way of a hero. Coming within the range of thy

shafts, I stay here,--do thou display thy prowess. What dost thou say in

words?" Thus addressed, the mighty Indrajit--conquerer of

enemies--stretching his dreadful bow, showered sharpened shafts. And

discharged by him, those exceedingly impetuous arrows, resembling the

venom of serpents, hitting Lakshmana, fell down like unto hissing

snakes. And in that encounter, Ravana's son--Indrajit--possessed of

eminent impetuosity, pierced Lakshmana, graced with auspicious marks,

with vehement shafts. And pierced with those arrows and bathed in blood,

the graceful Lakshmana appeared like a smokeless fire. And seeing his

own feat, Indrajit, coming forward, and setting up a tremendous cry,

said,--"O son of Sumitra, my feathered and sharp-edged shafts shot from

my bow, capable of destroying life, will to-day finish thee up. To-day,

O Lakshmana, swarms of jackals and hosts of hawks and vultures shall

alight on thee lying lifeless, having been slain by me. This very day

shall the exceedingly wicked Rama behold thee, who art the friend of

Kshatriyas and devoted unto thy brother,--and who ever bearest thyself

ignobly,--slain by me; to-day see thee, O Sumitra's son, slain by me,

with thy armour fallen off thy person, thy bow broken, and thy head

severed". As Ravana's son was speaking thus harshly, Lakshmana

conversant with the import of words, replied in a reasonable speech,

saying,--"Leave off thy strength of tongue, O thou of perverse sense, O

Rakshasa, O thou of crooked ways! Wherefore dost thou speak thus? Bring

all this to pass in worthy deed. Why, O Rakshasa, without doing (what

thou sayest), dost thou simply say it? Do the deed,--so that I may have

regard for thy utterances. Mark! without speaking anything harsh,

without censuring thee in the least, without venting any brag, shall, I,

O cannibal, slay thee". Saying this, Lakshmana drawing his bow to its

full bent, hit at the Rakshasa's chest five _narachas_--wondrous

impetuous arrows. And those arrows resembling flaming serpents, with

their velocity accelerated by the feathers (with which they were

furnished), blazed on the Nairita's breast like the rays of the Sun. And

wounded with those shafts, Ravana's son, fired with wrath, pierced

Lakshmana with three arrows discharged (from his bow). And exceedingly

dreadful was the encounter that took place between those leonine man and

Rakshasa, each eager to conquer the other. And both powerful, and both

endowed with strength and possessed of prowess,--and both exceedingly

invincible; and both having unparalleled might and energy,--those heroes

faught like two planets in the welkin; or like Bala and Vrita,

irresistible in conflict; and those high-souled ones faught like two

lions. And showering countless shafts and displaying many maneuvers,

that foremost of men and that of Rakshasas, fought on cheerfully.

SECTION LXXXIX.

Then sighing like an enraged serpent, that chastiser of foes,

Dacaratha's son, setting shafts (on his bow-string) showered them on the

Rakshasa-chief. And hearing the twang of his bow-string the lord of

Rakshasas, with his countenance fallen, gazed at Lakshmana. And then

Bibhishana spoke unto Sumitra's son as he was fighting, "I find

(inauspicious) signs in Ravana's son. Do therefore hasten on,--broken he

is, without doubt". Then fixing arrows (on his bow) resembling venomous

snakes, he let go those keen shafts, like unto serpents furnished with

poison. And smit by Lakshmana with arrows having the touch of the levin,

(Indrajit) for a while was stupified and had his senses overwhelmed. And

eying that hero--son unto Dacaratha--present in the encounter,

(Indrajit) with his eyes crimsoned in choler, drew near Sumitra's son.

And coming up to him (Lakshmana), he again addressed (that hero) in a

harsh speech, saying,--"Dost thou not remember my prowess at that first

encounter, when thou along with thy brother was bound up,--that now thou

art discharging arms (at me)? Forsooth ye two in mighty encounter, with

shafts resembling the thunder-bolt and _vajra_, by me were first laid

down on the ground, deprived of your lives, along with your principal

adherents. Either this hath escaped thy memory or I fancy, thou plainly

wishest to go to the abode of Yama,--inasmuch as thou hast set thy heart

on beating me. If at the first encounter thou hast not witnessed my

prowess, to-day shall I show it unto thee. Do thou now stay, summoning

thy attention". Seeing this, he pierced Lakshmana with seven shafts, and

Hanuman with ten keen-edged excellent shafts. And then, fired with

double fury, that powerful one pierced Bibhishana with an hundred

arrows, powerfully discharged (from his weapons). Seeing this act of

Indrajit, that foremost of men, Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana, with

an undaunted countenance, fired with wrath without minding the

same,--and saying with a laugh,--'This is nothing',--taking dreadful

arrows, in the conflict, discharged them at the son of Ravana. "O

night-rangers, heroes, coming to the field never discharge (such shafts

as these). These arrows of thine are light and of slight strength, and

they conduce to my comfort. Heroic warriors, eager for encounter, do not

fight thus". Speaking thus, (Lakshmana) accoutred with his bow showered

vollies of shafts (on his adversary). And at his arrows (hitting),

(Indrajit's) mighty golden mail fell off his person, and dropped to the

platform of his car like a cluster of stars dropping from the welkin.

And with his armour dropping off, that hero--Indrajit--was wounded with

_narachas_, like the Sun at dawn. That hero--Ravana's son--endowed with

dreadful prowess, in that conflict, pierced Lakshmana with a thousand

shafts. And thereat Lakshmana's gorgeous and mighty mail was rent in

pieces. And each rushing forward was engaged in dealing blows and

harrying them. And sighing again and again, they fought furiously. And

with their persons cut all over, and laved in blood, for a long while

the heroes kept cleaving each other with sharpened shafts. And those

high-souled ones versed in warfare, and endowed with terrific prowess

exerted their utmost in securing victory. And covered with vollies of

shafts, with their armour and banners rent, they drew each other's warm

blood flowing like water from a fountain. And they discharged dreadful

showers attended with tremendous sounds, like the sounds of black clouds

at Dooms-day[358] pouring torrents in the sky. And a long time went by

as they faught. Nor did they turn away from the encounter, or know

fatigue. And those foremost of those acquainted with weapons repeatedly

displayed their weapons; and their long and short shafts enveloped the

welkin. And the skill that they displayed was perfect, and showed

lightness, variety and grace; and both man and the Rakshasa carried on

fearful and terrible conflict. And the dreadful and tremendous roars of

each were audible (at that place); and terrific like the levin, they

made the hearts of hearers tremble (in terror). And as they faught with

might and main, the sounds that they sent resembled the deep rumbling of

clouds in the sky. And pierced with _narachas_ knobbed with gold, those

powerful and illustrious (warriors) with their hearts set on celebrity,

bled profusely. And in that engagement gold-knobbed shafts hitting each

other's person, pierced the same and covered with gore, entered the

earth. And other shafts were resisted in the sky by sharpened weapons;

and some were snapped, and thousands of their arrows were cleft (in the

sky). And in that field, the vollies of their shafts were dreadful to

behold like unto a heap of Kuca aflame in a sacrifice. And the wounded

frames of those high-souled ones appeared beautiful like a leafless,

flowering Kincuka and Salmali in a wood. And each eager to vanquish the

other, Indrajit and Lakshmana momentarily discharged tremendous and

terrific showers (of arms). And Lakshmana smiting Ravana's son, and

Ravana's son smiting Lakshmana,--they did not experience any fatigue.

And with net-works of arrows deeply entering their persons, those

vehement and exceedingly powerful ones resembled mountains topped (with

trees). And all their limbs, drenched in blood and covered with arrows,

looked like a blazing fire. And a great while did they fight; yet they

neither turned away (from the fight), nor did they experience any

exhaustion. Then to remove (Lakshmana's) fatigue from fight, the

high-souled Bibhishana, working the weal of Lakshmana staying in front

of the field, came forward in the encounter and took up his post.

