Part 10

And that captor of hostile capitals, the mighty-armed Rama, was advancing (upon Lanka) with the sounds of drums mixed with the blares of conchs. Hearing this noise, Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--reflecting for a while, cast his eyes upon his counselors. And addressing there all those counsellors, that afflictor of the world--the crooked and highly powerful lord of the Rakshasas, Ravana, making his court resound,--running down (Rama's) crossing the main, as well as his vigor, strength and manhood,--said to them,--"What ye have said touching Rama's (prowess), hath been heard by me. And I also know ye to be of sterling valor in the field. Yet why, knowing Rama's prowess, do ye silently look at each other?" Then the maternal grand sire (of Ravana), possessed of exceeding wisdom, named Malyavan, hearing his words, said,--"The king that is accomplished in the various kinds of learning,[94] and that followeth polity, ever commandeth affluence and bringeth his enemies under his subjection. He that seasonably concludes peace and carries on war with his enemies,--and who advances his own party, attaineth great affluence. A king should enter into peace, if he be an equal or inferior of his adversary, and engage in war, if be more powerful,--but an enemy should never be disregarded. Therefore, O Ravana, peace with Rama is what commends itself to me; and do thou render unto him that for which thou hast been invaded (by him), _viz._, Sita. All the Devarshis and Gandharvas wish for (Rama's) victory. Therefore, do not enter into hostilities with him; but do thou bend thy mind to ther conclusion of peace with him. That possessor of the six attributes, the Great-father, hath appointed two courses, (respectively) for the Asuras and the celestials, having for their proper objects righteousness and unrighteousness. Righteousness, we hear, is the course of the high-souled celestials, as, O Rakshasa, unrighteousness is that of Rakshas and Asuras. During the Krita Yuga, righteousness swalloweth up sin; and during Tishya,[95] unrigheousness swalloweth up virtue. Thou, ranging the three worlds, hadst extinguished pregnant piety, and reaped unrighteousness; and it is for this that thy foes have waxed potent.[96] And, having grown through thy neglect, unrighteousness devoureth us, and that protector of the gods, (righteousness), is strengthening the side of the celestials. Thou, addicted to carnal pleasures and acting in defiance of duty, hadst aroused the high wrath of the saints resembling fire. The power of these possessed of souls sanctified through asceticism, and ever engaged in invoking the aid of righteousness, is incapable of being resisted and is like flaming fire. The twice-born ones engage in contemplation with intent minds, and loudly recite the Vedas. They overpower the Rakshas, uttering the Vedas; and thereat they fly in all directions like clouds scattered in summer. And the smoke that ariseth from the Agnihotra sacrifices of saints resembling fire, enveloping the energy of the Rakshasas, spreads over the ten cardinal quarters. And ther fierce austerities of vow-observing saints, performed at particular sacred spots, try the Rakshasas sore. Thou hast obtained a boon, conferring immunity at the hands of deities, Danavas and Yakshas. But men and monkeys, bears and Golangulas, possessed of enormous strength and endowed with vigor, and of indomitable prowess,--coming here, are setting up roars. Witnessing various and many dire portents, I perceive the destruction of all the Rakshasas. Dreadful and terrific clouds, uttering harsh sounds, are showering blood all around Lanka. And (live) vehicles are dropping profuse tears. And all sides, covered with dust, do not appear bright as formerly. And beasts of prey, jackals and vultures, are emitting frightful cries, and, entering into the garden of Lanka, form themselves into bands. And in dreams mighty dark-hued women in front of dwellings, seizing at (the furniture ) thereof, and speaking inauspiciously, laugh displaying their sable teeth. And in houses dogs are feasting on the articles of worship. And cows bring forth asses, and mongooses, mice. And cats are pairing with leopards, and swine with dogs, and Kinnaras with Rakshasas and human beings. And red-footed white sky-coursing pigeons, urged on by Doom, are going about for the destruction of the Rakshasas. And female-parrots in houses, wounded and worsted by other birds delighting in discord, are dropping down, emitting indistinct notes. And all the birds and beasts are crying (distressfully) with their faces turned towards the sun. And at dusk a frightful, withered, tawny-hued male figure, looking like Death himself, with his head shaven, peereth into the houses (of people). These and other evil omens occur. Rama I deem as Vishnu assuming the form of a man. Raghava of steady prowess, for certain, is no human being,--he that hath built a bridge over the deep, must be an exceedingly wonderful person. Therefore, O Ravana, conclude peace with Rama--king of men. Having ascertained fit course, do thou act properly". Having said this unto that vile one, and knowing the intention of the lord of Rakshas, that strong Malyavan, of exceeding prowess, became silent, eying Ravana.

