The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás/Book V
BOOK V.
THE BEAUTIFUL.
THE RÁMÁYANA
OF
TULSI DÁS.
BOOK V.
THE BEAUTIFUL.
Sanskrit Invocation.
I adore under his name RAMA, the passionless, the eternal, the immeasurable, the sinless; the bestower of the peace of final emancipation; the lord, whom Brahma, Sambhu, and the Serpent-king incessantly worship; the theme of the Vedánta; the sovereign of the universe; the preceptor of the gods; Hari in the delusive form of man; the All-merciful; the princely son of Raghu; the jewel of kings.
O Raghupati, there is no other desire in my soul—I speak the truth and you know all my inmost thoughts—grant me, O Raghu king, a vehement faith, and make my heart clean of lust and every other sin. I reverence the home of immeasurable strength, with his body resembling a mountain of gold; the fire that consumed the demons as it were the trees of a forest; the first name in the list of the truly wise; the store-house of all good qualities; the monkey chief; Raghupati's noble messenger, the Son of the Wind.
Chaupái.
On hearing Jámbaván speak so cheerfully, Hanumán was greatly rejoiced at heart. "Wait for me here, my friends, however great your discomfort, with only roots, herbs, and fruits for your food, till I return after seeing Sita; the task is one I am most pleased to undertake." So saying, he bowed his head to them all and went forth with joy, having the image of Raghunáth impressed upon his heart. There was a majestic rock by the seashore; he lightly sprung on to the top of it; then, again and again invoking Raghubir, the Son of the Wind leaped with all his might. The mountain on which he had planted his foot sank down immediately into the depths of hell. Like Ráma's own unerring shaft, so sped Hanumán on his way. Ocean had regard for Ráma's envoy and told Maináka to ease his toil.[1]
Dohá 1.
But Hanumán merely touched him with his hand, then bowed and said, 'I can stop nowhere till I have done Ráma's business.'
Chaupái.
The gods saw Hanumán on his way and wished to make special trial of his strength and sagacity. So they sent the mother of the serpent-race, Surasá by name, who came and cried; 'To-day the gods have provided me a meal.' On hearing these words, the Son of the Wind replied: "When I have performed Ráma's commission and have come back, and have given my lord the news about Sita, then I will put myself into your mouth: I tell you the truth, mother, only let me go now." But, however much he tried, she would not let him go, till at last he said: You cannot get me into your mouth.' She opened her jaws a league wide; the monkey made his body twice that size. Then she stretched her mouth sixteen leagues. Hanumán at once became thirty two. However much Surasá expanded her jaws, the monkey made his frame twice as large again. When she had made her mouth a hundred leagues wide, he reduced himself to a very minute form and went into her mouth and came out again: then bowed and asked permission to proceed. "The purpose for which the gods sent me, namely, to make trial of your wisdom and strength, I have now accomplished.
Dohá 2.
Your wisdom and strength are perfect; you will do all that Ráma requires of you." She then gave him her blessing and departed, and Hanumán went on his way rejoicing.
Chaupái.
A female demon dwelt[2] in the ocean, who by magic caught the birds of the air. All living creatures that fly in the air as they look down upon the water cast a shadow apon it; and she was able to catch the shadow, so that they could not fly away; and in this manner she always had birds to eat. She played this same trick on Hanumán; but the monkey at once saw through her craft and slew her, hero as he was, and all undismayed crossed over to the opposite shore. Arriving there, he marked the teauty of the wood, with the bees buzzing in their search for honey, the diverse trees all resplendent with simultaneous flower and fruit, and multitudes of birds and deer delightful to behold. Seeing a huge rock further on, he fearlessly sprang on to the top of it. But, Umá, this was not at all the monkey's own strength, but the gift of the Lord, who devours even Death himself. Mounted on the height, he surveyed Lanká, a magnificent fortress that defies description, with tho deep sea on all four sides around its golden walls of dazzling splendour.
Chhand 1.
Its golden walls studded with all kinds of jewels, a marvellously beautiful sight, with market-places, bazárs, quays, and streets, and all the other accessories of a fine city. Who could count the multitude of elephants, horses and mules, the crowds of footmen and chariots, and the troops of demons of every shape, a formidable host beyond all description. The woods, gardens, groves, and pastures, the ponds, wells and tanks were all superb; and the soul of a saint would be ravished at the sight of the fair daughters, both of men and Nágas, of gods and Gandharvas. Here wrestlers, of monstrous stature like mountains, were thundering with mighty voice and grappling with one another in the different courts, with shouts of mutual defiance. Thousands of warriors of huge bulk were sedulously guarding the city on all four sides; elsewhere horrid demons were banqueting in the form of buffaloes, men, oxen, asses and goats. Tulsi Dás for this reason gives them a few words of mention, because they lost their life by Ráma's hallowed shafts and thus became assured of entrance into heaven.
Dohá 3.
Seeing the number of the city guards, the monkey thought to himself, 'I must make myself very small and slip into the town by night.'
Chaupái.
Thereupon he assumed the form of a gnat[3] and entered Lanká after invoking Vishnu.[4] The female demon, by name Lankini, accosted him: "How dare you come here in contempt of me ? Fool, do you not know my practice, that every thief in Lanká becomes my prey?" The monkey struck her one such a blow with his fist that she fell to the ground vomiting blood. Recovering herself again, she stood up and with clasped hands made this confident petition: "When Brahma granted Rávan's prayer, the Creator gave me a sign before he left, 'When worsted by a monkey, know then that it is all over with the demons.' My meritorious deeds, my son, must have been very many that I have been rewarded with the sight of Ráma's messenger.
Dohá 4.
In one scale of the balance put the bliss of heaven and the final emancipation of the soul from the body, but it will be altogether outweighed by a fraction of the joy that results from communion with the saints.
Chaupái.
Enter the city and accomplish your task, ever mindful at heart of the lord of Kosala. Deadly poison becomes as ambrosia, foes turn friends, a puddle becomes an ocean, fire gives out cold and the bulk of Sumeru weighs no heavier than a grain of sand, for him whom Ráma deigns to regard with favour." In the tiny form that he had assumed, Hanumán entered the city with a prayer to God. Carefully inspecting every separate palace, he found everywhere warriors innumerable. When he had come to Rávan's court, its magnificence was past all telling. The monkey saw him in bed asleep, but no trace of Síta in the room. He then noticed another splendid building, with a temple of Hari standing apart, its walls brilliantly illuminated with Ráma's name, too beautiful to describe, it fascinated every beholder.
Dohá 5.
The beauty of the chamber emblazoned with Ráma's insignia was indescribable. At the sight of some fresh sprigs of tulsi, the monkey chief was enraptured.
Chaupái.
"Lanká is the abode of a gang of demons, how can the pious have any home here?" While the monkey was thus reasoning within himself, Vibhíshan awoke and at once began to repeat Ráma's name in prayer. The monkey was delighted to find a true believer. "Shall I at once make myself known to him? A good man will never spoil any undertaking." Assuming the form of a Bráhman, he raised his voice in speech. As soon as Vibhíshan heard him, he rose to meet him, and bowing low, asked after his welfare, saying, "Tell me, reverend Sir, who you may be; if a servant of Hari, you have my hearty affection; if a loving follower of Ráma, your visit is a great honour for me."
Dohá 6.
"Hanumán then told him Ráma's whole history and his own name. At the recital and the recollection of his infinite virtues, both quivered all over the body, while their soul was downed in joy.
Chaupái.
