Part 8

As thou lookest on, I shall describe unto thee the leaders who shall put forth their prowess for Raghava, lay down their lives (in his behalf.) That one of dread deeds the long hairs on whose long tail, coppery, and yellow, and black, and white, thrown up, look like the rays of Sun, and are trailing over the ground, is the monkey, named Hara; whom follow hundreds and thousands (of monkeys) desperately upraising trees, intent upon (scaling) Lanka--leaders of the monkey-king and his servants present (in that conflict.) And these whom thou beholdest present, resembling mighty masses of sable clouds, like unto black collyrium, of genuine prowess, countless and incapable of enumeration dwelling in mountains, provinces, and rivers,--terrible beings--approach thee, O king. In their amidst is their king, gray eyed and of fierce appearance, like unto Parjanya[71] encompassed by clouds,--who dwelleth in that best of mountains, Rikkhavan, drinking of the Narmada.--Behold this one resembling a hill--younger brother of Dhumra, lord of the bears. He is equal to his brother in beauty, and of superior prowess. This leader of redoubtable leaders named Jambavan. He is mild, obedient to his superiors and fierce in fight. The intelligent Jambavan assisted Sakra signally in the war of the gods and Asuras, and he hath won many boons (in consequence). Ascending the tops of mountains, these hurl down gigantic crags huge as colossal clouds, nor doth (the fear of) death (ever) disquiet them. And their bodies covered with hair, they resemble Rakshasas and ghosts (in their conduct). This one of immeasurable energy hath innumerable troops going about, who behold this leader of leaders under unusual excitement leaping and resting (by turns). This lord of monkeys dwelleth near the thousand-eyed Deity; and this leader of bands, gifted with strength, is named Rambha. And he that going, toucheth with his side a mountain situated at the distance of a Yojana, and, rising up, measureth the same length,--and whose beauty is surpassed by none among quadrupeds,--is known under the name of Sannadana, the grand-father of the monkeys;--this intelligent one battled with Sakra,[72]--nor did he meet with discomfiture. This is that general of the forces. And he whose prowess is like that of Sakra, is this one begot by Fire on a Gandharva's daughter, for assisting the celestials on the occasion of the war of the gods and the Asuras. And this graceful and powerful one--best of monkeys--disporteth in that sovereign of mountains inhabited by numbers of Kinnaras, where king Vaicavana eateth rose apples, and which, O lord of Rakshas, ever conduceth to the pleasure of thy brother. And this one who never extolleth himself in battle, is named Krathana--leader of hosts. Surrounded by a thousand Koti (of troops), and stationed in the midst of the monkeys, he hopeth to subjugate Lanka with his own troops alone. And he that roameth about the Ganga, terrifying leaders of elephant-herds, remembering the former hostility of the monkeys and the elephants, is this leader of bands, who, roaring, opposeth wild elephants in mountain-caverns and crusheth trees,--and foremost of monkeys, and chief of the monkey-forces--like Sakra himself in heaven, sporteth, resorting to Uciravija pertaining to Mandara, best of mountains, on the golden river.[73] A thousand lacs of monkeys, elated with vigor and prowess, setting up roars and furnished with (long) arms follow him; and this one is the leader of those high souled monkeys. And, O king, he whom thou seest resembling clouds uplifted by the winds, is a leader named Pramathi. And his fleet-coursing soldiery are fiery, and volumes of red-hued dust are scattered about him profusely on all sides. And these wondrous strong and dreadful Golangulas[74] numbering hundreds and hundred thousands, seeing the building of the bridge, surrounding, O mighty monarch, the leader named Gavaksha--a Golangula--set up shouts, intending to demolish Lanka with their prowess. Where the trees bring forth fruits of every season and the black bees resort,--in the mountain furnished with solar splendour, which the Sun circumambulates, by whose radiance ever beam beasts and birds with a like hue,--whose table-lands are never forsaken by magnanimous Maharshis; where the trees yield every object of desire and all are fraught with fruits; in which best of mountains excellent honey is found,--there in the charming Golden hill, O king, sporteth this one--the foremost of the principal monkeys, Kacari by name, a leader of bands. There are sixty thousand charming Golden hills. In their midst is that best of mountains,[75] even as thou, O sinless one, art among the Rakshas. There in the inmost hill dwell (monkeys) tawny-hued; and white,--with coppery faces; yellowish like honey; sharp-toothed; having nails for their weapons; and four teeth like lions; irresistible like tigers all equal to Vaicwanara, and resembling flaming venomous snakes; furnished with long tails; like unto mad elephants; seeming like gigantic hills; roaring like mighty clouds; with eyes tawny and round; of terrific mein; and emitting sounds,--and these are gazing at Lanka, as if devastating her. And this powerful one staying in their midst, is their leader, eager for victory; and the puissant (monkey) always looketh like the Sun himself; and this one, O king, is famed on earth by the name of Satavali. And this heroic one, powerful and mighty, established in his own prowess, hopeth to devastate Lanka with his own forces. And for compassing Rama's desire, the monkey doth not cherish any kindness for his life. Gaya, Gavaksha, Nala, and the monkey Nila--each of these is encompassed by ten _kotis_ of warriors. (Besides these) there are other choice monkeys dwelling in the Vindhya mountain, but I cannot enumerate these (monkeys) possessed of fleet vigor, in consequence of their vast number. All these, O mighty monarch, are of exceeding prowess,--all possess persons resembling mighty mountains; and all are competent in a moment to remove mountains and scatter the Earth with them".

