Part 8

Seeing fourteen thousands of Rakshasas of dread deeds, together with Dushana, and Khara, and Tricira, slain in battle by Rama single-handed, that one resembling clouds, Surpanaka, again fell to send up mighty sounds. And witnessing Rama's deeds, incapable of being performed by others, she, extremely agitated, went to Lanka, ruled by Ravana. And she saw the effulgent Ravana in front of his palace, surrounded by his counsellors, like Vasava surrounded by the Maruts; seated on a supreme golden seat resembling the sun, and like unto a flaming fire on a golden dais kept alive by sacrificial offerings; unconquerable by high-souled saints, celestials, Gandharbas and all creatures; terrible like the Destroyer with his mouth wide open; his persons containing scars[49] of wounds inflicted by the thunderbolt and the lightnings, in the war between the gods and Asuras; his breast bearing marks of attacks made by Airavata with the ends of his tusks;--having twenty hands and ten heads,--wearing elegant attire; broad breasted; heroic; marked with royal signs; (in hue) resembling cool lapises; embellished in ornaments of burnished gold; having goodly hands, white teeth, and a huge face resembling a hill;--even him who in the war of the gods had been assailed an hundred ways with the descent of Vishnu's discus; whose body had been cut with all the weapons of the celestials; (him) who furiously disturbs the deep incapable of being disturbed; uproots mountain summits, and tramples over gods,--the destroyer of righteousness, and the violater of other's wives;--the employer of all celestial arms, and the disturber of sacrifices;--who going to the city of Bhagab and vanquishing Vasaki, had carried off Takshaka's beloved wife; who, going to Kailaca, and defeating him having for his vehicle a human being, had carried off the car Pushpaka coursing at every where at will; who endeued with prowess had devastated the divine Chaitraratha grove, the tank (situated there) and the Nandana wood,--as well as the gardens of the gods; and, who, himself resembling a mountain summit, had by means of his upraised arms, obstructed the rising of these repressor of foes the exalted Sun and Moon; who, possessed of calmness, having formerly for ten thousand years carried on asceticism in the mighty forest, offered his own heads unto the self create one; who in conflict fears, not death from either gods or Danavas or Gandharbas, or Picachas or birds or serpents, from none save human beings; who, possessed of prodigious strength, forcibly takes away the clarified butter sanctified with mantras from the sacrificial ground; the destroyer of sacrifices about to be completed; of villanous nature; the slaughterer of Brahmanas; of cruel deeds; harsh and kindless, and ever bent on doing evil unto all creatures; and railing furiously at all creatures; the inspirer of fear in all beings. And the Rakshasi beheld her exceedingly powerful and cruel brother, wearing gorgeous apparel and ornaments, and decked in a glorious garland,--seated, like the Destroyer at the time (of dissolution) ready (to destroy); the exalted chief of Rakshasas; the delight of the race of Paulastya. Stupified with fear, the Rakshasi, approaching that destroyer of foes; Ravana, surrounded by his counsellors, said these words. And transported with fear and desire, Surpanakha, given to fearlessly ranging every where, who had been deformed by that high-souled one, showing (her mutilation), addressed these harsh words unto Ravana of flaming and expansive eyes.

[49] This reminds one of Milton: of Belzebub, he says,-- "-------------- His person, Deep scars of thunder had intrenched--_Par. Lost_,--Book 1

SECTION XXXIII.