[94] The commentator says there are four and ten kinds of learning: but unfortunately he does not enumerate them.--T

[95] The Kali Yuga.--T

[96] While ranging the three worlds on a career of conquest, thou didst, disturbing sacrifices, _etc._, wrong righteousness.--T

SECTION XXXVI.

The Ten-necked one, come under the control of Time, did not brook the beneficial speech spoken by Malyavan. Contracting his face into a frown, he, coming under the masterdom of passion, with his eyes rolling in wrath, addressed Malyavan, saying,--"The words which, deeming the strength of the enemy as superior, thou hast harshly spoken, considering it as beneficial, had never before entered my ears. A (mere) man, and feeble, and alone, and having monkeys for his support, why dost thou deem Rama, who hath (further) been cast off by his sire, and hath in consequence taken refuge in the woods,--as competent (to cope with me)? And why dost thou consider me, who am the lord of the Rakshas, and feared even by the immortals,--as weak and reft of all power? Thou, I suspect, speakest (thus) roughly either from jealousy of my heroism, or for inciting me. And who that is wise and learned, ever addresseth him roughly that is at once puissant and of (high) station, if not to spur him on? Why, having brought Sita like a Sri shorn of her lotus, shall I give her up, from fear of Raghava? Behold Raghava, environed by Kotis of monkeys, with Sugriva and Lakshmana, slain one of these days! He before whom even the gods cannot stay in the field,--how can that Ravana ever come by fear? Better that I should be riven in twain,--but bend I never will. This is my native fault; and nature is incapable of being overcome. And if Rama hath at his pleasure constructed a bridge over the ocean, what is the wonder in this that thou hast conceived such a fear? And although Rama hath crossed the ocean along with the monkey-army, yet I swear unto thee truly, living, he shall not back hence". When Ravana, wrought up with passion, had spoken thus, Malyavan, knowing him wroth, did not return a reply. And, duly tendering blessings unto the king, Malyavan, taking his permission, went to his own abode. And the Rakshasa, Ravana, along with his courtiers, having consulted together as to what was fit to be done, set about the defence of Lanka. And he commanded the Rakshasa Prahasta (to guard) the Eastern gate; and the exceedingly powerful Mahaparcwa and Mahodara (to guard) the Southern gate; and he ordered his son Indrajit, possessing mighty powers of illusion, girt by innumerable Rakshasas, to guard the Western gate. And he commanded Suka and Sarana to defend the Northern gate. But he said unto the counsellors,--"I will myself go thither".[97] And he posted in the middle in the garrison the Rakshasa, Virupaksha, endowed with exceeding prowess and energy, backed by countless Rakshasas. Having taken these measures in Lanka, the Rakshasa-chief, urged by Fate, deemed himself as having achieved success. Having thus completely provided for the defence of the city, he dismissed the ministers; and, honored by the counsellors with blessings of victory, (then) entered his magnificent and splendid inner apartment.

[97] _i.e._ to defend the Northern gate.--T.

SECTION XXXVII.