[358] _Kalamaghuyo (gen)_. The commentator says the word means (black)

clouds; but I prefer the sense given.--T.

SECTION LXL.

Seeing the man and the Rakshasa engaged in battle, with their whole

soul, each eager to beat the other,--like unto elephants with the

temporal juice trickling from their temples,--desirous of beholding

their encounter, Ravana's mighty and heroic brother, bearing an

excellent bow, stood in front of the arena. And taking up his post, he

stretched his great bow and shot terrific sharp-pointed shafts at the

Rakshasas. And even like thunder-bolt cleaving mighty mountains, those

shafts furnished with peacock's plumes falling powerfully (upon the

foe), rent the Rakshasas. And those foremost of Rakshasas, Bibhishana's

followers, also, in the encounter discharged darts and scimitars and

_patticas_ at heroic Rakshasas. And surrounded by those Rakshasas,

Bibhishana, then in the midst of his followers, appeared like an

elephant in the midst of young ones. Then inciting the monkeys, whose

dear object was to slay Ravana, that one versed in time, the foremost of

Rakshasas, spoke seasonably thus,--"This one that stayeth (in the field)

is the sole and mighty support of the Rakshasa-chief; and this is his

remaining force. Why then do the monkey-chiefs remain inactive? On this

wicked Rakshasa being slain on the edge of battle, the remnant of his

army, with the single exception of Ravana, is destroyed. That

hero--Prahasta--hath been slain, and Nikumbha possessed of wondrous

strength, and Kumbhakarna, and Kumbha, and the night-ranger Dhumraksha,

and Jamvumali, and Mahamali, and Tikshnavega and Hemaprabha, and

Suptaghna, and Jajnakopa, and the Rakshasa Vajradanstra, Sankradi, and

Vikata, and Arighna, and Tapana, and Manda, and Praghasa, and Prajangha,

and Jangha, and Agniketu, and Durdharsha, and the powerful Racmiketus

and Viddujjibha, and Dwijibha, and the Rakshasa--Suryyacatru, and

Akampana, and Suparcwa, and the Rakshasas--Chakramali, and Kampana and

Satwavanta, and Devantaka and Narantaka.--Having slain these many

powerful Rakshasas endowed with excess of might,--having crossed the sea

with your arms, do ye cross this foot print of a cow. This is the

remaining force which you monkeys must conquer; all those Rakshasas,

that had come forward, elated with the pride of strength, have all been

slain. It is not meet for me to slay the son of my brother, yet, casting

off compassion will I for Rama slay him.[359] Tears surcharge the eyes

of me who seeketh to slay him. Let therefore Lakshmana administer him

his quietus. Ye monkeys, do ye in a body (first) slaughter those that

are beside him (Indrajit.)" Thus exhorted by that illustrious Rakshasa,

the monkey-chiefs were exhilarated and began to flourish their tails.

And then those mighty monkeys roared again and again, and sent up

various shouts, even as peacocks cry on seeing clouds. And then Jambavan

surrounded by his own forces, assailed the Rakshasas with rocks and with

their nails and teeth. Thereat Rakshasas, endowed with exceeding

strength, equipped with various weapons reproaching the lord of bears,

as he was engaged in smiting (the foe),--and renouncing fear, with

shafts and sharp axes and _patticas_ and _yashtis_, and _tomaras_, in

the encounter assailed Jambavan, who was engaged in beating the Rakshasa

forces. And that conflict between the monkeys and the Rakshas, waxed

furious, like unto the tumultuous encounter of the immortals and the

Asuras fired with wrath. And the magnanimous Hanuman incapable of being

approached growing wroth,--uprooting a mountain, and putting down

Lakshmana from his back, began a great carnage among the Rakshasas by

thousands. And fighting a furious fight with his uncle, the powerful

Indrajit--slayer of hostile heroes--again rushed against Lakshmana. And

then there took place an encounter between those heroes in the

field,--Lakshmana and the Rakshasa--discharging vollies of shafts and

smiting each other; and those mighty and impetuous ones repeatedly

covered each other with networks of arrows; like unto the sun and the

moon covered by clouds at the expiration of Summer. And on account of

their light-handedness, neither discharge of arrows, nor the drawing of

the bow; nor the setting of the shaft on the bow-string; nor the taking

of the bow; nor the selection of shafts; nor the clenching fast of their

fists; nor the hitting of aims,--could be perceived as they fought on.

And in consequence of the sky being covered with networks of arrows all

around, discharged powerfully from their bows, the forms (of objects)

could not be discovered. And Lakshmana having at Ravana's son, and

Ravana's son having at Lakshmana, critical was the huggermugger that

ensued[360] in the encounter between each other. And they both kept

ceaselessly showering feathered and sharpened shafts, the firmament was

engulphed with a deep darkness. And in consequence of countless keen

arrows alighting in hundreds, all sides and all the cardinal quarters

were swarming with shafts. And all being over-spread with gloom, a

mighty fright took possession (of creatures) when the Sun having

ascended the setting-hill, and darkness environing all objects. And that

day[361] mighty torrents of blood flowed in thousands of streams; and

fierce beasts of prey set up terrific yells (all around). And at that

hour the wind did not blow, and fire did not blaze; and the Maharshis

said,--'Fair befell creatures.' And the Gandharvas along with the

Charanas grew exceedingly agitated. Then Sumitra's son pierced the four

black steeds of the leonine Rakshasa, caparisoned in gold. And then he

hit at (Indrajit's) charioteer with another yellow and sharpened javelin

splendid, furnished with feathers; and resembling the thunder-bolt of

the great Indra. And through his fleet handedness the graceful son of

Raghu with the thunder-bolt of his shaft, resonant with the sound of his

palm, separated the (charioteer's head) from his trunk. And on his

charioteer having been slain the exceedingly energetic son of Mandodari,

himself began to perform the function of a charioteer, and took up his

bow. And this in the encounter was wonderful to behold. And then as

(Indrajit) was eagerly engaged in managing the steeds, (Lakshmana)

pierced him with sharpened shafts; and when (Indrajit) was eagerly

wielding his bow, (Lakshmana) discharged shafts at his steeds. And on

his steeds having been torn with shafts, Sumitra's--foremost of

fleet-handed--in the encounter assailed (Indrajit) doubtlessly ranging

the field. Seeing his charioteer slain in the contest, Ravana's son

forewent his martial ardour, and was cast down. And seeing the Rakshasa

with his face fallen, the leaders of monkey-bands, were exceedingly

delighted and rendered homage unto Lakshmana. And then those

monkey-chiefs--Pramathi, Rabhasa, Sarabha and Gandamadana, not brooking

(their foe) summoned their impetuosity. And suddenly springing up, those

highly powerful monkeys endowed with terrific prowess descended upon

those four best of steeds. And on those chargers being assailed by those

monkeys resembling mountains, blood gushed out of their mouths. And then

the steeds were smashed and sent to the ground. And having slain the

steeds, and smitten the mighty car-warrior[362] again by a vehement

bound, came to the side of Lakshmana. And springing down from his car

whose steeds had been slain, Ravana's son, his charioteer having been

pounded, charged the son of Sumitra with arrows. And then Lakshmana

resembling the great Indra, on (Indrajit's) best of chargers having been

despatched, in the encounter began to terribly rive with arrows

discharged (his foe) footing on the earth and showering excellent

sharpened shafts.

[359] The text has 'brother's son.'

[360] i.e. in consequence of all sides being covered with arrows,

neither the Rakshas nor the monkeys could distinguish their

several parties in the encounter, and the blows that each dealt

were misdirected in consequence.--T.

[361] _Aiya to-day_ in the text.