"Hearken, Son of the Wind; my condition here is like that of the poor tongue between the teeth. Yet do not suppose, Father, that I am friendless: the Lord of the Solar race will show me favour. The sinful body is of no avail, if the soul has no love for his lotus feet. But now, Hanumán, I have gained confidence; for it is only by Hari's favour that one meets a good man, and it is the result of his kindness that you have so readily revealed yourself to me." "Listen, Vibhíshan, to my experience of the Lord; he is ever affectionate to his servants. Say who am I and of what noble descent; a wanton monkey, of no merit whatever, a creature the mention of whose name in the early morning makes a man go fasting for the whole day.
Dohá 7.
So mean am I; yet hearken, friend; Raghubír has shown favour even to me." His eyes filled with tears as he recalled his perfection.
Chaupái.
"I know of a truth that any who turns aside in forgetfulness of such a lord may well be miserable." As he thus discoursed on Ráma's excellencies, he felt an unspeakable calm. Vibhíshan then told him of all that had been going on and of Sita's mode of life, till Hanumán cried: "Hearken, brother; I would fain see the august Síta." Vibhíshan explained to him the whole mode of procedure, and the Son of the Wind then took his leave and proceeded on his way. Assuming the same form as at first he went to the Asoka grove, where Síta dwelt. As soon as he saw her, he mentally prostrated himself in her presence. She had spent the first watch of the night sitting up, haggard in appearance, her hair knotted in a single braid on her head,[5] repeating to herself the list of Raghupati's perfections;
Dohá 8.
Her eyes fastened on her own feet, but with her soul absorbed in the contemplation of the feet of her lord. Hanumán was mightily distrest to see her so sad.
Chaupái.
Concealing himself behind the branches of a tree, he mused within himself: "Come, sir, what ought I to do?" At that very moment Rávan drew near, with a troop of women in various attire. The wretch tried in every way to talk Sita over, by blandishments, bribes, threats and misrepresentations. "Hearken, fair dame," he cried, "I will make Mandodari and all my other queens your handmaids, I swear it, if you only give me one look." Síta plucked a blade of grass, and with averted face, fondly remembering her own dear lord, replied; "Hearken, Rávan: will the lotus expand at the light of a glowworm? Ponder this at heart," cried Jánaki; "Wretch, have you no fear of Ráma's shafts? Even though absent, Hari will rescue me. Shameless monster, have you no shame?
Dohá 9.
I tell you, you are but a glowworm, while the very sun is only an image of Ráma." On hearing this bold speech he drew his sword and cried in the utmost fury:
Chaupái.
"Síta, you have outraged me; I will cut off your head with this biting blade. If you do not at once obey my words, you will lose your life, my lady." "My lord's arms, Rávan, are beautiful as a string of dark lotuses and mighty as an elephant's trunk; either they shall have my neck, or if not, then your cruel sword. Hearken, wretch, to this my solemn vow. With your gleaming scimitar[6] put an end to my distress, and let the fiery anguish that I endure for Ráma's loss be quenched in night by the sharp blade of your sword; rid me," cried Síta, "of my burden of pain." On hearing these words he again rushed forward to kill her; but the daughter of Maya restrained him with words of admonition. He then summoned all the female demons and ordered them to go and intimidate Sita; 'if she does not mind what I say in a month's time, I will draw my sword and slay her.'
Dohá 10.
Rávan then returned to the palace, while the demonesses, assuming every kind of hideous form, proceeded to terrify Sita.
Chaupái.
One of them, by name Trijatá, was devoted to Ráma's service, prudent and wise. She declared to them all a dream, how that they for their own sake ought to show Sita reverence. "In my dream a monkey set fire to Lanká, and put to death the whole demon army, and set Rávan on an ass, naked, with his head shorn and his twenty arms hacked off. In this fashion he went away towards the south,[7] while Vibhíshan succeeded to the throne of Lanká. The city resounded with cries for mercy in Ráma's name, till the Lord sent Sita among them. I deliberately warn you that four days hence this dream will be accomplished." Upon hearing her words, they were all dismayed and went and threw themselves at Sita's feet,
Dohá 11.
after which they dispersed in every direction. But Síta was troubled at heart: 'At the end of a month[8] this vile monster will slay me.'
Chaupái.
With clasped hands she cried to Trijatá: "Mother, you are my helper in distress; quickly devise some plan that I may be rid of life, for this intolerable bereavement is no longer to be endured. Bring wood and erect my funeral pyre and then set fire to it. My affection, reverend dame, will thus be attesed." Who could bear to listen to such an agonizing cry ? When she heard her speech, she clasped her feet and would fain comfort her by reciting the majesty and might and glory of her lord. "Hearken, fair lady; there is no fire to be had at night;" and so saying she went away home. Sitá exclaimed: "Heaven is unkind; without fire my pain cannot be cured. I see the heaven all bright with sparks, but not a single star drops to the earth. The moon is all ablaze, but no fire comes from it, as if it knew what a poor wretch I am. Ye Asoka trees,[9] that hear my prayer, answer to your name and rid me of my pain; and you flame-coloured opening buds, supply me with fire to consume my body." A single moment seemed like an age to the monkey, as he beheld Sita thus piteously lamenting her bereavement.
Dohá 12.
After taking thought within himself he threw down the signet ring, as though a spark had fallen from the Asoka. She started up with joy and clasped it in her hand.
Chaupái.
When she had looked at the lovely ring, beautifully engraved with Ráma's name, she was all astonishment, for she recognized it, and her heart fluttered with mingled joy and sorrow. "Who can conquer the unconquerable Raghurái? This cannot be any trick of Maya." All sorts of fancies passed through her mind, till Hanumán spoke in honeyed accents and began to recount Rámchandra's praises. As Síta listened, her grief took flight. Intently she hearkened with all her soul as well as her ears while he related the whole story from the very beginning. "The tale you tell is so grateful to my ears; why do you not show yourself, friend ?" Then Hanumán advanced and drew near. She turned and sunk to the ground in bewilderment, "Noble Jánaki, I am Ráma's messenger; the Fountain of mercy himself attests my truth. I have brought this ring, lady, which Ráma gave me for you as a token." "Tell me how can monkeys consort with man?" He then explained how they had come together.
Dohá 13.
On hearing the monkey's affectionate speech, her soul trusted him, and she recognized him as a faithful follower of the All-merciful.
Chaupái.
On perceiving him to be one of Hari's worshippers, she felt an intense affection for him; her eyes filled with tears, her body quivered with emotion. "O Hanumán, I was sinking in the ocean of bereavement; but in you, my friend, I have found a ship. Tell me now of their welfare, I adjure you; how is the blessed Kharári and how is his brother? Raghurái is tender-hearted and merciful, why, O monkey, should he affect such cruelty? The mere sound of his voice is a delight to his servants. Does he ever deign to remember me? Will my eyes, friend, be ever gladdened by the sight of his dark and delicate body?" Words failed, her eyes swam with tears. "Alas! my lord has entirely forgotten me." Seeing Sita thus distracted by her bereavement, the monkey replied in gentle and respectful tones: "Lady, your lord and his brother are both well, save that the All-merciful sorrows for your sorrow. Do not imagine, madam, that Ráma's affection is a whit less than your own.
Dohá 14.
Take courage now and listen to Ráma's message." So saying, the monkey's voice failed him and his eyes filled with tears.
Chaupái.