Then the woe begone Surpanakha, in high wrath spoke harshly in the midst of the courtiers, unto Ravana, given to railing loudly against all creatures, "Intoxicated with enjoyments, acting as thou wilt, and without any control whatever, thou dost not see that a dreadful disaster is impending. The subjects do not esteem a monarch that is given to sensual enjoyments, is intent upon satisfying his lust and is covetous like the fire in a cemetery. The king that doth not act at the proper time, finds destruction along with his kingdom and acts. Even as elephants shun the muddy river, do people shun from a distance, the ruler that doth not send out spies, who showeth not himself (unto his subjects), and who hath lost his independence. Like unto rocks in the sea, those monarchs that do not administer their dominions, that are not dependent, do not prosper. Having incurred the hostility of the gods, the Danavas and the Gandharbas of subdued souls and senses, how canst thou, who art fickle, and hast not employed spies, become the king? And, O Rakshasa, thou art childish and foolish; and doth not know what thou shouldst. How canst thou then become the king? O thou best of conquerers, those kings whose spies, exchequer and morality are not free, are like the common herd. It is because kings know distant dangers through spies, therefore they are styled far-sighted. I believe thou hast no spies, and that thy counsellors are common folks, since although Janasthana with thy kinsman is destroyed, yet thou takest it not to heart. Fourteen thousands of Rakshasas of dreadful deeds, with Khara and Dushana, have all been slain by Rama single-handed; Rama of untiring energy hath inspired the saints with courage; the Dandakas have been benefitted; and Janasthana hath been harassed. But thou, covetous and intoxicated and in the power of others, dost not understand that a great danger is overhanging (thee). People do not in times of peril assist a sovereign that is wrathful, stingy, intoxicated, haughty and deceitful. Even his own kindred slay a sovereign that sets inmense store by his own self, is of light worth, regards himself highly, and irascible. They do not serve him; nor do they fear when he intimidates them. Such an one is speedily dethroned; and reduced to poverty and becomes like a straw. Even dry wood may serve a purpose; or stone, or dust; but no purpose is capable of being served by a sovereign that hath been cast off his place. Like a cloth that hath been worn, like a garland that hath been trodden, a king that hath been dethroned, although able, is of no consequence. But a king that keeps his wits about him, understands everything, is of controlled senses, and grateful, and of virtuous character, endureth for ever. That king is honored by men, that sleeping with his eyes, is awake as respects his eye of duty, and (the effects of) whose anger and favor, are seen (by all). But, thou Ravana, who hast not by means of spies, acquainted thyself with the slaughter of Rakshasas, art of evil understanding and bereft of all these virtues, given to disgracing others, ignorant of the proper distribution of time and place,[50] and never taking care to distinguish merits and defects, thou, thy kingdom being in danger, wilt speedily meet with disaster." On his vices having been thus celebrated by her (Surpanakha), that lord of the rangers of night, Ravana, musing awhile, was long plunged in thought.

[50] The commentator, is silent here. The meaning evidently is, _thou dost not discern the where and when of things.--T._

SECTION XXXIV.

SEEING Surpanaka speak harsh words in the midst of the courtiers, Ravana, being enraged, asked her, saying, "Who is Rama? And what is his prowess? And what his form? And what his power? And why hath he entered the forest of Dandaka, difficult to range? And what Rama's weapons, by means of which he hath slain the Rakshasas? And Khara hath been slain in battle, and Dushana and Tricira. Do thou, O thou of a pleasing person, tell me the truth. And who hath deformed thee?" Thus addressed by the lord of the Rakshasas, the Rakshasi, transported with rage, commenced to duly narrate all about Rama. "Rama the son of Dacaratha is long-armed, of expansive eyes, clad in bark and dark deer-skin, and like Kandarpa in grace. And drawing a bow resembling that of Sakra, decked with golden rings, he discharges blazing _narachas_, like unto serpents of virulent poison. I do not see in the field, Rama drawing his bow: I only see the host being slaughtered by a shower of shafts. And as Indra destroys (a field of) goodly crops, by pouring down hail stones, fourteen thousand Rakshasas of dreadful prowess, as well as Khara and Dushana were in a little over a moment slain with sharp shafts by Rama alone fighting on foot. And he hath reassured the saints, and after having been deformed, I alone from fear of slaying a woman, have been let off by the high-souled Rama knowing self. His brother is endeued with mighty energy, and in merit, is of equal prowess; and he is devoted to his brother, and beareth him regard; the puissant one is named Lakshmana. And wrathful and invincible and victorious, and powerful, and intelligent and mighty, (he) is Rama's right-arm--his life ranging externally. And Rama's virtuously wedded beloved wife, having expansive eyes, and a face resembling the full-moon, is ever to the welfare of her lord. And that fair-haired, fair-nosed, and fair-thighed illustrious one possessed of beauty, graceth the forest like a goddess,--as if a goddess of wealth herself. Of the lustre of burnished gold, with her finger nails reddish and projecting, and graceful, that surpassingly lovely wench is named Sita--the slender waisted daughter of Videha. And neither a goddess, nor a Gandharbi, nor a Yakshi, nor a Kinnari, had I seen before on earth, possessed of such beauty. He that shall have Sita for his spouse, and who shall be warmly embraced by her, shall live longer in the world than the Lord of celestials himself. That good-natured girl, unparalleled on earth in loveliness, who can well pride herself on her person, is a worthy wife for thee; and thou too art a fit husband for her. It is to bring over for thee that one of spacious hips, and a high and well-developed bust, that I had put forth my endeavours. But, O mighty-armed one I have been disfigured by the wicked Lakshmana. As soon as thou hast seen Vaidehi having a countenance resembling the full moon, thou shalt be afflicted with the shafts of Cupid. If it is thy purpose to have her for thy wife, at once stretch forth thy right leg, for attaining success. If, O lord of Rakshasas, thou relishest my speech, do thou then, O Ravana, without fear, do as I tell thee. Understanding their incapacity, do thou, O lord of Rakshasas, for making her thy wife, by force carry away the frail Sita of a blameless person. Hearing that Rama by means of straight coursing shafts hath slain the Rakshasas that had gone to Janasthana, and seeing Khara and Dushana, killed, do thou ascertaining thy course, adopt it.