[71] Indra.

[72] There is a word--_rane, in battle_ in this line, left out on the ground of pleonasm.--T.

[73] Ganga.--T.

[74] _Vide ante_.

[75] Savarni Meru.--T.

SECTION XXVIII.

Having heard the words of Sarana, who had described the forces (of the monkeys), Suka, addressed Ravana, lord of Rakshasas, saying,--"Those, O king, whom thou seest stationed, resembling mad elephants, like unto _nyagrodhas_[76] belonging to the Ganga,--like unto Saias in the Himavan,--are incapable of being borne,--they are possessed of strength, and able to wear forms at will; resembling deities and Danavas, and like the gods in conflict. These, numbering nine, five, and seven thousand _kotis_ and thousand _sankus_ and an hundred _vrindas_, are the ministers of Sugriva, residing in Kishkindha--monkeys begot by gods and Gandharvas, capable of assuming shapes at will. And those two whom thou beholdest, staying there, of equal proportions and endowed with god-like shapes, are Mainda and Dwivida,--who have no equals in fight. Permitted by Brahma, they had partaken of ambrosia. They hope to humble Lanka by their prowess. And he whom thou seest staying like a mad elephant, the monkey who, being enraged, can by his strength agitate the deep itself, who, searching for Vaidehi, had presented himself before thee, lord,--behold this monkey come again!--whom thou hadst seen before![77]--is the eldest son of Kacari, known as the offspring of the Wind-god--celebrated as Hanuman, who had bounded over the deep. Capable of wearing forms at pleasure, that first of monkeys is endeued with grace and strength,--and is of irresistible impetuosity even as that lord, the Wind. Seeing the Sun risen, (he) while a boy, resolving in his mind,--'Coursing a way measuring three thousand _yojanas_, I will bring the Sun,--my hunger is not appeased;' and he sprang up, elated with strength. And, not getting that god, incapable of being subdued by the deities, saints and Rakshasas, he dropped down on the Ascending-hill. And thereat a jaw of that strong-jawed one was a little fractured on the rock,--and he is called Hanuman in consequence. I know this monkey and all his previous history. I cannot describe his strength, beauty or prowess. And this one alone hopes to lay Lanka low by his energy. And why dost thou today forget the monkey, who had flung flaming fire into Lanka? And next to him is the hero of dark-blue hue, having eyes like lotuses, the Atiratha among the Ikshwakus--of prowess celebrated in the world--in whom virtue never wavereth and who never swerveth from righteousness; who knoweth the Brahma Mantra and the Vedas,--the best of those versed in them--who pierceth the sky with his shafts and cleaveth the Earth, whose ire is like death, and whose prowess is like that of Sakra,--whose wife, Sita, hath been carried away by thee from Janasthana. And this is Rama, who, O king, advanceth to encounter thee in