Then he proceeded to tell her of Ráma's forlorn condition. "Every thing—says he—is changed into its opposite. The fresh buds upon the trees burn like fire; night seems as the night of death, and the moon scorches like the sun. A bed of lotuses seems a prickly brake, and the rain-clouds drop boiling oil. The trees only add to my pain, and the softest and most fragrant breeze is like the breath of a serpent. Nothing relieves my torture, and to whom can I declare it? for there is no one who will understand. The essence of such love as yours and mine, my beloved, only my own soul can comprehend, and this my soul is always with you. Know such to be the profundity of my love." As the Videhan princess listened to Ráma's message, she became so absorbed in love as to have no thought for herself. Said the monkey: "Lady, compose yourself, remembering that Ráma is a benefactor to all who serve him. Reflect upon his might and, as you listen to my speech, discard all anxiety.
Dohá 15.
The demon crew are like moths and Raghupati's arrows as a flame; be stout of heart, madam, and rest assured that they will all be consumed.
Chaupái.
If Raghubír only knew, he would make no delay. Ráma's shafts, like the rays of the rising sun, will scatter the darkling demon host. I would have carried you away at once myself, but, I swear to you by Ráma, that I have not received his order to do so. Wait patiently, madam, for a few days, and he will arrive with his monkeys, will slaughter the demons, and take you away, so that Nárad and the other seers will glorify him in all the three spheres of creation." "Are all the monkeys, my son, like you? the demon warriors are very powerful, and my soul is sorely disquieted." On hearing this, the monkey showed himself in his natural form, his body in bulk like a mountain of gold, terrible in battle, and of vast strength; then Síta took comfort at heart, and he again resumed a diminutive apppearance.
Dohá 16.
"Hearken, lady; the monkeys have no great strength or wit of their own, but by the Lord's favour even a snake, small as it is, might swallow Garúr."
Chaupái.
As she hearkened to the monkey's speech, so full of glorious faith and noble confidence, her mind became easy; she recognized his love for Ráma and gave him her blessing: "May you abound, my son, in all strength and virtue; may neither age nor death affect your good qualities, and may you be ever constant in your devotion to Ráma, and may the Lord be gracious to you." Hearing these words, Hanumán became utterly overwhelmed with emotion; again and again he bowed his head at her feet, and with clapsed hands spoke thus: "Now, lady, I am fully rewarded; for your blessing is known to be effectual. But hearken, madam, I am frightfully hungry and I see the trees laden with delicious fruit." "Know, my son, that this grove is guarded by most valiant and formidable demons." "I am not afraid of them, mother, if only you will keep your mind easy."
Dohá 17.
Seeing the monkey so strong and sagacious, Jánaki said: "Go, my son, and eat of this pleasant fruit, with your heart fixed on Hari's feet."
Chaupái.
He bowed his head and went and entered the garden and having eaten of the fruit began breaking down the trees. A number of stalwart watchmen were posted there; some he killed, the others went and called for help: "My lord, an enormous monkey has come and rooted up the Asoka grove; he has eaten the fruit and broken down the trees, and with many a blow laid the watchmen on the ground." On hearing this, Rávan despatched a number of his champions. At the sight of them Hanumán roared like thunder and overthrew the whole demon host; a few, more dead than alive, ran off shrieking. He then sent the young prince Aksha, who took with him an immense number of his best warriors. Seeing them approach he seized a tree, which he brandished and with an awful roar swept them down with it.
Dohá 18.
Some he hacked, some he crushed, some he laid low in the dust; some got back and cried "My lord, this monkey is too strong for us."
Chaupái.
When he heard of his son's death, the king of Lanká was furious, and he sent the valiant Meghnád. "Do not kill him, my son, but bind him; I would fain see this monkey and where he has come from." Indrajit[10] sallied forth, a peerless champion, full of fury at the tidings of his brother's death. When the monkey saw this formidable warrior draw near, he ground his teeth, and with a roar rushed forward and tore up a tree of enormous size, with which he swept the prince of Lanká from his car. As for the mighty men of war who accompanied him, he seized them one by one and crushed them by his weight. Having finished them off, he closed with their leader. It was like the encounter of two lordly elephants. After striking him a blow with his fist, he went and climbed a tree, while for a moment a swoon came over his antagonist. But again he arose and practised many enchantments; still the Wind god's son was not to be vanquished.
Dohá 19.
On his making ready Brahma's magical weapon,[11] the monkey thought within himself, "If I do not submit to Brahma's shaft, its infinite virtue will have failed."
Chaupái.
He launched the magic dart against the monkey, who overthrew a host as he fell. When he saw that he had swooned, he bound him with a running noose and carried him off. Observe, Bhaváni; the messenger of the god, by the repetition of whose name wise men cut the bonds of existence, himself came under bondage, or rather in his lord's service submitted to be bound. When the demons heard that the monkey had been bound, they all rushed to the palace to see the sight. The majesty of Rávan's court on the monkey's arrival there struck him as being beyond all description. The gods and regents of the air, standing humbly with clasped hands, were all in dismay, if they saw him frown. But the monkey's soul was no more disturbed at the sight of his majesty than Garúr would be frightened by any number of snakes.
Dohá 20.
When Rávan saw the monkey, he laughed aloud and mocked him; then again he remembered his son's death and his soul grew sad.
Chaupái.
Said the King of Lanká: Who are you, monkey, and by whose might have you wrought the destruction of the grove? What, do not you hear me? I see you are an uncommonly bold varlet. For what offence did you put the demons to death? Speak, wretch; as you value your life." "Hearken, Rávan; He by whose might Maya creates this universal sphere; by whose might Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva produce, maintain and destroy the world; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent supports on his pate the mundane egg with its mountains and forests; who assumes various forms in order to befriend the gods and to give a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva's stubborn bow and crushed your pride and that of the assembled kings: who slew Khara and Dúshan and Trisira and Báli, in spite of their matchless strength:
Dohá 21.
By the slightest exercise of whose might the entire mass of creation, animate and inanimate, exists; he it is whose messenger I am, and it is his beloved spouse whom you have stolen away.
Chaupái.
I know your power; you had a fight with Sahasra-bhuj, and also gained renown in your conflict with Báli." He heard what the monkey said, but smiled as though he heard not. "I eat the fruit, my lord, because I was hungry, and then like a monkey began breaking the boughs. Every one, master, loves his life more than aught else; those good-for-nothing fellows fell upon me, and I gave them blow for blow. Thereupon your son put me in bonds—bonds that I am in no way ashamed of—for my only object is to accomplish my master's business. Rávan, I implore you with folded hands, abandon your pride and attend to my advice. Have some consideration for your own family; cease to go astray and adore him, who relieves his worshippers from every anxiety Never fight against him, for fear of whom Death trembles exceedingly; even Death, who devours all else, gods and demons, animate and inanimate creation alike. Give up Sita, as I tell you.
Dohá 22.
Ráma is the protector of suppliants; Kharári is a very ocean of compassion; turn to him for protection, and the Lord will forget your offences and will shelter you.
Chaupái.
Take Ráma's lotus feet to your heart and reign for ever at Lanká. The glory of saint Pulastya[12] is stainless as the moon; do not make yourself a spot on its brightness. Unless Ráma's name be in it, no speech has any charm: Think and see for yourself, apart from pride and vanity. Without her clothes, Rávan, a modest woman, however richly adorned with jewels, is a shameful sight; and so is wealth, or dominion, without Ráma, gone at once, gotten as if not gotten at all. Those rivers, that have no perennial source, flow only after rain and then soon dry up again. Hearken, Rávan; I tell you on my oath, if Ráma is against you, there is none who can save you. Siva, Sesh-nág, Vishnu and Brahma cannot protect you, if you are Ráma's enemy.
Dohá 23.
Arrogance is a root fruitful of many thorns; abandon violence and pride, and worship Ráma, the prince of the Raghu race, the Ocean of Compassion, the Lord God."