SECTION XXXV.

Hearing those words of Surpanakha, able to make one's hair stand on end, (Ravana) ascertaining his course after issuing his orders to his councellors, departed. And proposing to himself that act, weighing its good and evil, considering his capacity or otherwise, and (finally) determining his purpose, Ravana with a fixed mind went to the handsome stable. And going to the stable in disguise, the lord of the Rakshasasas commanded the charioteer, saying, "Yoke the car." Thus asked, the charioteer possessed of fleet vigor, in a trice, yoked an excellent car after his heart. And ascending the car coursing at will, made of gold and garnished with spectral faces as well as arrow decked with gold,--resembling a mass of clouds, the graceful ruler of the Rakshasas--younger brother to the Lord of wealth--proceeded in that noiseless (vehicle), past the lord of rivers and streams. And with chouris of white hair, and a white umbrella, having ten-faces, resembling (in hue) cool lapises, wearing ornaments of polished gold, possessed of ten mouths, and twenty arms, clad in elegant apparel,--the foe of the celestials, and slayer of the foremost ascetics--having huge heads like unto the monarch of mountains, the lord of the Rakshasas, mounted on that chariot coursing at will, appeared beautiful like a mass of clouds in the sky, with cranes, in the midst of lightning. And that one possessed of prowess beheld the shore of the sea, containing crags, scattered with trees bearing fruits and flowers of various kinds by thousands, bordered all around with pools furnished with cool and delightful waters, ornamented with spacious asylums having daises, graced with woods of plantain, beauteous with cocoanuts, and blossoming _sala_ and palmyra, and _tamala_, trees, grateful with supreme saints rigidly restraining their fear, and with serpents and fowls of fair feathers and Gandharbas and Kinnaras by thousands; and pleasant with Siddhas and Charanas, that have controlled their lust; with those descendants of Brahma--the Vaikhanas, the Mashas, the Valakhilyas, and the Marichipas; swarming with females, divinely beautiful, dight with gorgeous ornaments and garlands, and Apsaras skilled in sport, by thousands; frequented by the wives of the celestials, and honored by graceful girls; ranged by multitudes of deities and Danavas, feeding on ambrosia; abounding with swans, Kraunchas, and frogs, echoing to (the cries of) cranes; containing stones resembling the lapis, and mild and cool by the influence of the ocean. And as he proceeded, the younger brother of the Lord of wealth, saw on all sides spacious cars capable of coursing at will, sable, furnished with fair garlands, and resounding with trumpet notes,--and Gandharbas and Apsaras. And surveying by thousands woods of sandal exuding gum at their roots,[51] and of choice _aguru_, grateful unto the sense of smell; and woods and groves of excellent and odorous takkola fruits; blossoms of the Tamala, and thickets of black pepper; heaps of pearls drying on the shore; rocks; the best corals in masses;[52] summits of gold and silver;[53] charming pellucid rills at places; and cities filled with corn and wealth, abounding in gems of women, and thronged with horses, elephants and cars--Ravana on the shore of the ocean beheld around a level and soft scene, resembling heaven itself--where breezes of delicate feel kept breathing. And there he saw a fig tree, hued like clouds, surrounded by ascetics; its branches stretched around an hundred Yoyanas, and the exceedingly powerful Garuda had ascended one of its boughs, taking an elephant and a huge tortoise, for the purpose of devouring them. And that best of birds, the powerful Suparna by his weight suddenly broke a branch containing full many leaves. And it came to pass that Vaikhanasas, Mashas, Valakhilyas, Marichipas, Ayas, and Dhumras,--saints of the highest order--had assembled there. Thereat, moved by commisseration (for the ascetics), the virtuous Garuda, taking with promptitude the broken bough measuring an hundred Yoyanas as well as the elephant and the tortoise, by one leg, at length eating up the animals, and by means of the bough, exterminating the country of the Nishadas--that best of birds attained unequalled delight in consequence of having rescued the mighty ascetics. Thereat, attaining double energy by virtue of that delight that intelligent one set his heart on bringing ambrosia. And tearing off the iron links of the network, and bursting into the repository of gem, he carried away secreted ambrosia from the residence of the great Indra. Kuvera's younger brother beheld this fig tree, named Subhadra, graced with the Maharshi, on which Suparna had left his mark. Then repairing to the other shore of that lord of rivers, the ocean, Ravana saw an asylum lying in the forest in a charming and sacred recess. And there he saw a Rakshasa, named Maricha, clad in a dark deer-skin, bearing a head of matted locks, subsisting on restricted fare. And approaching Ravana duly, the Rakshasa, Maricha, received the king with every hospitality passing human. And having entertained him personally with meats and drinks, Maricha addressed him in weighty words, saying, "O lord of the Rakshasas, king, is it well with thee in Lanka? And what for hast thou again come hither so speedily?" Thus addressed by Maricha, that highly powerful one, skilled in speech, Ravana said.