conflict. And on his right side is one of the splendour of pure gold, broad-breasted, having dark curled hair--this one is named Lakshmana, ever mindful of his brother's welfare. He is versed in polity as well as warfare--the foremost of those learned in all the branches of knowledge; wrathful, invincible, victorious, powerful, conquering and strong,--the right arm of Rama and his own life going about. For Raghava he careth not for his life. He hopeth to exterminate all the Rakshasas in battle. He that stayeth occupying the left side of Rama, and surrounded by Rakshasas, is the king, Bibhishana, sprinkled as the king of Lanka by the auspicious king of kings,--he, filled with wrath, approacheth thee (for battle). And he whom thou seest staying in the middle like a firm-based mountain, the lord of all monkeys, of immeasurable prowess,--and who in energy fame, intelligence, strength, and lineage, is as superior to the monkeys as the mountain Himavan overtoppeth all the mountains, who in company with the principal monkey-leaders dwelleth in inaccessible Kishkindha hard to penetrate, and dense with trees, and difficult of access, and denying approach on account of rocks; and whose golden garland consisting of an hundred lotuses looks exceedingly elegant, which is the desire of men and gods, and where is established Lakshmi--(is Sugriva). And Rama, having slain Vali, hath conferred this garland, Tara, and the eternal monkey-kingdom on Sugriva. An hundred of an hundred thousand is called a _koti_ by the wise. An hundred of a thousand _koti_ is called a Sanku. An hundred of a thousand Sanku is known as a Mahacanku. An hundred of a thousand Mahacanku is here termed a Vrinda. An hundred of a thousand Vrinda is known as a Mahavrinda. A thousand Mahavrinda is called here a Padma. An hundred of a thousand Padma is known as a Mahapadma. An hundred of a thousand Mahapadma is termed a Kharva. An hundred of a thousand Khara is termed a Samudra. An hundred of a thousand Samudra is known as a Mahaugha. Thus backed by a thousand _koti_, and a hundred Sanku, and a thousand Mahacanku, and an hundred Vrinda, and a thousand Mahavrinda, and an hundred Padma, and a thousand Mahapadma and an hundred _kharva_, and an equal Samaudra and an equal Mahaugha,--by _kotis_ of Mahaughas--resembling the sea,--and surrounded by the heroic Bibhishana as well as his counsellors,--that Lord of monkeys, always engirthed by a mighty force, and possessed of exceeding strength and prowess, will encounter thee in battle. Observing this host, that hath presented itself, resembling a flaming planet, do thou, O mighty monarch, prepare thyself to the uttermost,--so that victory may be thine, and that thou mayst not come by discomfiture at the hands of the foe".

[76] Banians.

[77] This dislocation occurs in the original. These descriptions generally are hardly amenable to a sound syntax.--T.

SECTION XXIX.