Chaupái.
Though the monkey bespoke him in such friendly wise, in words full of faith and discretion, piety and sound judgment, he laughed and replied with the highest disdain: "What a sage adviser I have found, and in a monkey too! Wretch, you have come within an inch of death for daring to give me such vile counsel." "It will be contrariwise " said Hanumán; "you will acknowledge the error of your soul, I know well." On hearing the monkey's words, he ground his teeth in a fury. "Quick, some of you, and put an end to this fool's life." The demons obeyed and rushed forward to slay him, but Vibhíshan and his ministers advanced and bowing the head made humble petition: "It is against all state craft; an ambassador must not be killed. Punish him in some other way, Sire." All exclaimed to one another, 'this is sound counsel, friend.' Rávan on hearing it, replied with a langh: "Let the monkey go then, but mutilate him first.
Dohá 24.
A monkey is proud of his tail" (so he went on to say), "bind it with rags steeped in oil and then set fire to them.
Chaupái.
The poor tail-less wretch can then go back and fetch his master, and I shall have an opportuuity of seeing his might, whom he has so extravagantly exalted." The monkey smiled to himself to hear this. 'Sárad, I know, will help me.' Obedient to Rávan's command the demons began making their foolish preparations. Not a rag was left in the city nor a drop of ghi or oil, to such a length the tail had grown. Then they made sport of him. The citizens crowded to see the sight, and struck him with their feet and jeered him greatly, and with beating of drums and clapping of hands they took him through the city and set fire to his tail. When Hanumán saw the fire blazing, he at once reduced himself to a very diminutive size, and slipping out of his bonds sprang on to the upper story of the gilded palace, to the dismay of the giants' wives.
Dohá 25.
That instant the forty-nine winds,[13] whom Hari had sent, began to blow; the monkey shouted with roars of laughter and swelled so big that he touched the sky.
Chaupái.
Of enormous stature and yet marvellous agility, he leaped and ran from palace to palace. As the city was thus set on fire, the people were at their wits' end; for the terrible flames burst forth in countless millions of places. "Alas! father and mother, hearken to my cry: who will save us now? As I said, this is no monkey, but some god in monkey form. This is the result of not taking a good man's advice; our city is burnt down as though it had no protector." The city was consumed in an instant of time, save only Vibhíshan's house; the reason why it escaped, Bhaváni, was that he who sent the messenger had also created the fire. After the whole of Lanká had been turned upside down and given over to the flames, he threw himself into the middle of the sea.
Dohá 26.
After extinguishing his tail and recovering from his fatigue, he assumed his old diminutive form and went and stood before Jánaki, with hands clasped in prayer.
Chaupái.
"Be pleased, madam, to give me some token, such as Ráma gave me." She unfastened the jewel in her hair and gave it him.[14] The Son of the Wind received it gladly. "Salute him respectfully for me, my son, with these words: 'my lord, you never fail to fulfil desire and are renowned as the suppliant's friend; relieve me then from my grievous distress.' Repeat to him, friend, the story of Indra's son,[15] and remind my lord of the might of his arrows. If he does not come within a month, he will never find me alive. Tell me, monkey, how can I keep myself alive; for you now, my son, speak of going, and it is only the sight of you that has given me any comfort: henceforth day and night will seem to me both alike."
Dohá 27.
He did everything he could to console Síta and inspire her with confidence, and then bowed his head at her lotus feet and set forth to rejoin Ráma.
Chaupái.
As he went, he roared aloud with such a terrible noise that the wives of the demons, who heard it, were overtaken by premature childbirth. Crossing the sea with a bound, he arrived on this side and uttered a cry of joy for the monkeys to hear. At the sight of Hanumán, they were as delighted as if they had been given a new spell of life. "Your face is so glad and your whole body so radiant that you cannot but have accomplished Ráma's commission." All greeted him with as much delight as an expiring fish feels when it gets back into the water; and they set out with joy to rejoin Ráma, talking as they went of all that had lately occurred. When they had reached the Madhu-ban, with Angad's consent they began eating the luscious fruit; the watchman tried to stop them, but were beaten off with fisticuffs. They then fled,
Dohá 28.
erying out that the prince had laid waste the garden. Sugríva rejoiced at the news: "The monkey must have returned after successfully completing his master's business.
Chaupái.
If they had not got news of Síta, they would never have eaten the fruit of the Madhu-ban." While the king was thus reasoning within himself, Hanumán and his party arrived. They at once bowed the head at his feet, and he received them with all possible cordiality and asked of their welfare. "It is well with us now that we have seen your feet. By Ráma's favour the business has turned out excellently. Hanumán has accomplished his lord's purpose and has saved the life of us all." On hearing this, Sugríva again embraced him and then went on with the monkeys to where Ráma was. When Ráma saw them coming, he was greatly delighted at the completion of the business. The two brothers were seated on a crystal rock and all the monkeys went and fell at their feet.
Dohá 29.
Raghupati in his infinite tenderness greeted them all with much affection and asked of their welfare. "All is well with us, my lord, now that we have seen your lotus feet."
Chaupái.
Said Jámavant; "Hearken, Raghu-ráya; anyone, my lord, on whom you show favour will always be prosperous for ever; gods, men and saints will be gracious to him; though victorious he will still remain modest and amiable, and his glory will irradiate all the three spheres of creation. By my lord's favour the task has been accomplished, and to-day we may well say that our life has been worth living. My lord, to tell the whole of Hanumán's doings would be too much for a thousand tongues." Jámavant then proceeded to inform Ráma of Hanumán's principal exploits. The All-merciful was charmed by the recital and again in his joy clasped Hanumán to his bosom. "Tell me, son, how Jánaki is, and how she keeps life in her body."
Dohá 30.
"Your name is sentinel over her by night and day; her contemplation of you is as a prison-gate; her eyes are the fetters for her feet; how then is it possible for her life to flit away?
Chaupái.
When I was leaving, she gave me this jewel from her hair." Raghupati took and clasped it to his heart, while his eyes overflowed with tears. "And did Sita send any message also?" "Embrace the feet of my lord and his brother, erying, O friend of the poor, reliever of the suppliant's distress; in heart, word and deed, I am devoted to your service; for what offence, my lord, have you deserted me? Of one fault I am myself conscious, in that I still continue to live, though separated from you. But this, my lord, is the fault of my eyes which prevent my soul from taking flight. In this furnace of bereavement which is fanned by my sighs, my body is as it were a heap of cotton and would be consumed in a moment, but my eyes drop such a flood in self-commiseration that it cannot catch fire. Síta's distress is so utterly overwhelming and you are so pitiful that it is better not to describe it.
Dohá 31.
O fountain of mercy, cach single moment seems an age ere it passes. Set out at once, my lord, and with your mighty arm vanquish the miscreant crew and deliver her."
Chaupái.
On hearing of Síta's distress, the lotus eyes of the Lord, the abode of bliss, overflowed with tears. "When in thought, word and deed, a believer follows in my steps, what ought he to know of misfortune?" Said Hanumán: "There is no misfortune, my lord, except to forget you and your worship. Of what account are the demons to' my lord, who can rout them at once and recover Sita." "Hearken, O monkey; neither god, nor man, nor saint that has ever been born into this world, has been such a benefactor to me as you. What return can I make you? There is none that occurs to my mind. Mark me, my son; I am not free from my obligation to you; I will think and see what I can do." Again and again as the deliverer of the gods gazed upon the monkey, his eyes filled with tears and his whole body quivered with emotion.
Dohá 32.