[51] _Niryydsurasa mutanam, gen, (sandal), which forms the principal ingredient in perfumes, containing odorous gums.--T._

[52] Another reading is: _heaps of conch.--T._

[53] Some texts read _sailam--hills.--T._

SECTION XXXVI.

O Maricha, hearken unto me, my child, as I relate everything unto thee). I am distressed; and in this distress of mine, thou art certainly my great refuge. Thou knowest Janasthana, where lives my brother Khara, and the mighty-armed Dushana, and my sister, Surpanakha; as also that Rakshasa subsisting on (human) flesh, the long armed Tricira, and many other heroic night-rangers besides, of high enthusiasm in battles--Rlkshasas, who had been living there at my command, troubling in the mighty forest the ascetics carrying on their pious offices. And fourteen thousands of Rakshasas of dreadful deeds, heroic, high-spirited,-- Rakshasas possessed of exceeding prowess; while residing n Janasthana of late,--clad in mail and equipped with various weapons, headed by Khara, met with Rama in the field. Getting enraged, Rama in conflict without returning any harsh speech, by means of his shafts shot from his bow, --hath, a human being, and fighting on foot, with his flaming arrows slaughtered fourteen thousand Rakshasas of fierce energy. And Khara hath been slain in battle, and Dushana also hath been brought down. And having slain Tricira too, (Rama) hath rid the Dandaka of all fear. Having been expelled by his enraged sire, that disgrace of Kshatriyas, the weak Rama, living in company with his wife hath effected the destruction of this army. He is of a vile character, crabbed, foolish, covetuous, of uncontrolled senses, bereft of morality, sinful, and ever engaged in the evil of all creatures,--by whom, violently without hostility my sister hath been deformed in the forest by having her nose and ears cut off. Of him will I carry off by force from Janasthana, his wife, Sita, resembling the daughter of a celestial. Be thou my help in it. For certain, O exceedingly strong one, if thou help me at my side, if my brothers also back me, I do not think much of all the celestials. Therefore, be thou my help; for, thou art capable, O Rakshasa. In prowess in battle, and in indomitableness, there is none like thee. Thou art a mighty hero commanding resources, and conversant with potent illusory displays. Taking this to my heart, I have come to thee, O ranger of the night. Do thou listen as to the business in which by my command thou art to help me. Becoming a golden deer, marked with silver spots, do thou range about in Rama's asylum in presence of Sita. Seeing thee helpless, in the shape of a deer, Sita will say unto her lord and Lakshmana also,--"Do ye catch it." And when they shall have departed, I shall carry off from the empty asylum, Sita without let, like Rahu depriving the Moon of his splendour. Then when Rama shall be sore afflicted because of the carrying off of his wife, I shall easily, crowning my soul with success, safely bear away Sita. Hearing Rama's words, the face of the high-souled Maricha became blank and he was seized with apprehension. And licking up his dried lips, with winkless eyes, (Maricha) as if dead, and exceedingly distressed, eyed Ravana, steadily. And alarmed because of Ravana, with his mind depressed, Maricha who well knew Rama's prowess in the forest, with joined hands in agitation spoke words lending to his own as well as Ravana's welfare.