Seeing the leaders of monkeys as pointed out by Suka,--the exceedingly puissant Lakshmana--Rama's right arm--and his[78] brother Bibhishana staying near Rama, and Sugriva of dreadful prowess--sovereign of all the monkeys,--and the strong Angada, grandson unto the thunder-handed one,[79] and the powerful Hanuman; and the unconquerable Jambavan; and Sushena; and Nila; and Nala--best of monkeys,--and Gaya; and Gavaksha; and Sarabha; and Mainda; and Dwivida,--Ravana, with his heart agitated a little, and his wrath aroused,--when their talk had ended, rebuked those heroes, Suka and Sarana. And he wrathfully spoke unto them, standing in humble guise with their heads hung down, harsh words faltering with passion,--"That counsellors subsisting (on the wealth of their master and sovereign), should say aught disagreeable to him, whether they meet with his favor or disfavor--is not meet. Without being questioned, it is (proper) for you both to hymn the praises of a foe that is opposed and that hath advanced for encounter! Ye have in vain worshipped your preceptors, aged people, and spiritual guides, for ye have failed to appropriate the cream of Political Science, which should be availed of. Or if ye had appropriated the same, you have forgotten it afterwards; and ye bear the burden of ignorance. And it is owing to my good fortune that, having such stupid counsellors, I have as yet held my kingdom. Have ye no fear of death that ye use harsh speech towards me, who am the ruler and whose tongue dispenseth good and evil? Even trees may exist in the forest, coming in contact with burning fire; but transgressors cannot exist, visited with the chastisement of the monarch. I shall slay these wicked wights, who praise the side of the enemy, if my anger be not moderated, remembering their former good offices. Avaunt! Go hence from near me! I do not wish to slay you, remembering your good acts. Slain ye (already) are, who are ingrate and cherish no affection for me". Thus accosted, Suka and Sarana, seeing (how things stood), covered with bashfulness, went out, saluting Ravana by uttering 'Victory!' Then that ranger of night, the Ten-necked one, said unto Mahodara, who was present, to summon some spies. Thus accosted, Mahodara speedily ordered some spies (to present themselves). Thereat, the spies, hurriedly arriving there at the mandate of the monarch, and, presenting themselves, stood with joined hands, uttering blessings of victory. Then the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, addressed the spies, who were heroic, faithful, calm, and courageous,--"Go hence, and acquaint yourselves with the exertions of Rama; as well as with those who, being the custodians of Rama's closest counsels, have gladly joined him (here). How he sleepeth and how he waketh, and what he engageth himself in,--having deftly acquainted yourselves with all this thoroughly, do you come (back here). The wise king that gathers (a knowledge of) his enemy through spies, can, putting forth a modicum of effort in conflict, neutralise (his exertions)". Thereat the spies, saying,--"So it is", taking Sardula to the fore, with delighted hearts went round the sovereign of the Rakshasas. And, having gone round the high-souled Rakshasa-chief, the spies set out for where Rama with Lakshmana was. And repairing secretly to the vicinity of the mountain bordering on the fair shore,[80] they saw Rama and Lakshmana with Sugriva and Bibhishana. And seeing that host, they were overwhelmed with fear. And, while staying there, they, discovered by the righteous lord of Rakshasas, Bibhisana, were sore harassed (by the monkeys). And that wicked Rakshasa, Sardula, alone was taken (before Rama). But Rama liberated him, who was assailed by the monkeys. And Rama also, entertaining no enmity against them, also liberated the others, (who accompanied Sardula). And, on having been put to straits by the powerful monkeys of fleet vigor, they,[81] breathing hard, and with their consciousness lost, again arrived at Lanka. Then those exceedingly strong spies, always ranging outside, presenting themselves before the Ten-necked one, informed him of the forces of Rama, stationed near mount Suvela.

[78] _i.e._ Ravana's

[79] Indra.--T.

[80] _Suvelasya Sailasya_--may also mean, of the mount _Suvela_.--T.

[81] The spies, that is.--T.

SECTION XXX.