As he listened to his lord's words and looked upon his face, Hanumán was enraptured, and in an ecstasy of love fell at his feet, crying, 'save me, save me, O my Lord God.'
Chaupái.
Again and again his lord sought to raise him up, but he was so absorbed in devotion that he would not rise. (As he called to mind the Lord with his lotus hands thus placed on the monkey's head, Siva himself was overcome with emotion; but again, restraining his feelings, he proceeded, with the charming narrative.) After raising the monkey, the Lord embraced him and took him by the hand and seated him close by his side: "Tell me, O monkey, about Rávan's stronghold, of Lanká, and how you were able in such an offhand way to burn down his fort." Seeing his lord so gracious, Hanumán replied in terms of singular modesty: "A monkey forsooth is a creature of singular prowess to skip about as he does from bough to bough. When I leaped across the sea, burnt down the golden city, routed the demon host and laid waste the grove, it was all done through your power, Raghurái; it was no strength of mine, my lord.
Dohá 33.
Nothing is difficult for him to whom you are propitious; a mere shred of cotton, were it your pleasure, could burn up the whole submarine fire."[16]
Chaupái.
The Lord smiled much to hear these words, and recognized him as indeed a loving servant. "Ask of me a boon, my son, some choice blessing; to-day I will make you happy for ever." " Faith, my lord, is the greatest of blessings; of your favour grant me this else unattainable boon." On hearing the monkey's pious request the Lord, Bhaváni, responded. 'So be it.' O Umá, he who knows Ráma's true nature can take pleasure in nothing but his worship: and he who takes this truth to heart has attained to the virtue of faith in Ráma. When the assembled monkeys heard the Lord's reply, they cried 'glory, glory, glory, to the All-merciful, the All-blessed.' Raghupati then summoned the monkey-chief and told him to make preparations for the march: "What need now for any delay? At once issue orders to the monkeys." The gods, who had witnessed the spectacle, rained down many flowers and returned with joy from the lower air to their own celestial spheres.
Dohá 34.
In obedience to Sugríva's summons all his hosts of captains came in, differing in colour, but all unequalled in strength, a vast multitude of monkeys and bears.
Chaupái.
They bowed the head at the Lord's lotus feet, those roaring bears and gigantic monkeys. Ráma beheld all the monkey host, and turned upon them the gracious glance of his lotus eyes. Each monkey chief was as much emboldened by his favour as Sumeru would be by the recovery of his wings.[17] Ráma then sallied forth exulting, and many were the glad and auspicious omens that befell him. It was only befitting that his march should be attended by favourable omens, since in him abide all glory and auspiciousness. Jánaki knew of his departure, for her left side throbbed as if to tell her. Every good omen that befell her was converted into an omen of ill for Rávan. Who could adequately describe the army on the road, with the terrible roaring of the monkeys and the bears, how they marched, brandishing rocks and trees and with their talons for weapons, now in the heaven and now on earth, as the fancy moved them. They bellowed as if with the voice of a tiger; earth shook and the elephants of the eight quarters trembled.
Chhand 1-2.
The elephants of the eight quarters trembled, the earth reeled, the mountains tottered, and the ocean was agitated; the sun and the moon, gods, saints, Nágas, and Kinnars, all rejoiced to know that their troubles were over. Myriads upon myriads of enormous fighting monkeys pressed onwards, snapping and snarling, singing glory to Ráma's conquering might and hymning the praises of Kosala's lord. The huge serpent king could not snpport the burden; he staggered again and again, but each time saved himself by clutching in his jaws the hard shell of the tortoise; as though he had mastered the stupendous theme of Raghu-bír's glorious expedition, and were inscribing it on the tortoise's back as the most imperishable material to be had.
Dohá 35.
In such wise the All-merciful marched onwards, till he arrived at the sea-shore, where the host of bears and fighting monkeys began to devour all the fruit they found.
Chaupái.
On the other hand the demons had been living in great fear, ever since the time the monkey had left, after burning down the city. Every one kept at home thinking to himself: "There is no hope of safety for the demon race; if his messenger was so unspeakably powerful, how can the city escape when he comes himself." When Mandodari was informed of what the people were saying, she was still more distrest, and with clasped hands fell at her lord's feet and thus besought him, in words full of sound judgment: "O my husband, cease to contend against Hari: take my words to your heart as most wholesome advice. His mere messenger did such deeds that our matrons, on hearing of them, were overtaken by premature labour; if then you desire your own welfare, call your ministers and send him back his wife. As a frosty night comes upon a bed of lotuses, so has Síta come for the ruin of your race. Hearken, my lord; unless you give up Síta, neither Sambhu nor Brahma can help you.
Dohá 36.
Ráma's arrows are like serpents, and the demon host so many frogs; delay not, but do the best you can before they have snapped you up."
Chaupái.
The monster heard her prayer and laughed aloud; his arrogance is known throughout the world. "A woman is naturally cast in a timorous mould, and even in prosperity has a mind ill at ease. If the monkey army comes, the poor wretches will all be eaten up by the demons. The very guardians of the spheres tremble for fear of me; it is quite absurd for my wife to be afraid." So saying he laughed and embraced her, and then full of inordinate conceit proceeded to the council-chamber. But Mandodari was sore troubled at heart, saying, 'Heaven is against my lord.' While he was sitting in court, he received intelligence that the whole army had crossed the sea. Then he enquired of his ministers, 'Tell me what you think best to be done.' They all laughed and replied, "Remain quiet. You have conquered gods and demons without any trouble; of what account can men and monkeys be?"
Dohá 37.
When these three, a minister, a physician and a spiritual adviser, use fair words either from fear or hope of reward, dominion, religion and health are all three quickly destroyed.
Chaupái.
This was all the help that Rávan got; they did nothing but sound his praises. Perceiving his opportunity, Vibhíshan came and bowed his head at his brother's feet, then again bowing took his seat on his throne and after obtaining permission spoke thus: "As you graciously ask of me my opinion, I declare it, Sire, to the best of my ability. If you desire your own welfare and glory, with a reputation for wisdom, a prosperous issue and every other happiness, turn away from the face of another man's wife as from the moon on its fourth day.[18] Though a man were lord of the fourteen spheres, he cannot set himself to oppose the Universal. However amiable and accomplished a person may be, no one will speak well of him if he shows even the slightest covetousness.
Dohá 38.
Lust, passion, vanity, and covetousness are all paths that lead to hell: abjure them and worship Raghubir, whom all the saints worship.
Chaupái.
Ráma, my brother, is no mortal king, but the sovereign of the universe, the Fate of Fate itself, the Supreme Spirit, the imperishable and uncreated God, the benefactor of cows and of Bráhmans, of the earth and of the gods: who in his infinite mercy has assumed the form of humanity, to rejoice his votaries and to break the ranks of the impious; the champion of the Veda and true religion, the saviour of the immortals. Cease to fight against him and humbly bow the head. Raghunáth relieves the distress of every suppliant. O my lord, give him back Sita and worship him with disinterested affection. The lord has never abandoned any one who has fled to him for protection, though he were guilty of having ruined the whole world. Know of a truth, Rávan, that it is the Lord, he who has for name 'the saviour from every calamity,' who has now appeared among us.
Dohá 39.
Again and again I lay my head at your feet and utter this my prayer: have done with pride, arrogance and conceit, and worship Ráma. These are the words which Saint Pulastya sent in a message to me, and I have at once taken this opportunity of repeating them to you, Sire."
Chaupái.