SECTION XXXVII.

Hearing the words of that sovereign of the Rakshasas, the highly energetic Maricha, skilled in speech, answered the Rakshasa chief, saying, "0 king, the speaker of soft words is common, but the speaker and the listner of unwelcome though beneficial words are rarities. Volatile, and employing no spies, thou surely dost not understand the exceedingly powerful Rama towering high in virtues, and resembling the illustrious Indra or Varuna himself. I shall be well, my child, if Rama fired with rage, do not render all the world bereft of Rakshasas; if Janaka's daughter hath not sprung to compass thy destruction, if a dreadful disaster do not befall thee because of Sita, and if having obtained for her lord thee that art wilful and wicked, the city of Lanka with thee and the Rakshasas do not meet with utter extermination. The sovereign who is wicked, whimsical and of evil intent like thee, bringeth about his own destruction as well as that of his kingdom and relatives. Rama, the enhancer of Kaucalya's delight hath not been abandoned by his father, nor is he devoid of propriety of conduct; he is not avaricious, wicked nor the destroyer of Kastriya race. He does not lack religious merits or accomplishments, nor is he of a harsh temperament and intent on causing misery unto creatures. Finding his truthful sire imposed on by Kaikeyi he has sojourned unto woods. For compassing the welfare of his father Dacaratha and Kaikeyi he hath entered the forest of Dandaka. Rama, O my child is not harsh or foolish; nor has he not control over his senses. Far from speaking untruth he does not know false stories even. It doth not behove thee therefore to use such improper language towards him. He is an incarnation of virtue, pious and truthful, and lord of all men as Basava of all celestials. How dost thou then wish to carry away by force his Vaidehi, protected by virtue of her own chastity, like unto the rays of Sun? It doth not behove thee to enter that fire of Rama who hath arrows for rays and bow and scimitar for fuel. It doth not behove thee, O Ravana, to approach Rama renouncing thy kingdom, happiness and love of life, who is like unto death itself and has bow for his widened and flaming mouth, and arrows for his rays and who is irrepressible, of mighty prowess, holding bows and arrows and repulsing the forces of the enemy. Incomparable is his power; daughter of Janaka is his wife and lives in the forest confiding in the mighty strength of his bow; thou shalt not be able to carry her away. She is the beloved wife of that best of men having a leonine chest--and he holds his wife dearer than his life and is ever attached unto her. And young Sita beloved of the mighty Rama, and like unto the rays of flaming fire is ever incapable of being carried away by thee. Of what avail is this vain attempt O Rakshasa chief? No sooner Rama shall see you in the battle thou shalt meet with thy end. Hard it is to attain life, happiness and kingdom, so it behoveth thee to act properly, after consulting with thy ministers headed by Bivishana, judging Rama's merits and demerits and ascertaining his and thy own strength and as well as thy welfare. Methinks thy approaching conflict with the son of the Kocala chief forebodes no good unto thee; hear again therefore O prince of the night-rangers, words sensible and lending to thy welfare.

SECTION XXXVIII.