Part 36

And as if ministering unto him (Hanuman), arose the many thousand-rayed Moon in the midst of the stars, enfolding all creatures with his luminous canopy. And that highly heroic monkey beheld the Moon hued like the sheen of conch, or milk, or lotus-stalk, arisen and afloat (in the heavens),-- like a swan swimming in a pool. And that intelligent one from the earth beheld the Moon arrive at the mid-heavens; momentarily beaming out in lunar light; appearing (splendid) as if in conjunction with the Sun himself,--and like a bull loitering in his stall. And he saw the mild-rayed (Moon), chasing away the remorse of all; swelling the sea; and displaying all creatures,--attain the middle of the sky. And that Lakshmi who on earth remains on Mandara, at eve in the sea, and on the lotus on water, looked exceedingly lovely, stationed beside the charming Moon. Like a swan in a silver cage, like a lion in a cave in Mandara, like a hero on a haughty elephant, appeared the Moon in the middle of the sky. And with (the mark of) the horn the Moon resembled a sharp-horned bull, or a mighty white hued hill with towering summits, or an elephant with his horns plated with gold. And, with his dirt composed of particles of cool water removed; and the darkness dispelled in consequence of the vicinity of the mighty planet;[244] and with his spots appearing clear because of his shining appearance, appeared the hare-marked[245] worshipful Moon in full splendour. And like a lion on coming out of his cavern, or a lordly elephant on entering into the thick of a mighty encounter, or a monarch on obtaining a kingdom,--appeared the Moon in full splendour. And now appeared the revered Mid-night, chasing away darkness with the Moon displayed,--when flesh-eating (Rakshasas) lend full liberty to their vicious appetite for flesh; and when disputes between lovers cease,[246]--and which bringeth down heaven itself.[247] The sounds of strings sweet unto the ear spread around; females sleep beside their husbands; and night-rangers, given to astounding and terrible acts, are, in the same way, out, indulging in their sports. And the intelligent monkey saw mansions crowded with (Rakshasas), some inebriate with wine and others with wealth; and abounding in cars and horses and golden seats; and fraught with the grace got of heroism. And (Rakshasas) were parleying,--moving about their plump arms,--railing at each other; and throwing intemperate speeches at each other. And (Hanuman saw) Rakshasas striking at their chests (by way of challenge), sinking on the persons of their beloved, wearing diverse habiliments, or stretching their tough bows. And (he) saw debonair damsels daubing their frames with pastes; and others, again, sleeping,--and fair-faced wenches smiling,--and others sighing hard under the influence of anger. And with gigantic elephants roaring, (the place), honored by pious persons,--with its heroes heaving sighs[248]--looked exceedingly beautiful like a lake in which serpents are sighing forth. And in that apartment (Hanuman) saw persons of commanding understandings,[249] endowed with a soft tongue,--instinct with the spirit of reverence--the foremost men of all this world,-- and bearing euphonious appelations,and clad in diverse attires. And beholding those well-formed people, whose conduct was of apiece with their many virtues, (Hanuman) rejoiced exceedingly. And he saw some having beautiful forms; and others deformed,--and both possessed of splendour. And (Hanuman) saw there their wives worthy of noble ornaments and endowed with eminent beauty; of spotless character; possessing great potency; like unto stars in point of excellency of conduct,--displaying side-glances and other tokens of dalliance, --engaged in dear drinking. And at dead of night Hanuman saw some females blazing in beauty, affected simultaneously with bashfulness and bliss, on being embraced by their paramours, like birds embracing their mates. And the sensible Hanuman saw there other females seated in stately halls,-- lying in happiness on the laps of their lovers,--beloved of their lords--intent on virtue,--married women,--under the influence of Madana. And Hanuman saw some without sheets, like unto golden streaks,--paragons among women-- of the hue of molten gold,--and some of a moon-like complexion, endeued with loveliness,--bereft of their beloved. And that exceedingly heroic monkey saw females in their homes experiencing the height of joy in the company of their beloved dear unto their souls; charming with blossoms; filled with gladness; and enchaining the hearts of their lords with their loveliness. And Hanuman saw crowds of faces like unto the Moon displayed,--with elegant eyes furnished with lovely lashes, and side-long looks; and multitudes of ornaments resembling beautiful lines of lightning. But Hanuman saw not Sita, of the highest lineage,--ever abiding by the way of righteousness; born in a royal line,--like unto a delightful and well-begot plant,-- of a slender frame,--sprung from the mind (of Brahma himself); established on the eternal road (of chastity); having her gaze fixed on Rama; always engrossed in the contemplation of Rama,--the mind itself of her lord,--who had entered through and through into the heart of her graceful lord,--ever superior to all other women; oppressed with the grief of separation; and having her throat afflicted with the vapour of grief; who formerly had her throat graced with that best of ornaments--the _nishka_; of excellent eyelashes; having a mellifluous voice; like unto a peahen ranging in the woods; (now) like unto an indistinct lunar lining, or a streak of gold covered with dust, or the color of a sore-scar, or a gold-leaf broken off by the wind. And not finding, (after so long a search) the Sita of the lord of men,-- the spouse of Rama; best of those skilled in speech the monkey, deeming himself as having suddenly lost his skill in search, was overwhelmed with sadness.