One of his wisest counsellors, Mályaván, was greatly rejoiced to hear this speech. "Take to heart, my son, this admirable counsel which your brother Vibhishan has given you. These two villains who thus magnify my enemies, is there no one here who will rid me of them? "Mályaván thereupon returned home, but Vibhíshan with clasped hands spoke yet again: "In every one's breast, my lord, so the Vedas and Puránas declare, either wisdom or unwisdom finds a dwelling. Where wisdom dwells, there too is every kind of prosperity; and where unwisdom, there is final destruction. In your breast malignant unwisdom has established herself; you take your friends for enemies and your greatest enemy for a friend, being thus extravagantly enamoured of this Síta, who is the very night of Death for the whole demon race.
Dohá 40.
My brother, I clasp your feet and imploro you to take my words in good part: restore Síta to Ráma; it will be much to your advantage.
Chaupái.
Though the words that Vibhíshan spoke were wise and prudent, and supported by the authority of the Vedas and Puránas, the Ten-headed rose in a fury at hearing them: "Wretch, you are within an inch of your death. It is all owing to me, you villain, that you have been able to live at all; and yet, fool as you are, you take the side of my enemies. Can you tell me, wretch, of any one in the whole world, whom I have not conquered by the might of my arm. You live in my capital, but are in love with hermits; you had better go to them, if you want to preach." So saying, he spurned him with a kick; but he still continued to clasp him by the feet. "You are as it were my father; kill me, if you think proper; but, O my lord, to worship Ráma would be far better for you." This is the virtue of the saints, Umá, that they return good for evil. Taking his ministers with him, he went his way through the air, proclaiming aloud to them all:
Dohá 41.
"Ráma is the very soul of truth; your courtiers, my lord, are overpowered by fate; I will now take refuge with Raghu-bír; lay no blame to me."
Chaupái.
After Vibhíshan had left with these words, it was all over with everyone of them. Disrespect to a saint, Bhaváni, brings speedy ruin on the most prosperous undertaking. As soon as Vibhíshan had left, Rávan lost all his glory and good fortune. But he rejoiced as he went to meet Ráma, and revolved in his mind many agreeable anticipations: "I am about to behold his lotus feet, so roseate, so soft, so beneficent to all who wait upon them; at whose touch the Rishi's wife was delivered from the curse and the Dandaka forest was sanctified; feet that Sita cherished in her bosom, even while they ran to seize the delusive deer; lotus feet in Siva's lake-like heart; how blest am I who am now about to see them!
Dohá 42.
"With these very eyes shall I this day behold the feet, whose shoes even Bharat keeps clasped to his heart."
Chaupái.
With such loving fancies to occupy his mind, he quickly arrived on this side the ocean. When the monkeys saw Vibhíshan coming, they took him to be some special envoy. So they stopt him and went to their chief and told him all the circumstances. Said Sugríva: "Hearken, Raghurái; Rávan's brother has come to see you." The lord replied: "What do you advise, friend?" The monkey king rejoined: "Mark my words, Sire; the craft of these demons is past all telling. Why should he come thus of his own accord? The villain's object is to spy out our secrets. My idea is that we ought to keep him prisoner." "Friend, you have reasoned with much worldly wisdom; but I have a vow to befriend all suppliants." Hanumán was delighted to hear these words from the Lord, the God who shows compassion on all who flee to him.
Dohá 43.
"The men who abandon a suppliant, from suspicion that he may be an enemy, are vile and criminal, and misfortune will keep her eye upon them.
Chaupái.
I would not abandon any one who had fled to me for protection, even though he had been guilty of the murder of a million Bráhmans. Directly any creature appears before me, I blot out the sins of all his past lives. No one who is essentially wicked can delight in my service; if he is really bad at heart, how can he come into my presence. Only a man of pure soul can find me; I take no pleasure in hypocrisy, deceit and vice. Rávan may have sent him as a spy; but even so, O king, we need not fear any loss. All the demons, my friend, that the whole world contains, Lakshman could rout in a singie moment. If he has come out of fear, to sue for mercy, I will protect him as I would my own life.
Dohá 44.
In either case bring him here." Thus spake the All-merciful with a smile. "Glory to the lord of mercy" cried the monkey as he went, taking with him Angad and Hanumán.
Chaupái.
The monkeys respectfully escorted him into the presence of the all-merciful Ráma. He beheld from a distance the two brothers, the delight of all men's eyes, the givers of every blessing; then looking again upon Ráma's perfect beauty, he stood stock still, with all his gaze intently fixed upon the long arms, the lotus eyes and dark-hued body of the suppliant's friend, his lion-like shoulders and magnificent broad chest and his charming face, that would ravish the soul of Kámadeva himself. With streaming eyes and trembling limbs he at last made bold to speak in accents mild: "My lord, I am Rávan's brother; Champion of heaven, I have been born of demon race, with a savage temperament, as naturally prone to evil as an owl is partial to the night.
Dohá 45.
I have heard with my ears of your glory and have come; O my lord, save me, save me; you who are the deliverer from all life's troubles, the remover of distress, the friend of the suppliant, Raghu-bír."
Chaupái.
So saying he prostrated himself; but at the sight the Lord arose in haste with much delight, being pleased to hear his humble address, and took him in his mighty arms and clasped him to his breast; then with his brother seated him by his side, and to calm his votary's fears spake thus: "Tell me, prince of Lanká, is it all well with you and your family. Your home is in an ill place. How, my friend, can one practise the duties of religion, when encompassed day and night by wicked men? I know all your circumstances, your proficiency in virtue, your aversion to evil. God keep us from evil communications: 'twere better, my son, to live in hell." "Now that I have seen your feet, O Ráma, it is all well with me, since you have recognized me as one of your worshippers and have shown mercy upon me.
Dohá 46.
No creature can be happy, or even dream of rest to his soul, till he worship Ráma, after forswearing lust, that fountain of remorse.
Chaupái.
"So long as the heart is peopled by that villainous crew, avarice, sensuality, selfishness, arrogance and pride, there is no room there for Raghunáth, with his bow and arrows and quiver by his side. The intensely dark night of selfishness, so agreeable to the owl-like passions of love and hate, abides in the soul only until the rising of the sun-like lord. Now I am well, and all my fears are over, in that I have beheld your lotus feet. None of the threefold torments of life has any effect upon him, to whom you in your mercy show favour. I am a demon, utterly vile of nature, who have never observed any pious practices, and yet the lord, to whose vision even the saints have not attained, for all their profound meditation, has been pleased to take me to his heart.
Dohá 47.
"Surely I am blessed beyond measure, and Ráma's grace is most beneficent, in that I behold with my eyes those lotus feet, which even Brahma and Siva adore."
Chaupái.
"Hearken, friend; I will declare to you my characteristics, as known by Bhusundi, Sambhu and Umá. If a man who has been the curse of the whole world comes trembling and looks to me for protection, if he abjures all his pride and sensuality without guile or subterfuge, I make him at once like one of the saints. Father and mother; kinsfolk, children and wife; life and property; home, friends and establishment; in short, every object of natural affection is gathered up as the strands of a rope wherewith to attach his soul to my feet. He regards all things as alike, without any preference, and with a soul unmoved either by joy, sorrow or fear. A saint like this is as fixed in my soul as money is in the heart of a miser. Good men like you are my friends, and it is only for their benefit that I have become incarnate.
Dohá 48.
"Virtuous and devoted believers, who are steadfast in uprightness, strict inbpious observances, and who love and revere Bráhmans, are the men whom I regard as my own soul.
Chaupái.