Those kings, man and monkey, that monkey the Wind-god's son, Jambavan--sovereign of bears--the Rakshasa, Bibhishana, the son of Vali, Angada, Sumitra's son, the monkey, Sarabha, Sushena along with his friends, Kumuda, Nala, and Panaca, arriving at the dominions of the enemy, assembled together, began to deliberate. "Yonder is that Lanka ruled by Ravana, invincible even unto the celestials, serpents and Gandharvas. Let us, keeping before us success in the enterprise, consult together for the purpose of arriving at a decision. We are here daily nearing Ravana, lord of Rakshasas". As they were speaking thus, Ravana's younger brother, Bibhishana, said in a pregnant speech free from provincialism,--"Anala, Panaca, Sampati and Pramati--all courtiers of mine--having gone up to Lanka, have come back here. Wearing the forms of birds, they entered into the hostile forces; and, having seen the measures that had been adopted (by them), have come (back). O Rama, hearken to me as I tell thee truly anent the provisions which they have related, made by the wicked-minded Ravana. In the Eastern gate stayeth Prahasta along with his forces; in the Southern, the exceedingly powerful Mahaparcwa and Mahodara; and in the Western, Ravana's son, Indrajit, supported by innumerable Rakshasas, equipped with _patticas_, swords and bows, and bearing darts and maces in their hands,--surrounded by heroes carrying various weapons. And, backed by many thousands of Rakshasas weilding weapons, and accompanied by Rakshasas conversant with counsel, Ravana himself, his heart agitated to the height, guardeth the Northern gate of the city. And Virupaksha with a powerful force accoutred in javelins, clubs and bows, protects the garrison in the centre. Having seen these hosts thus disposed in Lanka, my counsellors have speedily come back here. There are ten thousand elephants, an Ayuta cars, two of horses, and about a _koti_ of Rakshasas, powerful and strong, and equipped with arms in conflict.[98] These night-rangers are ever the favorites of the Rakshasa ruler. And, O king, a _koti_ of forces accompany each of these Rakshasas in battle". Having conveyed this information concerning Lanka, which had been communicated by his counsellors, the mighty-armed Bibhishana showed (unto Rama) those Rakshasas themselves. And in company with his counsellors, Ravana's graceful younger brother, ever striving for the welfare of Rama, by way of answer communicated everything that was going forward in Lanka unto Rama, having eyes resembling lotus-leaves,--"O Rama, when Ravana battled with Kuvera, sixty lacs of Rakshasas marched forth (to meet him). In prowess, energy, vigor, exceeding fortitude, and hauteur, they resembled the wicked-minded Ravana himself. In this matter, thou ought not to grow wroth,--I only arouse thy wrath, and do not endeavour to frighten thee.[99] Thou canst subdue even the celestials by thy prowess. Therefore thou, environed by a mighty army, having arrayed the monkey-forces in order of battle, shalt thrash Ravana (in battle)". When Ravana's younger brother had spoken thus, Raghava, said these words with reference to his beating the foe,--"Let that foremost of monkeys, Nila, surrounded by an immense number of monkeys, cope with Prahasta at the Eastern gate of Lanka. And, engirt by a mighty force, let Angada, son of Vali, resist Mahaparcwa and Mahodara at the Southern gate (thereof). And let that son of the Wind-god, Hanuman, backed by innumerable monkeys, (beating the host stationed) at the Western gate, find entrance (into the city). I myself, determined to compass the destruction of the lord of Rakshasas, who, waxing powerful in consequence of the boon he hath received, hath brought about the destruction of high-souled saints resembling gods and Danavas,--and who goeth round all regions, oppressing people,--will, along with Sumitra's son, smiting (the foe), occupy the Northern entrance, where Ravana with his army is stationed. And let the powerful king of monkeys, and the puissant sovereign of bears, and the younger brother of the Rakshasa-chief, manage the soldiery posted in the centre. And in this battle, the monkeys need not assume the forms of human being. And let this serve for a sign that the monkeys, in order to the recognition of our own forces, appear with their proper monkey-marks. We seven only shall battle with the foe in human shapes,--_viz_., I along with my brother, the exceedingly energetic Lakshmana, and my friend Bibhishana counting for the fifth in company with his own following". Having said this unto Bibhishana, for attaining success in the enterprise, that lord, the intelligent Rama, seeing the sides of Suvela more beautiful (than other places), intended to ascend it. Then, environed by a mighty host, the high-souled and magnanimous Rama, his features mirroring forth high exultation,--overshadowing the entire Earth (with his forces), set out for Lanka, determined upon destroying the enemy.

[98] These are, remarks the commentator, the leaders.--T.

[99] _i.e._ "Thou ought not to be angry with _me_; for I do not frighten thee, but rouse thy _wrath against Ravana".--T._

SECTION XXXVIII.

Having been bent upon mounting Suvela, Rama, followed by Lakshmana, addressed in sweet and excellent words, Sugriva, and that righteous night-ranger, Bibhishana, versed in counsel and conversant with precepts, who was devoted to him,--saying,--"We shall all ascend this mount Suvela, bedight with metals; and pass this night even here. And (from here) will we view the abode of that Rakshasa who, foul of soul, hath carried off my spouse, to bring destruction down on himself,--who knoweth nor morality nor good conduct nor behaviour (conducive to the dignity of his descent),--and who, in consequence of his base propensity, hath committed himself to so heinous a course of action". Having decided thus, Rama, filled with wrath at Ravana, coming to Suvela, ascended its variegated plateau. And Lakshmana, collected, went in his wake. And, upraising bow and arrow, Sugriva, (ever) engaged in valorous acts, accompanied with Bibhishana as well as his counselors, following him, also ascended (the mountain). And all those rangers of mountains, gifted with the vehemence of the Wind in hundreds ascended mount Suvela, where Raghava was stationed. And ascending the mountain in a short time, they all beheld from its summit the city, appearing to be built on the air. And the monkey-leaders beheld Lanka, exceedingly splendid with noble gateways; gracefully enclosed with a wall; thronging with Rakshasas; and defended by sable Rakshasas. And the foremost of monkeys saw these appearing like another wall (overtopping the one beneath). And on seeing the Rakshasas, the monkeys burning for battle set up various roars in the presence of Rama. Then the Sun, crimsoned with Eve, ascended the Setting-hill and Night came, illumined by the Moon at his full. Then the master of the monkey-army, Rama, saluted and honored by Bibhishana, accompanied by Lakshmana as well as the leaders of the monkeys, sojourned happily on the breast of Suvela.