[244] The sun. It is a planet in Hindu cosmogony.--T.

[245] The spots are fabled as the marks of hares on the lap of the Moon.--T.

[246] _i. e._ in consequence of sleep.--T.

[247] A beautiful characterization of sleep, reminding one powerfully of "Macbeth hath murdered sleep," &c.--T.

[248] In expectation of an access of warriors.--T.

[249] According to the commentator, _Vuddkipradhanan_ means _persons possessing many virtues_. I differ from him.--T.

SECTION VI.

Wending about at will on the roofs of seven-storied edifices, that monkey capable of assuming any form that he chose, began to range Lanka with speed. And (at length) that auspicious one arrived at the mansion of the Rakshasa chief, surrounded by a shining wall hued like the Sun; protected by terrible Rakshasas, like a mighty forest by lions. And as that foremost of monkeys saw the mansion, with fretted arches plated with silver and embellished with gold,-- beautifully abounding in splendid courts and gateways; containing elephant-drivers, and heroes knowing no fatigue; ever coursed by irrisistible steeds drawing cars, and curious vehicles, Covered over with skins of lions and tigers, resounding with bells hung thereon, and embosoming effigies of ivory, gold and silver,--the locality of mighty cars, and the home of mighty car-warriors; filled all around with many thousands of divers beauteous and dainty birds and beasts; well protected by meek Raksha warders at the outskirts; thronged about with magnificent dames of the first order; containing gems of joyous damsels--the abode of the foremost Rakshasas--sounding like the sea with the sounds of superb ornaments; affluent with regal insignia and excellent sandals; crowded with mighty ones, like a vast forest with lions; reasonant with trumpets and drums; and ringing with the blares of conchs; where the ever adored offspring of the Parvas was always worshipped by the Rakshasas; solemn like the sea; and resounding like the ocean itself,--the mighty mansion of the high-souled(Ravana); clad in costly jewels; scattered with precious gems--as that mighty monkey beheld (Ravana's residence), he set about searching for Sita.[250] And that mighty monkey concluded. "This is the ornament of Lanka bodied forth beautifully to the view, covered with elephants, steeds and chariots." And there in the vicinity of Ravana's mansion,[251] Hanuman began to range the dwellings of the Rakshasas from one to another, as well as all the gardens (located there). And without experiencing any agitation, he observing (everything), ranged the palaces. Then that one endowed with wondrous motion, with a bound entered Prahasta's palace; and then with another, that (monkey) possessed of energy entered the abode of Mahaparcwa. Then that mighty monkey entered into the abode of Kumbhakarna, resembling a mass of clouds; and thereafter that of Vibhishana; and then that of Mahodara, and then that of Virupaksha; and then the abode of Vidyujjibha, and then that of Vidyunmala;--and then that mighty monkey with a bound entered into the abode of Vahudanshtra. And then that leader of monkey-bands gifted with great speed leapt into the abode of Suka, and next into that of the intelligent Sarana, and next into that of Indrajit. And that foremost of monkeys went to the mansion of Jambumala, and of Sumala,--and (then) to the abode of Rashmiketu, and Suryyasachu. And (next) that powerful monkey leapt into the mansion of Vajrakaya; and (next) the Wind-god's offspring entered the house of Dhumraksha, and (next) that of Sampati, and the grim Vidyudrupa, and Phana, and Vighana, and Sukanabha, and Chakra, and Satha, and Kapatha, and Hraswakarna, and Danshtra, and the Rakshasa Lomasa, and Yudhyonmatta, and Matta, and the horseman, Dhwajagriva, and of Vidyujjibha and Vijibha, and of Hastimukha, and of Karala, and Vicala, and of Sonitaksha. The illustrious offspring of the Wind, Hanuman, one after another, leapt into all these noble edifices. And that redoubtable monkey observed the affluence of all these (Rakshasas) possessed of prosperity. And having bounded over the mansions of all situated around, that one blessed with auspiciousness, at length came to the very mansion of the monarch of the Rakshasas. And that tiger-like monkey--the best of his species--ranging around, saw Rakshasis of frightful eyes, alternately mounting sentry over the couch of Ravana-- bearing darts and maces in their hands, and equipped with javelins and clubs. And (there) in the residence of that lord of the Rakshasas, he beheld various bands of Rakshasis, as well as Rakshasas of gigantic frames, upraising various kinds of weapons; and steeds of exceeding fleetness, red, and white, and black; and first-rate elephants, possessed of eminent grace, capable of crushing hostile elephants, and well trained in arts relative to their species--like Airavata himself in conflict. And there in that mansion he saw (all these elephants), destroyers of hostile hosts--like unto pouring clouds, or hills, sending up fountains, rumbling like unto clouds, and invincible in battle by foes. And that monkey, son unto the Wind-god, saw in the mansion of the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, hosts by thousands; and cars of various forms of glittering gold, furnished all over with golden net-works, resembling the risen sun; and graceful grots; and picture galleries; and sporting saloons, mountains composed of wood,[252] captivating structures dedicated to dalliance, and dwellings for day-dalliance,[253]--saw he in the mansion of the Rakshasa monarch. And he beheld that charming mansion resembling Mandara, filled with places for peacocks[254]; thronged with pennons and flagstaffs,--a very mine of countless gems,--a field of treasures spread around,--where persons of intrepid calmness were engaged in acts tending to the safety of the treasures,--resembling the mansion herself of Kuvera. And on account of the lustre shed by the gems, as well as the energy of Ravana himself, that mansion appeared splendid like the ray-furnished Sun in all his glory. And the chief of monkey-bands saw bed-steads and seats of gold and white vessels. And Hanuman entered the mighty mansion, containing clay formed by _Madha_[255] and _Asava_;[256] filled with gemmed cans; charming; free from impediments; resembling the mansion herself of Kama,--like the abode of Kuvera,--resonant with the sounds of bangles and the tinklings of zones, as well as with the beat of _mridanga_-hides and other eloquent musical instruments; with palaces close on each other; thronged with hundreds of females (like unto) jewels; and containing capacious enclosures.