"Hearken, Prince of Lanká; all these good qualities are yours, and you are therefore very dear to me." On hearing Ráma's speech, all the assembled monkeys exelaimed, 'Glory to the All-merciful!' But Vibhishan, on hearing such ambrosial sounds, could not contain himself; time after time he clasped his lotus feet, his heart bursting with boundless joy. "Hearken, my God, lord of all creation, friend of the suppliant, reader of men's thoughts; I had at first another wish in my mind; but devotion to my lord's feet has come upon me like a torrent and swept it away: now in your mercy grant me such pure faith as that which ever gladdens Siva's soul." 'So be it,' said the Lord, the valiant in fight, and then at once called for water from the sea. "It was not part of your wish, friend, but the sight of me brings a reward with it all over the world." So saying Ráma marked his forehead with the royal tilak: an infinite shower of flowers rained from heaven.
Dohá 49.
Thus did Raghunáth protect the humble Vibhíshan from Rávan's fiery wrath, fanned by the strong blast of his breath, and gave him secure dominion and all the good fortune which Siva had formerly bestowed upon the ten-headed Rávan.
Chaupái.
Men who forsake such a lord to worship any other are mere beasts without the tails and horns. All the monkeys were charmed with the Lord's amiability, who had recognized a servant and claimed him for his own. Then the All-wise, who dwelleth in the hearts of all, assuming any form at will, though himself formless and passionless, the champion of religion, the friend of men, and the destroyer of all the demon race, spoke and said: "Hearken, monkey-king, valiant monarch of Lanká; how are we to cross the deep ocean, full of alligators, serpents and different kinds of sea monsters, of fathomless profundity and absolutely impassable." Vibhíshan replied: "Hearken, Raghu-náyak; your arrows could burn up a thousand seas, but still it would be better policy to go and make petition to the god of ocean.
Dohá 50.
For being your family priest,[19] my lord, he will take thought and suggest some scheme, by which the whole host of bears and monkeys may cross the deep without any trouble."
Chaupái.
"Friend, you have suggested a good idea; let us try it and may fortune be with us." This invocation did not please Lakshman; he was much annoyed at Ráma's words. "Why trust fortune, my lord? give vent to your indignation and dry up the ocean. It is the one resource of a coward in soul to sit still and pray fortune to help him." Raghu-bír laughed to hear this and said: "I shall do it all the same; but never you mind." So saying he went to the shore of the salt sea and there took his seat on grass that he had strewn. Now after Vibhíshan had joined Ráma, Rávan sent spies of his own,
Dohá 51.
who disguised themselves as monkeys, and so saw all that was going on. In their profound admiration of the Lord's generosity and his tenderness to suppliants,
Chaupái.
they loudly extolled his magnanimity and in the intensity of their devotion forgot their disguise. When the monkeys perceived them to be spies from the enemy, they seized them and took them to their chief. Said Sugriva, "Hearken, all you monkeys: just mutilate them and let them go." On receiving this command, the monkeys ran and paraded them in bonds all through the camp, ill-treating them in every possible way and refusing to let them go for all their prayers for mercy, till they cried: 'We adjure you by Ráma not to rob us of our nose and ears.' When Lakshman heard this, he called them all to him, and, being moved with compassion, smiled and had them at once set free: "Give this missive into Rávan's hands and say 'Read, destroyer of your race, what Lakshman says.'
Dohá 52.
Tell the fool also by word of mouth my emphatic command—'Surrender Sita and submit yourself, or it will be your death.'
Chaupái.
The spies bowed the head at Lakshman's feet and set out at once, praising his generosity. Still repeating Ráma's praises, they arrived at Lanká and prostrated themselves before Rávan. The Ten-headed with a smile asked them the news: "Tell me Suka, I pray, of your own welfare, and then let me hear about Vibhíshan, to whom death has drawn very nigh. The fool left Lanká where he was a king; but now the wretehed weevil must be crushed with the wheat. Tell me next what force these bears and monkeys muster, who have come here by command of their evil destiny; though the poor old sea has been soft-hearted enough to spare their lives. Tell me finally about the hermits, whose soul trembles for fear of me.
Dohá 53.
"Did he meet you as a suppliant, or did he take to flight on hearing the report of my renown? Will you tell me nothing about the enemy's might and magnificence? Your wits seem utterly dazed."
Chaupái.
"Of your grace, my lord, be not wrath, but take a blunt reply to a blunt question. As soon as your younger brother joined him, Ráma bestowed upon him the mark of sovereignty. The monkeys, who had heard that we were your spies, put us in bonds and abused us shamefully. They were about to cut off our ears and nose, when we invoked the name of Ráma and they let us go. You ask, my lord, of Ráma's army; a myriad tongues would fail to tell it: such a host of bears and monkeys of diverse hue and gruesome visage, huge and terrible—the one who set fire to the city and slew your son is the very weakest of them all-champions with innumerable names, fierce and unyielding monsters of vast bulk, with the strength of unnumbered elephants.
Dohá 54.
"Dwivid and Mayand, Níla and Nala, Angad and Gada of the mighty sword, Dadhi-mukha and Kehari, the malignant Nisatha and the powerful Jambaván.
Chaupái.
"Each of these monkeys is equal to Sugríva, and who could count all the myriads like them? By Ráma's favour their strength is unbounded; they reckon the three spheres of creation as of no more account than a blade of grass. I have heard say, O Rávan, that the monkey chiefs number eighteen thousand billions; and in the whole of the army, my Iord, there is not a single monkey who would not conquer you in battle. They are all wringing their hands in excess of passion: Why does not Ráma give us some order, either to swallow the ocean with all its fish and serpents, or at least to fill it up with piles of trees and mighty mountains, and then crush Rávan and lay him low in the dust. This is the language that all the monkeys hold. Utterly devoid of fear, they shout and leap about as if they would make Lanká a mere mouthful.
Dohá 55.
"All the bears and monkeys are born warriors, and, moreover, they have the lord Rávan at their head. O Ráma, they could conquer in battle even Death himself, a myriad times over.
Chaupái.
"A hundred thousand Seshnágs would fail to declare all Ráma's glory and power and wisdom. With a single shaft he could burn up a hundred seas, yet so prudent is he that he took advice of your brother and, on hearing his reply, went to the sea and humbly asked the favor of a passage." On hearing this, the Ten-headed smiled: "Truly he showed as much sense then as when he took monkeys for his allies. He has put faith in the words of that arrant coward, my brother, and like a spoiled child, begs of ocean what he will never get. Fool, you have been extolling a mere impostor: I have sounded the depth of my enemy's strength and skill. Where in the world could any one achieve the glory of a triumph, who had such a cowardly counsellor as Vibhíshan." The envoy waxed wrath at the wretch's speech, and thought it a good time to produce the letter. "Ráma's brother gave me this letter: have it read, my lord, and much good may it do you." Rávan smiled and took it with his left hand and told his minister, the wretch, to read it out.
Dohá 56.
"Fool, submit your soul to advice, and do not bring destruction upon all your race; you cannot escape from Ráma's displeasure, even though Vishnu, Brahma and Siva be your protectors. Abandon your pride, and, like your younger brother, fly like a bee to the lotus feet of the lord, or like a moth you will be consumed in your wickedness, you and all your family, by Ráma's arrows of fire."
Chaupái.
The Ten-headed, as he listened, was terror-stricken at heart, but smiled with his lips and cried aloud for all to hear: "He who stretches out his hands to clutch the sky only falls to the ground; a devotee's idle talk is of small account." Said Suka: "My lord, every word is true; be wise and abandon your natural arrogance. Cease from wrath and hearken to my advice; make an end, Sire, of your feud with Ráma. Raghubír is exceedingly mild in disposition, though he is the sovereign of all the world. The Lord will be gracious to you directly you approach him, and will not remember even one of your offences. Restore to him Janak's daughter; this, Sire, is all I ask of you; do it." When he spoke to him of giving up Síta, the wretch spurned him with his foot; but he bowed his head to the ground before him and then went to join the all-merciful Ráma, and after due obeisance told him all that had happened. By Ráma's grace, he recovered his proper rank; for it was by the Rishi Agastya's curse, Bhaváni, that he had become a demon, though still retaining the intelligence of a saint. Now, once more in the form of a saint, after again and again prostrating himself at Ráma's feet, he went his way to his own hermitage.