[362] _Maharatham (ac)_ may also mean _mighty car_. By the way the

_samasa_ or junction called _Tatpurusha_ is a frequent source of

obscurity in Sanskrit, specially where the gender of the word

without _samasa_ is the same with that of the thing signified by

the _samasa_, as in this case.--T.

SECTION LXLI.

Having his steeds slain, the night-ranger--Indrajit, standing on the

ground, waxing fiercely angered, flamed up in energy. And armed with

bows, they, desirous of slaying each other with shafts resembled an

elephant and a bull in a forest, came out for securing victory in

encounter. And slaughtering owe another, the Rakshasas and the

wood-rangers, rushing this way and that, did not (for a moment) leave

their lords. Then Ravana's son, gladdening all the Rakshasas, and

himself feeling cheered, addressed them in words of praise,

saying,--"All sides are entirely enveloped in this gloom,--so that, O

foremost of Rakshasas, here we do not know who belongeth onto us and who

not.--Do ye fight fearlessly for stupifying the monkeys; and I too,

mounted on a car, shall come hither into the conflict. Do ye so act that

the high-souled rangers of the woods may not attack me as I enter the

city". Saying this, that slayer of foes--Ravana's son, deceiving the

wood-rangers, entered the city of Lanka for providing himself with a

(fresh) car. And embellishing a chariot, graceful and adorned with gold,

furnished with _pracas_ and swords and arrows, yoked with superb steeds,

and driven by a charioteer, knowing horses and possessed of instructions

(anent his art),--that victor in battle--the exceedingly energetic son

of Ravana--ascended it. And that hero, Mandodari's son, urged on by the

force of the Finisher, went out of the city, surrounded by the foremost

Rakshasas; and drawn by fast-speeding steeds, he presented himself

before Lakshmana along with Bibhishana. And seeing Ravana's son seated

on the car, the son of Sumitra and the exceedingly powerful monkeys and

the Rakshasa--Bibhishana---were highly amazed at the lighthandedness of

that intelligent one. And Ravana's son, waxing furious, in that contest

began to bring down monkeys by hundreds and by thousands. And that

victor in battle--Ravana's son--fired with wrath, summoning all his

celerity, slaughtered monkeys, drawing his bow into a circle. And

slaughtered by _narachas_ of terrific impetuosity, the monkeys saught

the shelter of Sumitra's son, like creatures seeking the refuge of their

Lord. Then the son of Raghu, flaming up in martial wrath, severed

his[363] bow, displaying his fleethandedness. Thereat, taking another

bow, (Indrajit) hurriedly fastened the string to it. And this bow also

did Lakshmana cut off by means of a brace of arrows. And when (Indrajit)

had his bow severed, Sumitra's son pierced the son of Ravana with five

shafts resembling the venom of a poisonous serpent. And the shafts

discharged from his[364] mighty bow, piercing his[365] person, dropped

to the earth like unto powerful red serpents. And having his bow cut

off, Ravana's son, vomitting blood by his mouth, took up a superior bow

powerful to a degree and having a stout string. And then aiming at

Lakshmana, he, summoning his utmost celerity, showered arrows, as

showereth Purandara in the season of rains. Thereat Lakshmana, subduer

of enemies, retaining his calmness, resisted that powerful arrowy shower

shot by Indrajit. And then that exceedingly energetic one, Raghu's son,

possessing himself in calmness, displayed (his prowess) unto the son of

Ravana; and this was wonderful (to behold). And then displaying his

lightness in the use of weapons, Lakshmana, growing furious, pierced the

Rakshasas with three arrows each in that mighty encounter; and the lord

of Rakshasas struck him with showers of shafts. And pierced sore by that

powerful enemy--slayer of foes--he incessantly sent innumerable arrows

after Lakshmana. And ere they reached their destination, that slayer of

hostile heroes severed them with whetted arrows; and in the encounter

that righteous one and foremost of car-warriors with a dart having bent

joints, cut off the head of his charioteer mounted on the car. And

deprived of their driver, there the steeds, retaining their calmness,

began to go in rounds,--and this was wonderful Then Sumitra's son of

steady prowess, fired with anger, in that contest, frightening all,

pierced his horses with arrows. And not brooking that act (of his

adversary), Ravana's son in the encounter pierced with ten shafts

Sumitra's son capable of making people's down stand on end. And his

shafts resembling thunderbolts, and like unto all varieties of venom,

touching (Lakshmana's) mail having a golden splendour, were reduced to

naught. Thereat considering Lakshmana as clad in an impenetrable armour,

Ravana's son--Indrajit--growing furiously enraged, displaying his

lighthandedness in arms, pierced Lakshmana in the temples with three

well-knobbed shafts. And with those arrows lodged in his temples,

Raghu's son, delighting in battle, appeared beautiful in the field like

a mountain furnished with three summits. Albeit thus smitten in the

contest by the Raksha with shafts, Lakshmana swiftly smote him in turn

with five arrows; and in the encounter Lakshmana drawing his bow,

pierced with shafts Indrajit's face graced with elegant ear-rings. And

those heroes--Lakshmana and Indrajit--equipped with exceedingly powerful

bows, and endowed with heroism and dreadful prowess, wounded each other

with sharp arrows. And both Lakshmana and Indrajit, with their persons

bathed in blood in that encounter, appeared like unto flowering

Kincukas. And approaching each other, those bowmen, each telling his

heart on victory, wounded each other all over the body with terrific

shafts. Then Ravana's son, carried away by martial rage, pierced

Bibhishana in his handsome face With three arrows. And piercing the lord

of Rakshasas, Bibhishana, he with three iron-headed arrows, pierced the

monkey-leaders each with a shaft. Thereat, enraged at him more furiously

than ever, the exceedingly energetic Bibhishana with his mace despatched

the steeds of the wicked-minded son of Ravana. Then jumping down from

his chariot with its horses slain, (Indrajit), endowed with great

energy, who had his charioteer pounded, discharged a dart at his uncle.

And seeing it descend, the enhancer of Sumitra's joy severed the same

with whetted arrows and brought it down in ten fragments to the ground.

And Bibhishana of a tough bow, growing enraged, discharged at

(Indrajit), who had his steeds slain, five speeding shafts having the

touch of the thunder-bolt.--And those arrows furnished with gold at the

feathered parts, riving his person, were bathed in blood, and resembled

mighty red serpents. Thereat wroth with his uncle, Indrajit took op an

excellent shaft--bestowed on him by Yama himself--endowed with terrific

force,--the flower of shafts among all the Rakshas. And seeing that

mighty shaft set by him (on the bow-string), the highly powerful

Lakshmana, possessed of dreadful prowess, (in his turn) took up another

arrow, bestowed by Kuvera himself of immeasurable soul in a

dream,--unconquerable, and incapable of being borne even by the

celestials and Asuras with Indra at their head. And on their best of

bows being powerfully drawn with their arms resembling bludgeons, they

set up cries like unto Kraunchas. And on those foremost of shafts set on

those excellent bows of those heroes, being drawn, flamed up in

exceeding splendour. And those flaming arrows, discharged from the bows,

illumining the welkin, with vehemence struck at each other's head. And a

concussion took place of those arrows of terrific aspects; and a furious

fire sprang up thereat, with embers shooting around. And dashing against

each other like unto mighty planets, they, reduced to an hundred shivers

in the encounter, saught the earth. Seeing their shafts baffled,

Indrajit and Lakshmana, staying on the edge of the battle, were seized

with shame and wrath. Thereat Sumitra's son, flying into a fury, took up

a Varuna weapon. And the conquerer of the great Indra intent on battle,

in the encounter discharged a terrific Raudra weapon; and the

exceedingly wonderful Varuna weapon was baffled by him. Then, waxing

wroth, that victor in battle--the wondrous energetic Indrajit--as if

annihilating the world, discharged a flaming Agneya weapon. And the

heroic Lakshmma resisted it with a Solar weapon. Seeing his weapon

resisted, Ravana's son, transported with passion, took up an Asura

arrow, capable of rending foes. And from that weapon issued daggers and

clubs and darts and _bhucundis_ and maces and swords and axes.[366] And

in the conflict, seeing that dire and dreadful weapon, irrisistible to

all creatures and capable of riving all arms, the effulgent Lakshmana

baffled it with a Mahecwara[367] weapon. And the encounter that took

place between them was wonderful and capable of making people's down

stand on end. And beings stationed in the sky surrounded Lakshmana on

all sides. And in that terrific encounter of the monkeys and the

Rakshasas resounding with dreadful roars, the welkin was covered with

innumerable beings seized with wonderment. And saints and _Pitris_ and

deities and Gandharbas and birds and serpents, placing Satakratu in

their front, protected Lakshmana in the conflict. And then that hero,

Raghava's younger brother, fixed (on his bow) another superior shaft,

having the feel of fire itself, and capable of riving the son of Ravana;