[250] The syntactical co-herence is, as is natural in so colossal a sentence, grievously loose here. I have, however, tried my best to supply the _lacuna_ in the passage.--T

[251] Ramanuja says that _Hanuman began to range the dwellings about the wall environing Ravana's mansion.--T._

[252] Designed for sport.--T.

[253] The conception of day-dalliance met with in _Vidya Sundara_ of Bharata Chandra Roy, the Bengali poet, is found to have first originated with Valmiki.--T.

[254] Sportive peacocks.

[255] Spirituous liquor distilled from the blossoms of the _Bassia latifolia._ According to some, a spirit distilled from grapes.--T.

[256] Spirit distilled from sugar or molasses.--T.

SECTION VII.

And that one endowed with strength saw that row of structures fitted up with golden windows, studded with lapis lazulis, and containing birds; like unto a mass of clouds in a season of great rains, crowned with lightning, and fraught with fowls. And he saw various structures close to one another, to which excellent conchs, arms and bows lent lustre; as well as huge and splendid towers belonging to edifices resembling mountains. And the monkey beheld mansions, treasuring various kinds of wealth, which were held in regard by both gods and Asuras,--devoid of every defect; and which had been won (by Ravana) through his own might.[257] And (Hanuman) saw the mansions of the lord of Lanka, located in strict conformity with aesthetic laws,--appearing as if they had been constructed by Maya himself,--which had on the earth beneath every excellence. And then he saw the mansion of the lord of Rakshas himself, surpassing the best structures; like unto a mass of towering clouds; captivating; boasting of a beauteous golden appearance; worthy of his own power,--and of incomparable loveliness; appearing as if the celestial regions had dropped down on the earth; blazing in beauty; teeming with countless gems; like unto the brow of a mountain strewn with the blossoms and the dust thereof of various trees; and illumined by the foremost females,--appearing like a mass of clouds containing lightning, or the witching welkin furnished with grace, afloat with excellent swans. And (Hanuman) saw the car variegated with countless gems; like unto the top of a mountain variegated with innumerable metals; or like the firmament garnished with the moon and the planets,--or like clouds of diverse hues fused into a homogeneous whole. The place in the car designed as the seat of the many, was filled with rows of hills;[258] its hills were filled with trees; its trees were filled with flowers; and (finally) its flowers were filled with leaves and filaments. And (in it), where white mansions were reared, there were tanks filled with fair flowers; and lotuses furnished with filaments; and picturesque woods; and liquid lapses. And the mighty monkey beheld there the great chariot going after the name of _Pushpa_, appearing beautiful, wheeling round in the splendour of the gems--which had surpassed even the cars pertaining to the abodes of the celestials. And (in that car) were birds made of lapis iazulis; and (other) birds composed of silver and coral; and variegated serpents made of various precious metals; and fair-bodied steeds resembling those of superior breeds; and there were constructed birds having graceful mouths; and fair, tapering, playful and contracted plumage, bearing blossoms made of coral and gold,--like unto the very plumage of Kama himself. And there were elephants possessed of graceful trunks, bearing fillaments; and with their trunks bearing lotus leaves,--engaged (in showering water on Lakshmi); as well as the goddess, made with fair arms, seated on a pool with a lotus in her hand. Thus entering that graceful mansion, like unto a mountain containing charming caverns, (Hanuman) was seized with wonderment. And once again (entering that charming mansion), like unto a taking and fragrant tree during spring furnished with holes, Hanuman was seized with wonderment. Then ranging by bounds that honored city ruled by the arms of the Ten-faced one, he, not finding the highly regarded and extremely distressed daughter of Janaka, who had won over her grief by contemplating the virtues of her lord,--(was affected witb sorrow). And, not seeing Janaka's daughter, then the heart of that high-souled one, honored for his character by the world, of schooled self, ever ranging by the way chiming in with morality, and having the scriptures for his eye-sight--as he ranged about,--was oppressed with grief.

[257] _Swavalenarjitam_.--Another meaning is: _(mansions) into which Hanuman found entry through his own might.--T._

[258] Composed of gold and gems.--T.

SECTION VIII.

Staying in that mansion, that intelligent monkey, the offspring of the Wind-god, beheld that splendid aerial car, beauteous with excellent jewels, and furnished with windows of burnished gold. And the car, embellished with transcendentally beautiful figures,--belauded by Vicwakarma himself constituting the acme (of his art),--which, mounting the welkin, looked like a mark of the Sun's orbit,--appeared . resplendent. And there was nothing in that car which was not made skilfully;--nothing that did not look like a precious jewel (sprung spontaneously on its person),--and the style displayed in its various parts surpassed anything that could be found in the cars of the celestials themselves,--and everything in that car was executed in the highest style of excellence--(that car) obtained (by Ravana) in virtue of prowess sprung from asceticism and contemplation (of the Deity); capable of repairing wherever (the owner) wished to wend; displaying various kinds of constructive skill; composed of materials procured from diverse sources,--such as were worthy of a celestial car; fleet-coursing in consonance with the wish of its master; incapable of being approached;[259] equal to the wind in celerity; the source of happiness unto ious, high-souled, and pious ones--possessors of (word missing) fineless'[260] and high rapture; coursing through the firmament in a variety of ways,--the congeries of all wonderful things,--adorned with ranges of chambers; captivating to the mind; stainless as the autumnal Moon; furnished with splendid summits, like the crest of a mountain; which was borne by rangers of the night, given to mighty meals, ranging the sky, with faces graced with ear-rings; and by thousands of ghosts possessed of terrible speed, having expansive, winkless and rolling eyes. That heroic first of monkeys saw that excellent car, beauteous with vernal blossoms,--fairer than the month of spring and furnished with flowers.

[259] By the impious. Another reading is _duravaram_--incapable of being approached by the enemy.--T.

[260] _Vide Othello_.--T.

SECTION IX.