Then the spies communicated unto Lanka's lord news concerning Raghava and his host stationed at the mount Suvela. Hearing the words of the spies, that Rama, accompanied by a mighty army, had arrived (there), Ravana was a little agitated and spoke unto Sardula,--"Thy color hath changed its natural aspect, and, O ranger of the night, thou lookest poorly. Didst not come under the control of the wrathful foes?" Thus ordered by him, then (Sardula), bewildered by fear, addressed that tiger of a Rakshasa, saying,--"Those powerful monkeys, O king, puissant, strong, and protected by Raghava, are incapable of being ranged (by us). And they cannot be conversed with or interrogated. All around, the courses are kept by monkeys resembling hills. As soon as I entered, and was scanning that host, I was discovered. And forcibly taken by the Rakshas, I was pulled by them hither and thither. And furiously assailed by the monkeys with thighs, clenched fists, teeth, and palms, I was dragged in the midst of the army by the enraged monkeys. And, after having been taken all about, I was (at length) taken before Rama, bleeding, with my limbs showing sorry work, and my senses swimming and paralysed. And, having been belabored by the monkeys, I, on craving his kindness with joined hands, was, at his pleasure, rescued by Raghava, with, "Don't, don't"! Having filled up the deep with rocks and crags, Rama equipped with weapons, stayeth, occupying the gate of Lanka. And, letting me off, that one of suspasstng vigor, surrounded by monkeys, and, arranging his forces in the Garuda fashion, advanceth upon Lanka. And he draweth nigh to the wall. Therefore, do one of these things in preference to the other,--either render back Sita, or give him battle". Hearing this, Ravana, lord of Rakshasas, then reflecting in his mind, spoke unto Sardula these pregnant words,--'Even if the gods, Gandharvas, and Danavas should array themselves against me, Sita I shall not give, from fear of all creatures". Having said this, that exceedingly energetic one again said,--"Thou hast ranged this army. Who here among the monkeys are heroic? And, amiable one, what is their potency? And what are those monkeys that are hard to approach, like? And, O thou of fair vows, whose sons and grandsons are they? Truly relate all this (to me). Having ascertained their strength and weakness, I shall in this matter adopt my course. Those who wish for fight, certainly take account of all this". Thus addressed by Ravana, Sardula--best of spies--thus begin to speak in the presence of Ravana,--"O king, that unconquerable one in fight, Jambavan, is well known as the son Gadgada, king of bears. The other son of Gadgada is the son of Sakra's preceptor. By which son, single-handed, was done immense oppression to the Rakshas. And the righteous and puissant Sushena is the son of Dharma.[82] And the mild monkey, Dadhimukha, O king, is the son of Soma.[83] And Sumukha, Durmukha and the monkey, Vegadarcin (resembling) Death himself, were for certain begot by the Self-create in the shape of a monkey.[84] And Nila himself is the son of the bearer of sacrificial oblations;[85] and Hanuman is famed as the son of the Wind-god. And the irrepressible and youthful Angada is the grandson of Sakra. And the lusty Mainda and Dwivida are sprung from Acwi. And five are the sons of Vaivaswata, resembling the Reaper himself--Gaya, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sarabha and Gandhamadana. But I can not enumerate the rest, ten _kotis_ of heroic monkeys--all sons of deities--burning for battle. And this is Dacaratha's son--this youth resembling a lion, who slew Dushana and Khara and _Triciras_. There breathes none on Earth that is like unto Rama in prowess, by whom was slain Viradha and Kavandha, resembling the Destroyer. No person can on earth describe the virtues of Rama; by whom have been slain all those Rakshasas that had gone to Janasthana. And here also is the virtuous Lakshmana, like unto the foremost of elephants, coming in the way of whose shafts, even Vasava doth not live. And here are Sweta and Jyotirmukha, sprung from Vatskara's self; and the monkey Hemakuta is the son of Varuna. And the heroic Nala--best of monkeys, is the son of Vicwakarma. And powerful and impetuous, Durdhara is the son of Vasu. And that foremost of Rakshasas, Bibhishana, thy brother, engaged in the welfare of Raghava, hath laid seige to Lanka. Thus have I described unto thee the entire monkey host stationed in mount Suvela. As for what remaineth to be done, thou art the master".

[82] Righteousness.

[83] Moon.

[84] Another meaning is,--_"The monkey, Vegadarci--who is Death himself in the shape of a monkey"._ But I give the more acceptable sense. T.

[85] Fire.

SECTION XXXI.