furnished with fair feathers; tapering; having elegant joints;

symmetrical; and plated with gold,--an arrow capable of finishing the

body; irrisistible; dreadful; terrific unto Rakshasas; resembling the

venom of poisonous serpents; and worshipped by the celestial hosts; by

which the exceedingly energetic and wonderful Lord riding the

horse[368]--Sakra--of old in the war between the celestials and the

Asuras had defeated the Danavas. And Sumitra's son, Lakshmana; graced

with auspiciousness, drawing on his best of bows that foremost of

shafts--the Aindra weapon--invincible in conflict, spoke these words,

tending to bring about his success,[369]--"If Dacaratha's son--Rama--is

righteous and truthful, and if in prowess he hath no rival, then slay

this son of Ravana". Saying this, the heroic Lakshmana in that conflict,

drawing the straight-speeding arrow up to his ear,[370] discharged it at

Indrajit. And shooting the Aindra weapon, that destroyer of hostile

heroes--Lakshmana--severing from its trunk the head of Indrajit with its

corslet, graced with burning ear-rings, brought it down to the ground.

And the mighty severed head of the Rakshasa's son, resembling one made

of gold, was seen covered with blood. And slain, Ravana's son dropped to

the earth, with his armour and corslet on, and his bow fallen (from his

grasp). And then all the monkeys with Bibhishana set up cheers, even as

the immortals cheered at the destruction of Vritra. And in the sky there

arose the victorious shouts of all beings and high souled saints, and

also of Gandharbas and Apsaras. And knowing (Indrajit) fallen (in

fight), the mighty army of Rakshasas; attacked by monkeys burning for

victory, fled in the ten cardinal directions. And assailed by the

monkeys, the Rakshasas, pursued (by their foes), with their senses lost,

rushed towards Lanka, leaving their arms behind. And overwhelmed with

fright, Rakshasas fled in an hundred directions, all renouncing their

arms--bearded darts, and swords, and axes. And harassed by the monkeys,

some hurriedly entered Lanka, and some plunged into the sea, and some

saught shelter in the mountains. And seeing Indrajit slain and lying

down on the field of battle, thousands of Rakshasas fled away. As when

the Sun sets, his rays remain no longer, on that Rakshasa having fallen,

the Rakshasas dispersed in the ten cardinal quarters, like unto the Sun

when his rays have been rendered mild, or fire which hath been

extinguished. And the mighty-armed (Indrajit) was utterly reft of life.

And on the son of the Rakshasa-chief falling, the world, having its foe

slain, with its huge affliction gone off, experienced the bright of joy.

And on that unrighteous Rakshasa having been slain, the reverend Sakra

together with the Maharshis was filled with delight. And sounds of

kettle-drums were heard in the sky proceeding from the celestials. And

blossoms were showered by dancing Apsaras and high-souled Gandharbas.

And this was wonderful (to behold.) And on that Rakshasa of fell deeds

having been slain, the dust was laid, the water became transparent, the

sky looked bright, and the deities and Danavas were filled with

rejoicings. And on that Dread of all creatures having been slain, the

gods, Gandharbas and Danavas, assembled together in joy, said,--"Now let

the Brahmanas who have their sins removed, with their anxiety gone off,

range about". And then the monkey-leaders, seeing that foremost of

Nairitas of unparalleled prowess slain in battle, began to gladly pay

homage (unto Lakshmana). And Bibhishana and Hanuman and Jambavan--leader

of bears--saluted and hymned Lakshmana on the score of his victory. And

shouting and bounding and roaring, the monkeys at this hour of high joy

stood surrounding Raghu's son.[371] And flourishing their tails and

striking the earth (with them), the monkeys shouted,--'Victory unto

Lakshmana!' And embracing each other, the monkeys with delighted spirits

began to converse in various ways touching Raghava's welfare. And

beholding that deed, difficult of being done, performed by their beloved

friend--Lakshmana--and hearing their foe--Indrajit--slain (in battle),

the celestials attained the summit of joy.

[363] Indrajit's.

[364] Lakshmana's.

[365] Indrajit's

[366] This arrow resembled somewhat the bomb-shells in modern European

warfare.--T.

[367] _i.e._ belonging to Mahecwara or Siva.

[368] The celestial steed, Uchchaicrava, sprung from the ocean on the

occasion of the churning of the deep.--T.

[369] Words addressed to the deity presiding over the weapon.

[370] i.e. drawing the bow to its utmost stretch.

[371] Descendant, that is.

SECTION LXLII.

Having in the conflict slain that conquerer of enemies, Lakshmana graced

with auspicious marks, with his body bathed in blood, experienced

delight. And then supporting himself on Bibhishana and Hanuman, the

exceedingly powerful Lakshmana endowed with prowess, taking Jambavan,

Hanuman and all the monkeys with him, speedily went to the place where

Sugriva and Raghava were. And then going round Rama and saluted him,

Sumitra's son stood before his brother, like Indra's brother staying

before Sakra. And approaching with a look which of itself was

significant,[372] the heroic Bibhishana described unto the high-souled

Raghava the dreadful destruction of Indrajit. And then the delighted

Bibhishana related unto Rama how the high-souled Lakshmana had cut off

the head of Ravana's son. And as soon as that exceedingly powerful one

heard of the destruction of Indrajit by Lakshmana, he experienced a huge

accession of joy, and thus delivered himself,--"Excellent, O Lakshmana!