Dohá 57.
Dullard Ocean made no answer to prayer, though three days had been spent; then cried Ráma in a fury: "He will do me no kindness, unless he is frightened.
Chaupái.
"Lakshman bring me my bow and arrows: with my fiery darts I will dry up the deep. To use entreaties to a churl, to lavish affection upon a rogue, to deal liberally with a born miser, to discourse of divine wisdom with a man devoted to self, to speak of detachment from the world to the covetous, to tell of Hari to a man under the influence of passion or love, is all the same as sowing the sand in hope of a harvest." So saying, Ráma strung his bow, a proceeding that pleased Lakshman mightily. The Lord let fly the terrible shaft; a burning pain ensued in the bosom of ocean; the crocodiles, serpents and fish were all sore distrest. When Ocean perceived that these creatures were burning, he filled a golden dish with all kinds of jewels and humbly presented himself in the form of a Bráhman.
Dohá 58.
Though you may take infinite trouble in watering it, a plantain will not bear fruit, until it has been well trimmed; similarly, mark me, Garur, a mean upstart heeds neither prayers nor compliments, but requires rougher treatment.
Chaupái.
Terrified Ocean clasped the Lord's feet: "Pardon me, Sire, all my offences. Air, wind, fire, water and earth are all, my lord, naturally dull and slow to change. They have been produced by the delusive power that you sent forth with a view to creation—so all the scriptures declare—and as each has been fixed by the Lord's command, so it must remain, to secure its own happiness. My lord has done well in giving me this lesson; but still it was you who first fixed my bounds. A drum, a clown, a churl, a beast, and a woman are all fit subjects for beating. By my lord's favor, I shall be dried up, the army will cross over, and my glory will be at an end; the scriptures declaro the word of the Lord to be unchangeable; do then at once what seemeth you good."
Dohá 59.
The Lord smiled to hear this exceedingly humble speech, and said, "Tell me, father, some device, how the monkey host may cross over?"
Chaupái.
"My lord, there are two monkey brothers, Nila and Nala, who from childhood have been instructed by a sage. The mightiest mountains touched by them will by your favor float upon the waves. I too, remembering your majesty, will assist to the best of my power. In this manner, my lord, you will bridge the sea and the glorious deed will be sung in earth, heaven and hell. With this arrow, Sire, slay the dwellers on my northern shore, who are vile criminals." The All-merciful, on hearing Ocean's grievance, at once removed it, the valiant Ráma.[20] At the sight of his mighty vigour Ocean rejoiced and became easy of mind, and after telling him all that had taken place, bowed at his feet and took his leave.
Chhand 3.
Ocean returned home and Ráma approved his counsel. These his acts, which remove all the impurities of this sinful age, has Tulsi Dás sung to the best of his ability. The excellencies of Raghupati are a treasure of delight, a panacea for all doubt, a purge for every sorrow, and they who are wise of heart will abandon all other hope and confidence and be ever singing them or hearing them sung.
Dohá 60.
The virtues of Raghu-náyak are the source of every blessing and those who reverently hear their recital cross the ocean of existence without any need for a boat.
[Thus endeth the book entitled 'the Beautiful,' composed by Tulsi Dás, being the fifth descent into 'the holy lake of Ráma's deeds.']
- ↑ Maináka is a rock in the narrow strait between Lanka and the main land.
- ↑ In the Sanskrit Rámáyana her name is given as Sinhiká, the mother of Ráhu.
- ↑ The word masak, which I translate 'gnat,' never, so far as I am aware, bears any other meaning. But in one glossary, with reference to this particular passage, it is explained by bilár, 'a cat,' only—as it would seem—because that is the animal mentioned in the Sanskrit Rámáyana. In both cases the poet has no sooner stated the transformation than be forgets all about it; for all Hanumán's subsequent actions are described as if performed by him in his natural shape. Or, he may be supposed to have resumed it as soon as he had passed the guard.
- ↑ Nara-hari stands for the more common Nar-sinha—hari and sinha both meaning 'a lion'—and here denotes not that particular incarnation, but Vishnu generally.
- ↑ To twist the hair in a single braid is a sign of mourning for an absent husband.
- ↑ The word translated 'gleaming scimitar' is chandra-hás, which means literally 'deriding the moon,' by reason, that is, of its own greater brilliancy.
- ↑ The realm of Yama, the god of Death, is supposed to be in the south. For this reason a Hindu will never, when it is possible to avoid it, have the door of his house in that direction. Muhammadans even at the present day are much influenced by the same superstition.
- ↑ As appears from what follows, it is not death that she dreads, but the long interval of a month, which has to elapse before ber death takes place.
- ↑ The name Asoka is derived from a 'without' and soka 'pain.' The conceit cannot be preserved in an English translation.
- ↑ Meghnád's name was changed by Brahma to Indrajit, after his victory over Indra.
- ↑ The weapon had been given to Meghnád by Brahma with a promise that it should never fail. Hanumán therefore snbmits to it in order that Brahma's promise might not be falsified.
- ↑ Pulastya was Rávan's grandfather.
- ↑ In the Veda, the Maruts, or winds, are said to be sixty-three in number, forming nine Ganas, or troops, of seven each. In post-Vedic literature they are described as the children of Diti, either seven, or seven times seven in number. After Diti's elder sons, the Asuras, had been subdued by Indra, their mother implored her husband Kasyapa, the son of Maríchi, to bestow on her an Indra- destroying son. Her request was granted; but Indra, with his weapon Vajra, divided the child, with which she was pregnant, into forty-nine pieces, which commenced uttering grievous cries, till Indra in compassion transformed them into the Maruts, or Winds.—Monier Wiliams sub-verbo.
- ↑ In both recensions of the Sanskrit Rámáyana, Síta gives Hanumán the jewel before he destroys the grove and sets the city on fire. The second interview is not mentioned at all in the up-country text.
- ↑ The son of Indra, to whom allusion is here made, is Jayanta, who had attacked Síta in the form of a crow.
- ↑ Badavánala, the submarine fire, is represented in mythology as a being with a body of flame, but the hoad of a mare (badavá) which sprang from the thighs of the patriarch Urva and fell into the ocean.
- ↑ This conceit has a very unmeaning sound when expressed in English. The allusion is to the legend, which represents all the mountains as once having had wings, till they were clipped by Indra; while the word paksha, which primarily means a 'wing,' has also the secondary signification of favour.
- ↑ It is a Hindu superstition that it is unlucky to see the moon on the fourth day. Hence the proverb:—
Jo dekhe chauthe ká chanda, Bát chalat, láge pharphanda."
- ↑ King Sagara, by whose sons the bed of the ocean was dug, which is thence called Ságar, was one of Ráma's ancestors.
- ↑ In the Sanskrit Rámáyana this curious incident is related rather more intelligibly. Ocean complains that the Abhíras of the north are such an impure race that he cannot bear to receive into his bosom any stream of which they have drunk. Thereupon, Ráma with his fiery arrow dries up every river in their land, but creates instead a deep chasm in the ground, with a constant supply of water, and blesses the riverless region with exemption from disease.