SECTION XXXIX.

Having passed the night in Suvela, the heroic monkey-leaders surveyed woods and forests in Lanka. And seeing those extensive (woods and forests), mild, and charming, and beautiful to behold, they were seized with wonderment. Abounding in _champakas_, _acokas_, _vakulas_, _calas_, and palms; covered with _tamalas_ and _panacas_,--and environed all around with trees,--and surrounded with Hintalas, Aryunas, blossoming Saptaparnas, Tilakas, Karnikaras, and Patalas,--trees with flowering tops, en tert wined with creepers,--Lanka looked exceedingly lovely, with various sights,--resembling the Amaravati herself of Indra. And trees there, furnished with variegated flowers having tender rosy leaves,--and blue lawns, and rows of woods; and bearing odourous and charming blossoms and fruits,--looked like men adorned with ornaments. And there a delightful and pleasant wood resembling Chaitraratha, and like unto Nandana itself--having all the seasons present,--appeared beauteous to the view, with black bees all around. And it had Datyuhas, and Koyasthivas, and peacocks dancing; and the strains of the coels were heard at the woodland rills. And the heroic and exhilarated monkeys, capable of wearing forms at pleasure, entered those woods and groves frequented by maddened birds and ranged by Bhramaras,--tracts overflowing with the lays of coels, and ringing with the voices of songsters,--resonant with the notes of Bhramaras--sovereigns of their species--and eloquent with the cries of ospreys. And as the exceedingly energetic monkeys entered, there blew upon them the breeze--like unto life--redolent of perfume obtained from contact with the blossoms. And others of the leaders among the heroic monkeys, coming out from the bands, ordered by Sugriva, made in the direction of Lanka crowned with ensigns. And, terrifying the fowls and dispiriting beasts and birds and shaking Lanka with their roars, those foremost monkeys set up shouts. And they, endowed with great impetuosity, went on, oppressing the earth with their battle-array; and clouds of dust suddenly arose from the the march of the soldiery. And bears, and lions, and buffaloes, and elephants, and deer, and birds, overwhelmed with affright, made for the ten cardinal points. The graceful and lovely summit of Trikuta was entire, elevated, sky-piercing, of golden splendour, measuring an hundred yojanas, clear-shining, level, inaccessible even to fowls, and incapable of being ascended even in thought--not to say of actual ascension by people. Lanka, ruled by Ravana, was situated on its[100] top,--ten yojanas in width and twenty in length. And that city was graced with lofty ornamented gateways resembling pale clouds, and golden and silvern walls; and Lanka was adorned with palaces and piles; like the sky[101] graced with clouds on the approach of the rainy season. And that palace, which was adorned with thousands of pillars, and which, as if piercing the heavens, looked like a peak of Kailaca--was the residence of the Sovereign of the Rakshasas--the ornament of the city, (ever guarded by full hundreds of Rakshasas). And Lakshmana's auspicious and puissant elder brother, beholding that flourishing and wealthy city resembling the celestial regions,--charming to the mind, made of gold, graced with mountains, and decked out with mountains containing various metals,--resonant with the notes of various birds; abounding in various beasts,--furnished with various kinds of flowers,--and inhabited by various orders of Rakshasas,--was struck with astonishment. And Rama, surrounded by his mighty forces, saw that palace, filled with diverse kinds of gems, adorned with rows of edifices, and having huge engines and gateways.

[100] Trikuta's.--T.

[101] _Madhyamam Vaishnavam padam_--the middle foot of Vishnu. When Vishnu in his Dwarf-form took the conceit out of Vali, the renowned Asura king,--he covered the earth with one pace, the sky with another and heaven with the last.--T.

SECTION XL.