Pleased am I (with thee). Thou hast performed a difficult feat. The son

of Ravana having been slain, know for certain that we have been

victorious". And then smelling the head of the bashful Lakshmana,

enhancer of fame, (Rama) endowed with prowess, from affection forcibly

hugged him into his lap. And making him seat on his lap, and

overpowering him with embraces,[373] (Rama) again and again tenderly

eyed his brother, Lakshmana. And moved with grief, that best of persons,

Rama, smelling the head of Lakshmana, wounded with darts and having his

person pierced (with arms), sighing and breathing hard--and nursing his

body with his hand, addressed Lakshmana, soothing him,--'To-day his son

having been slain, I deem Ravana himself as slain in fight. On that

wicked-minded enemy of mine having been destroyed, I am victorious (in

encounter). By luck, O hero, hast thou in conflict severed the right arm

of the fell Ravana. Verily he (Indrajit) was his stay. Both Bibhishana

and Hanuman have done mighty deeds in battle. In three days and nights,

(my enemy) hath been brought down. To-day have I been made foeless. Now

Ravana will for certain march forth,--backed by a mighty phalanx. Ravana

will for certain sally out, hearing his son brought down. That

unconquerable lord of Rakshasas, aggrieved for the destruction of his

son, marching out,--shall I slay, environed with a mighty force. O

Lakshmana, the conqueror of Sakra having in battle been slain by

thee--who art my lord--Sita and the (entire) earth are not incapable of

being obtained by me". Having thus soothed and embraced his brother,

Raghu's son--Rama--highly rejoiced, calling Sushena, said,--"Do thou so

act that this highly wise son of Sumitra, devoted to his friends, may be

healed and be eased. Do thou without delay heal Sumitra's son, attached

to his friends, of his wounds. And do thou also carefully relieve all

those heroes in the army of bears and monkeys fighting with trees,--as

well as others, who have been wounded and have got sores (in

consequence)". Thus addressed by Rama, the high-souled monkey-leader

administered a potent medicine to the nose of Lakshmana. And smelling

the same, he got healed; he was relieved of his pain and his outgoing

vitality was shut up. And at the mandate of Raghava he likewise treated

his friends headed by Bibhishana and all the principal monkeys. And

restored to his natural condition, Sumitra's son, healed, and with his

exhaustion removed, and his suffering gone off in a moment, experienced

exhilaration of spirits. And Rama and the monkey-king and Bibhishana and

the powerful lord of bears along with their hosts, seeing Sumitra's son

risen hale, rejoiced greatly in delight. And the high-souled son of

Dacaratha honored exceedingly that exceedingly hard feat of Lakshamana;

and the monkey-king, hearing that the conquerer of Sakra had fallen in

fight, was filled with joy.

[372] _i.e._ of the destruction of Indrajit.

[373] _Avapiritam--(ac) pained_. Ramanuya says this epithet refers to

Lakshmana's having been wounded in the encounter. I differ from

him.--T.

SECTION LXLIII.

When the counsellors of Pulastya's son, hearing of Indrajit having been

slain, speedily conveyed the tidings unto the Ten-necked one, who was

ignorant[374] of the same. "O mighty monarch, in our very sight thy

exceedingly effulgent son hath been slain by Lakshmana with the help of

Bibhishana. And that hero confronted by the (other) hero, hath been

vanquished in fight. And the hero, thy son, the conquerer of the

celestial chief, hath also been slain by Lakshmana. And having gratified

Lakshmana with his shafts, he hath repaired to the supreme regions".

Hearing of that mighty terror, _viz._, the rueful and dreadful

destruction of his son, Indrajit, in battle, he straightway swooned

away. Then regaining his consciousness after a long while, that foremost

of Rakshasas--the king--overwhelmed with grief for his son, and

distressed, burst into lamentations, with his senses

wildered,--thus,--"O foremost in the Rakshasa army! O my child endowed

with high might! Having conquered Indra himself, wherefore to-day hast

thou come under the sway of Lakshmana? Doubtless, thou enraged could

pierce with thy arrows the Destroyer of Time himself, and the summit of

Mandara,--what shall I say of Lakshmana in encounter? To-day king

Viwacwata hath raised himself immensely in my estimation, for to-day he,

O mighty-armed one, hath brought thee under the law of Time. But this is

the way of capable warriors as well as celestials. He that layeth down

his life for his lord, repaireth to heaven. To-day seeing Indrajit

slain, the deities and the guardians of the worlds, and the mighty

saints, their fear gone off, shall sleep peacefully. This triple world

and this entire earth with her woods, reft of one--Indrajit--appear to

me as vacant. To-day shall I hear the cries of the daughters of the

Nairitas in my inner apartment, like unto the roars of she-elephants in

a mountain-cavern. Renouncing thy state of an heir-apparent, and Lanka

and the Rakshas, O subduer of enemies, and thy mother, and me, and thy

wife--whither hast thou gone, (leaving) us all? O hero, I having gone to

the region of Yama, thou ought to have performed my last rites, but thou

standest in a relation the very reverse of this.[375] And Sugriva living

and Lakshmana and Raghava, without extracting my dart, whither hast thou

gone, leaving us all? And then vising from the disaster that had

befallen his son, a mighty wrath overcame the lord of Rakshasas--Ravana,

as he was thus indulging in lamentations. And even as in summer, the

(Solar) rays flame up the Sun, the destruction of his son flamed up all

the fiercer, him, who was naturally irascible. And as he kept yawning in

passion, a flaming fire with smoke darted from his mouth, even as it did

from the mouth of Vritra. And burning in grief for the destruction of

his son, and coming under masterdom of passion, that

hero--Ravana--reflecting (awhile) in his mind, resolved upon slaying

Vaidehi. And naturally red, and reddened (still more) by the fire of

wrath, Ravana's glowing eyes were dreadful (to behold). And his form,

terrific by nature, in consequence of the fire of his wrath having

possessed it entirely, resembled the form of the enraged Rudra. And from

the eyes of that infuriated one fell drops of tears as drop from a

flaming lamp drops of burning oil. And as he grinded his teeth, the

gnashing resembled the sounds sent by the machine[376] drawn by the

Danavas and churning the deep. The Rakshasas durst not approach that one

eying round and resembling the Destroyer himself, intent, on devouring

both mobile and immobile. Then exceedingly enraged, Ravana--lord of

Rakshasas--spoke in the midst of the Rakshasas, inciting them to

battle,--"I practised severe austerities for thousands of years; and

gratified the Self-sprung at times. Neither from Asuras nor from

celestials can any fear spring to me. My mail conferred on me by Brahma,

which in effulgence resembles the Sun himself, was not broken by blows

like unto thunder-bolt at the war between the deities and demons. To-day

who will come forward against me in battle accoutred in that and mounted

on a car in the conflict? Not even Purandara himself. Do ye, beating

hundreds of drums, to-day raise that mighty and dreadful bow of mine

which, with arrows, had been bestowed on one by the gratified

Self-sprung at the war of the gods and Asuras,--so that I may therewith

compass the destruction of Rama and Lakshmana in mighty battle". Burning

(in grief) for the destruction of his son, the fell Ravana, coming under

the influence of anger, reflecting (in his mind), resolved to slay Sita.

And eying round, that copper-eyed and dreadful one of a terrific aspect,

distressed, in a piteous voice addressed all the night-rangers,

saying,--"By his power of illusion, my beloved child, for deceiving the

wood-rangers, slaying something (else), had shown it unto them as Sita.

Now will I do that good office myself,--Vaidehi will I slay--even her

that is devoted to that friend of Kshatriyas". Having spoken thus unto

his counsellors, he swiftly took up a sword; and raising it, of

excellent temper and of cerulean hue, he rushed out vehemently,

surrounded by his wives and counsellors. From grief for his son. Ravana

with his consciousness wildered, taking up a sword, in rage, rushed

towards the place where Mithila's daughter was. Seeing the Rakshasa

rising on, some, emitted leonine roars, and seeing the Rakshasa enraged,

embracing each other, said,--"To-day those two brothers, seeing this

one, will be exceedingly pained. By this one, influenced with passion

were the four guardians of the worlds conquered; and many other foes

were brought down in battle. Procuring gems from the three worlds,

Ravana enjoyeth them. Neither in strength nor in prowess is there any

one on earth who is his compeer". As they were speaking thus, Ravana,

reft of his senses by wrath, rushed against Vaidehi, who had taken up

her abode in the Acoka wood. And dissuaded by his friends endowed with

good intelligence, he, wrought up with high wrath, darted (against

Sita), even as an enraged planet[377] rusheth against Rohini[378] in the

firmament. And the blameless daughter of Mithila protected by the

Rakshasis, saw the infuriated Ravana bearing that best of blades in his

hand. Seeing (Ravana) approach, sword in hand, despite the earnest

entreaties of his friends, Janaka's daughter, Sita, pained and overcome

by grief, said, weeping,--"From the way in which, wrought up with wrath,

this wicked-minded one is rushing on at me personally, it appears that

he will slay me, who have a lord, as one who hath not. He did urge me

much ever devoted to my lord, saying 'Be thou my wife but forsooth I

disregarded him. And plainly in consequence of my refusal, he hath given

way to despair. And overcome by anger and passion, he is ready to slay

me. Or it may be that to-day for me those foremost of men, the

brothers--Rama and Lakshmana--have been slain in encounter by this

inglorious one. I heard a furious and fearful uproar raised by countless

Rakshasas rejoicing, and expressing their delight.--Alas! O fie! For me

those princes have met with destruction. Or it may be that not without

slaying Rama and Lakshmana, this terrific Rakshasa, having his heart set

on sin, from grief for his son, will slay me. Fool that I am, I did not

then act agreeably to Hanuman's words. If I had gone away seated on his

back, without waiting for the victory (of my lord), I devoted to him,

placed on his lap, should not have come by this repentance. When

Kaucalya, having an only son, will hear of her son slain in battle, I

fancy, her heart shall burst. And, weeping, she will remember that

high-souled one's birth and boyhood, and youth and pious acts and

loveliness. And that one bereft of her consciousness, filled with

despair, after having performed his _sraddha_[379] will doubtless enter

into fire or water. Shame on the unchaste and hump-backed Manthara,

having her heart fixed in sin, for whose sake this grief shall exercise

Kaucalya!" Seeing the distressed daughter of Mithila lament thus, like

unto Rohini come under the sway of a planet in the absence of the Moon,

in the meanwhile his[380] pure and good courtier, named Suparcwa,

endowed with intelligence, albeit prevented by other courtiers, spoke

unto Ravana, foremost of Rakshasas,--"Wherefore, O Ten-necked one, O

thou who art the very younger brother of Vaicravana himself, Dost thou

desire to slay Vaidehi, forsaking righteousness? Why, O hero! O lord of

Rakshasas! having led the Brahmacharyya mode of life, studied the Vedas,

and returned from the house of thy spiritual guide, and ever engaged in

religious acts, to-day dost thou intend to slay a woman? Do thou, O

king, now stay expecting Mithila's daughter[381] endowed with

loveliness; and do thou along with us vent thy wrath on him.[382] To-day

being the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, do thou this very day

prepare for conflict; at _amavasya_,[383] environed with thy forces, do

thou march for victory. Heroic, and intelligent, a mighty car-warrior

and swordsman, thou, mounted on a car, slaying the redoubtable son of

Dacaratha, wilt obtain Mithila's daughter". Thus exhorted by his friend,

the unrighteous Ravana accepted his virtuous speech; and then that

powerful one went (back) to his house, and, surrounded by his friends,

entered the court.

[374] _Avajuaya_. Ramanuya says it means "ignorant of the same". Tirtha

says it means, 'Seeing.' Then the sense would be, 'the

counsellors, having first _seen_ Indrajit slain, informed Ravana

of it.'--T.

[375] I have to perform thy last rites, thou having fallen in fight

while I am alive.--T.

[376] Meaning the mountain Mandara.

[377] Kuja, _etc_

[378] Hesperus.

[379] Funereal rites performed in accordance with the injunctions of the

Hindu Scriptures.--T.

[380] Ravana's.

[381] Explains the commentator: "till thou slayest Rama in battle".--T.

[382] Rama.

[383] _i.e._ to-morrow.

SECTION LXLIV.

Entering his court, the king, distressed, and exceedingly aggrieved, sat

him down on the foremost seat sighing like an enraged lion. And stricken

with grief in consequence of his son's death, that highly powerful

Ravana, with folded hands, addressed all the heroic Rakshasas,

saying:--"Do ye all proceed to battle with elephants, horses and cars.

And encircling Rama only and discharging shafts at him, delightedly,

like unto clouds, in the rainy season, pouring water, do ye slay him. Or

I shall slay him to-morrow in the presence of all, wounded by you in the

mighty encounter with sharpened arrows". Hearing the speech of their

lord the Rakshasas, with a huge army and a host of cars, speedily issued

out for battle. And they all threw at the monkeys life-destroying

_Parighas_, _Patticas_, arrows, daggers and _Paraskwadhas_. And the

monkeys too threw crags and trees at the Rakshasas. Thus on the eve of

sun set there arose a terrible conflict between the Rakshasas and the

monkeys. And they struck each other in the conflict with clubs,

_chitras_, _Prasas_, daggers and _Paraskwadhas_. The conflict being thus

carried on, there arose a mighty dust which was again destroyed by the

current of blood gushing out of the persons of the Rakshasas and the

monkeys. Elephants and cars were like the banks of that river of blood,

the arrows were like the fishes, and the flags were the trees on their

banks and the corpses were like planks afloat there. Being thus wounded

and assailed by the Rakshasas, those heroic monkeys leaped and broke

down the flags, armours, cars, horses and other weapons. And with their

sharp teeth and nails they scratched the hair, ears, foreheads and the

noses of the Rakshasas. Like unto vultures falling upon a felled tree,

hundreds of monkeys fell upon one Rakshasa in that encounter. And the

Rakshasas resembling mountains, with huge clubs, _prasas_, daggers and

_parashwadhas_, struck the monkeys (in their turn). Being thus assailed

by the Rakshasas, the mighty host of monkeys took refuge of Rama, the

son of Dacaratha, the worthy refuge of all creatures. Thereupon the

highly effulgent and powerful Rama, taking up his bow, entered the

Rakshasa host and began to make a downpour of arrows. And Rama entering

the field, those terrible Rakshasas, being burnt with the fire of his

arrows, could not stand before him like unto clouds disappearing before

the Sun in the welkin. And the night-rangers only espied the dreadful

feats performed by Rama and which were above the power of others. Except

when guiding the huge army or driving the cars they could not see Rama

like unto the wind invisible in a forest. They all beheld the Rakshasa

force scattered, wounded, burnt down with arrows, broken and assailed

with weapons, by Rama, but none could see the quick-moving Rama. As

people cannot see the soul which governs all objects of sense so they

could not see Rama, who was thus inflicting wounds on them. "It is he

who is destroying the soldiers riding the elephants, it is he who is

breaking down the mighty cars, and it is he who with sharp arrows is

slaying the cavalry--rider and horse". Thus saying those Rakshasas, in

that conflict and in the very presence of Rama, highly enraged, began to

slay each other. They were all bewildered by the huge Gandharba weapon

discharged by the high-souled Rama and so they could not see Rama, who

was thus burning down their force. And the Rakshasas sometimes beheld

thousands of Rama in the battle field and again saw one Rama only. They

at times saw the quick-moving golden end of the bow of that high-souled

one, resembling a circular fire brand but they did not behold Raghava.

And he looked like _kala chakra_, having his middle body as its navel,

his own strength as its lustre, the arrow for its radius or spoke, the

bow for the circumference, the twang of the bow for its sound, his power

and intelligence for its brightness, and the aim of the celestial

weapons for its limit. And in the eighth division of the time by Rama

alone with arrows resembling the flame of fire were destroyed ten

thousands swift-coursing cars, eighteen thousand elephants fourteen

thousands horses and riders and two million Rakshasa infantry assuming

shapes at will. And those night-rangers, who were still left, having

their horses killed, cars and flags broken, fled in fear of life to the

city of Lanka. And the battle field, filled with slain horses elephants

and infantry, looked like the high-souled and enraged Rudra's arena of

sports. Thereupon the celestials with Gandharbas, Siddhas and the great

ascetics glorified the wonderful feat of Rama. And the virtuous-souled

Rama addressed Sugriva, Bibhishana the monkey Hanuman, the leading

monkey Jambavan, Mainda and Divida who were near him, saying--"This is

the power of my weapons and as well as that of Rudra". The high-souled

Rama, equalling Sakra in prowess, thus slaying the huge host of the lord

of Rakshasas and assailing them with shafts and weapons--the celestials,

delighted, sang his praises.

SECTION LXLV.

By Rama, of unwearied actions, with flaming arrows feathered in burning

gold, were destroyed thousands of elephants--many horses with their

riders, many a car crested with flaming banners; thousands of heroic

Rakshasas assuming shapes at will, engaged by Ravana, and armed with

clubs and _parighas_; and golden pennons. Beholding and hearing of this

the remaining night-rangers assembled and were greatly bewildered,

poorly and stricken with anxiety. The widows and those who had lost

their children or kinsmen approached those Rakshasas and overwhelmed

with grief, bewailed piteously,--"Alas! why did the aged and

grim-visaged Surpanakha, having her belly extending down-ward, behold in

the forest Rama graceful like Kandarpa. And beholding him of great

beauty and prowess, ever engaged in the welfare of all creatures, that

ugly one, worthy of being slain by people, was excited with lust. Why

did that ugly-faced she-demon, devoid of all qualities, address Rama,

having a beautiful countenance, gifted with many virtues and great

effulgence? Alas for the misfortune of the Rakshasas, the aged Rakshasee

brought before him such a vile proposal, hated of all and worthy of

creating laughter. For the destruction of Khara, Dushana and other

Rakshasas that ugly one approached Raghava with such a vile intention.

It was for her that Ravana created enmity (with Rama) and Sita was

carried away by the Ten-necked Rakshasa. But he could not spread his

influence upon Sita the daughter of king Janaka and deep rooted and

eternal became the enmity with the highly powerful Raghava. And

beholding the Rakshasa Biradha slain by Rama alone--(Ravana) wishing

Vaidehi should have regarded that as a sufficient proof of his prowess.

And fourteen thousand Rakshasas of terrible deeds were slain by him in

Janasthana with shafts resembling the flame of fire. Khara, Dushana as

well as Tricira were slain by him in conflict with arrows resembling the

Sun--this was a sufficient proof (of his power). Yoyanabahu and

Kavandha, drinking blood, were slain by him, roaring with wrath--this

too was a sufficient proof of his power. Rama slew the powerful Vali,

the son of the thousand eyed one, resembling the cloud--that too was the

sufficient proof of his prowess. By him Sugriva, poorly and living in

the mount Rishyamukha, having all his desires frustrated, was placed on

the throne--that too even was the sufficient proof of his power. He

(Ravana) from foolishness did not like the becoming speech of Bibhishana

conducive to the acquirement of piety and wealth and securing the

welfare of the Rakshasas. Had the younger brother of the lord of wealth

(Ravana) observed the words of Bibhishana, Lanka would not have been

overwhelmed with grief and reduced to the state of a cremation ground.

Hearing of the destruction of the highly powerful Kumbhakarna by Rama.

of the irrepressible Atikaya by Lakshmana as well as of his beloved son

Indrajit, Ravana did not come to his senses.[384] There is audible in

every house of the Rakshasas, the cry,--'My son, my brother, my husband

is slain in battle.' In conflict have been destroyed by the heroic Rama,

thousand cars, horses, serpents and infantry. Perhaps Rudra, Vishnu,

Mahendra or the performer of hundred sacrifices, or even Death, in the

shape of Rama, is slaying us. By Rama all the heroes have been

slain--despair has taken possession of our minds--we do not behold the

end of our terror and are bewailing being deprived of our lords. Does

not the Ten-necked hero, who has obtained boons (from Brahma) perceive

that a mighty disaster shall befall him from Rama? Neither the

celestials, Gandharbas, Picachas nor Rakshasas shall be able to save him

from Rama in conflict. In every battle many an accident befalls

Ravana--this bespeaks of his destruction at the hands of Rama. The great

Patriarch, being pleased, conferred upon Ravana the boon that no fear

would proceed unto him from the celestials, the Danavas or the

Rakshasas--but he did not beg of him, security from men. Forsooth, he is

that fearful man who shall slay Ravana and the Rakshasas. The

celestials, being thus oppressed by Ravana, who had obtained the boon,

worshipped the great Patriarch with severe austerities. And being

propitiated with them, the high-souled Patriarch, for their welfare,

addressed the celestials, with the following pregnant speech. "From

to-day shall the Rakshasas and Danavas roam for ever, afraid of the

celestials". Thereupon the celestials headed by Indra engaged in

propitiating Mahadeva, the slayer of Tripura, and who rides upon a bull.

And being pleased, Mahadeva addressed them, saying,--"For your welfare

there will be born a woman who shall be the cause of the destruction of

the Rakshasas". As hunger, being engaged by the celestials, did destroy

in olden time, all the Danavas, so shall she (Sita) the root of the

extinction of Rakshasa race destroy us all with Ravana. Alas! for the

foolishness of the vicious-minded and insolent Ravana destruction has

faced us and we are overwhelmed with grief. We do not see any such being

in the world who can afford us shelter. Raghava has attacked us like

unto the fire of dissolution. There is no refuge for us who have been

stricken with fear as no help reaches the elephants in a forest beset

with fire. The high-souled Bibhishana did the just thing in proper

time--he took shelter of him from whom he expected danger". Thus

bewailed piteously and loudly--the she-demons holding each other by the

neck and being stricken with fear and grief.

[384] One _sloka_ has been omitted here by some of the editors, which

when translated stands thus:--When one monkey only Hanuman killed

the prince Akshaya and reduced the whole city to ashes with the

fire of his tail. Ravana should have come to his senses.

SECTION LXLVI.

Whereupon Ravana heard in every house of Lanka the piteous cries of the

she-demons possessed by sorrow. And sighing hard he engaged in

meditation for some time. And terrible-looking as he was, Ravana was

greatly worked up with ire. Having his eyes reddened with anger, and

gnashing his teeth and biting the lips, that one, irrepressible by other

Rakshasas, looked like the fire of dissolution incarnate. Thereupon the

lord of Rakshasas in anger as if burning down everything with his look,

addressed the Rakshas who were near him--Mahodara, Mahaparsha,

Birupaksha--"Do ye speedily speak to the soldiers that they should sally

out for battle at my command. Hearing his speech--those Rakshas,

possessed by fear, asked by the command of the king, the Rakshasa

soldiers to be ready. And thereat all those grim-visaged Rakshasas

saying 'so be it' and performing benedictory ceremonies proceeded to the

battle-field. And those mighty car-warriors, worshipping Ravana, and

desiring the victory of their lord, stood before them with folded hands.

Thereupon Ravana, beside himself with anger, laughing, adddressed those

Rakshasas, Mahodara, Mahaparsha, and Birupaksha, saying--"To-day shall I

despatch both Rama and Lakshmana to the abode of Death with arrows

resembling the sun at the time of dissolution, discharged off my bow.

And slaying the enemies I shall repair the loss of Khara, Kumbhakarna,

Prahasta and Indrajit. The atmosphere, the quarters the sky and the deep

being enveloped with the cloud of arrows shall become invisible. I shall

slay to-day all the heroic monkeys with my winged arrows. Ascending my

car gifted with the velocity of the wind shall I churn to day the monkey

host with arrow-like waves coming from the ocean-like bow. I shall like

an elephant distress to-day the monkey-like pools having their

countenances for the blown lotuses, and the lustre of their bodies for

the filaments. To-day in the encounter, the leaders of the monkey hosts,

with their heads transfixed with arrows, shall cover the earth, like

unto lotuses with their stalks. I shall to-day with a single arrow,

cleave hundreds of heroic monkeys fighting with trees in their hands. I

shall wipe to-day the tears of those whose brother or son has been slain

by destroying their foe. In the encounter to-day I shall, with the

monkeys deprived of their breath and clept with my arrows, so cover the

earth that it may not be seen by any. I shall satisfy to-day with the

flesh of the enemies slain by my shafts, the crows, vultures and others

who live upon flesh. Get ready soon my car and bring my bow. And let the

remaining night-rangers follow me in battle". Hearing his words

Mahaparsha addressed the leaders of the army who were near him,

saying,--"Get your soldiers ready". And the commanders too quickly went

round all the houses in Lanka and asked the Rakshasas to be ready soon.

Thereupon began to issue out in a moment terrible-looking Rakshasas,

emitting roars, having dreadful faces and with various weapons in their

hands--daggers, _Patticas_, maces, clubs, furrows, sharpened _saktis_,

traps, various rods, sharpened _chakra_, _parashwadhas_, _vindipalas_,

_sataghnis_ and various other excellent weapons. Thereupon at the

command of Ravana the commanders brought one _Nijuta_ (a hundred

thousand) cars, three _Nijuta_ elephants, sixty million horses, asses

and camels and numberless infantry. They arranged the soldiers before

the king and in the interval the charioteer brought the car--filled with

excellent celestial weapons--richly adorned, containing many an armour,

girt with a network of tinkling ornaments, crested with various jewels,

having jewelled pillars and a thousand golden jars. Beholding the car

the Rakshasas were greatly astonished. And Ravana, the lord of

Rakshasas, rising up all on a sudden, ascended that car, brilliant like

the flaming fire and the aggregate rays of a million sun,

quick-coursing, having a charioteer, drawn by eight horses, huge and

shining in its native lustre. Thereupon proceeded Ravana, encircled by

many a Rakshasa as if rending the earth with the excess of his prowess.

There arose a huge sound of bugles accompanied with that of Mridangas,

drums, conchs, and _kalapas_. The lord of the Rakshas--wicked, the

slayer of the Brahmins--the thorn of the celestials, and who hath

brought away Sita by stealth, has come with his umbrellas and chowries

to fight with the foremost of Raghus--this cry was heard everywhere. And

with his tremendous roar the earth shook. And hearing all on a sudden

that sound, the monkeys fled away in fear. And the highly effulgent

Ravana, having huge arms and surrounded by his ministers, came there

being certain of gaining victory. Being commanded by Ravana, Mahaparsha,

Mahodara and the irrepresible Birupaksha ascended the car. They,

desirous of winning victory, issued out emitting dreadful roars in

delight and as if rending the earth therewith. Thereupon the highly

effulgent (Ravana) resembling Death, with uplifted bow, sallied out for

battle along with the army of Rakshas. And that mighty car-warrior, went

out in his chariot drawn by quick-coursing steeds by that gate which led

to where Rama and Lakshmana were. Thereat the sun lost its

brilliance--the quarters were enshrouded with darkness; the birds sent

forth dreadful cries and the earth shook. The celestials poured down

bloody rains--the course of the horses was slackened--the vultures sat

on the banners and jackals emitted inauspicious cries, his left eye and

the left arm began to shake--his countenance became pale and his voice

grew harsher. The Ten-necked Rakshasa thus going out for battle there

appeared many bad omens indicating his destruction. From the sky fell a

fire-brand accompanied with the sound of thunder; vultures and crows

emitted inauspicious cries. Disregarding these dreadful omens which

appeared then, Ravana, incited by death, foolishly went out to slay his

(enemies). And by the wheel-sound of the chariots of the great Rakshasas

the host of monkeys calling each other, excited with anger and willing

to gain victory, addressed themselves for fight. Thereupon the

Ten-necked one, enraged, with his arrows feathered in gold, made a

dreadful slaughter of the army of monkeys. And some of those heroic

monkeys were beheaded by Ravana--some had their hearts rent and others

were shorn of their ears. Some had their breath choked, some were killed

and others had their sides broken. Some had their hands cut off and

others had their eyes put out. And wherever in the encounter, the

Ten-headed Rakshasa, whirling his eyes in ire, went in his car--the

monkey leaders could not stand the vehemence of his arrows.

SECTION LXLVII.

There the earth was covered with monkeys whose bodies were rent with the

arrows of the Ten-necked (Ravana). As the flies cannot stand before the

flaming fire so they could not bear the vehemence of Ravana's shafts.

Being thus assailed with pointed arrows they fled away crying, like unto

elephants being burnt by fire. And Ravana with his arrows pursued in

conflict the course of clouds. Thus slaughtering the monkeys the lords

of Rakshasas speedily reached in the encounter where Raghava was. And

beholding the monkeys assailed and afraid Sugriva placing Sushena in

charge of a _gulma_[385] addressed himself for the battle. And placing

that heroic monkey, his equal in prowess, in that command Sugriva

sallied out with a tree in his hand to meet the enemy. And followed him

on all sides the leaders of the monkeys with huge crags and various

trees. The heroic Sugriva emitted terrible roars in the conflict and

assailed the heroic Rakshasas and many others. The huge-bodied

monkey-chief crushed the Rakshasas like unto the wind uprooting the

trees at the time of dissolution. He began to make a downpour of crags

at the Rakshasa host like unto the cloud pouring down hailstorms at the

birds in the forest. And being beheaded by the crags discharged by that

monkey chief the Rakshasas fell down like unto mountains cleft. The

Rakshasas being thus attacked and shattered by Sugriva and roaring and

falling down on all sides, an irrepressible Rakshasa, skilled in

archery, by name Birupaksha, pronouncing his own name, got down from the

car and mounted an elephant. And mounted on the elephant that highly

powerful Birupaksha sent forth leonine roars and dashed against the

monkeys. Exciting the joy of the Rakshasas and removing their anxiety he

discharged dreadful shafts at Sugriva and his army. And being assailed

by the pointed arrows of that Rakshasa that lord of monkeys roared in

anger and made up his mind to destroy him. Thereupon uprooting a tree

the heroic monkey, skilled in warfare, leaped and struck that huge

elephant down in his presence. And being assailed greatly by Sugriva

that huge elephant proceeded a little within the range of the bow and

roared and died. And being; greatly enraged on the destruction of that

elephant the highly powerful Rakshasa dashed forward to face the enemy.

That one of quick movements took up his dagger and armour and viling,

approached Sugriva. And beholding his movement Sugriva took up a huge

crag resembling a cloud and hurled it against Birupaksha. That highly

powerful leading Rakshasa, finding the crag about to fall, turned a

little away and struck the monkey with his dagger. And being assailed

with dagger by that powerful Rakshasa the monkey remained senseless for

sometime on the ground. And rising up all on a sudden he, clenching his

fist, struck that Rakshasa in the mighty encounter on his breast and got

him down. Being struck with the fist the night-ranger Birupaksha greatly

enraged cut down with his dagger Sugriva's armour and tumbled him down

with his feet. And the monkey rising up again was about to deal him a

blow, hard as a thunder-bolt, with a dreadful sound. And receding a

little, he baffled its aim and returned one on Sugriva's breast. Finding

his aim baffled and himself struck in return by the Rakshasa, Sugriva,

the lord of monkeys, was excited with anger. And the monkey-chief was

now on the look-out for an opportunity to strike Birupaksha. And

immediately in anger he struck him down with a blow on his forehead. And

being thus assailed with the fist resembling the thunder-bolt of

Mahendra, he fell down on the earth bathed in a pool of blood. And blood

gushed out of the person of Birupaksha like unto water issuing out of a

fountain. And the monkeys beheld their enemy (Birupaksha) with his eyes

disfigured in anger, bathed in a foam of blood, his whole body

discoloured, trembling, rolling and crying piteously. Thereupon those

two armies of the monkeys and Rakshasas, being ready to engage in the

encounter, began to roar like unto two mighty oceans having their banks

broken. And observing that highly powerful Rakshasa, of discoloured

eyes, slain by the king of monkeys, the monkeys and Rakshasa forces

engaged in fight and looked like the rising Ganges.

[385] The division of an army; a body of troops consisting of nine

platoons or nine elephants, nine chariots, twenty seven horses and

forty-five foot.

SECTION LXLVIII.