Chapter XXIII: Section XXIV

When Khara of fierce prowess had come to the asylum Rama in company with his brother saw all those evil prognostics. And beholding those dreadful portents, Rama exceedingly distressed, apprehending some calamity to the Rakshasas, observed unto Lakshmana, "O mighty armed one, behold these great presages that have taken place, capable of annihilating all beings, and which have for their object the utter extermination of the Rakhasas! Yonder threatening clouds of assinine sable, showering down blood and uttering loud sounds are ranging the welkin. And, O discerning one, rejoicing at the prospect of my fight, all these arrows emit smoke, and my bows plaited on the back with gold, are restless. Meseems from the noise of the wild birds that impending on us is danger and uncertainty to life. Without doubt, there shall take place a mighty conflict. At this critical time, my arm shaking momentarily, betokens, O hero, victory unto us, and defeat unto the enemy. And thy face appeareth pleasant with a delightful lustre. O Lakshmana, the pallid face of those that prepare for conflict, auger shortening of life. We can hear the shouts of the Rakshasas as they roar, as also the blasts of the trumpets of those doomed to be wounded blown by Rakshasas of remorseless deeds. A considerate person that wisheth for his welfare, apprehending peril, should prevent disaster ere it arrives. Therefore bearing arrows in thy hand, and equipped with thy bow, do thou, taking Videha's daughter, take refuge in the mountain cavern, covered with trees and difficult of access. That thou shouldst act contrary to my words, is what I do not wish. Swearing by my feet, go thou without delay, my brother. Thou art both strong and a hero: Thou canst, without doubt, slay these (Rakshasas). But I wish to slay all these rangers of the night myself." Thus accosted by Rama, Lakshmana, taking arrows and a bow, took refuge in an inaccessible cave along with Sita. Thereupon, saying, "Ah! we have spoken it sharp," Rama put on his mail. And adorned with that mail resembling fire Rama appeared in the dark like a mighty flame streaming up. And uplifting his bow, and taking his arrows, that powerful one stood there, feeling all directions with the twangs of his bow-string. Then the high-souled gods and Gandharbas, Siddhas and Charanas came there, with the intention of witnessing the fight. And high-souled saints of the world, and the foremost Brahmarshis, of pious acts, coming together, spoke unto one another, saying, "Hail to cows and Brahmanas, and all those in whom are established the worlds! May Raghava vanquish in fight those rangers of the night, the progeny of Pulastya, even as the discus-handed Vishnu routed in battle the foremost Asuras!" Having said this, they again spoke, eying one another, "There are fourteen thousand of the Rakshasas of dreadful deeds, while the righteous Rama is single. How can fight take place (between two such parties)?" Having said this, the Rajarshis, Siddhas, multitudes of the beet of the twice-born ones, and celestials stationed in the sky were moved with curiosity (as to the issue of the conflict). Then seeing Rama filled with energy, remaining in the field, all beings from fear experienced great pain. And the peerless grace of Rama of energetic deeds became like unto that of the high souled infuriated Rudra.[32] While the gods, Gandharbas and Charanas were thus conversing, the forces of the Rakshasas sending up solemn sounds, furnished with horrible armour, arms and flags, conversing in heroic parlance, roaring at each other, stretching bows, momentarily yawning,[33] sending forth shouts, and blowing trumpets. The universal uproar filled that (entire) forest. Scared and terrified at the hubbul the rangers of the wood fled to quarters free from noise; nor did they cast their eyes backward. And that army resembling the ocean, and rife with sounds, equipped with various weapons, with furious speed came towards Rama. And Rama also versed in warfare, casting his eyes arround, found the forces of Khara ready for fight.[34] Then stretching his dreadful bow, and swiftly taking out shafts, (Rama) for compassing the destruction of the entire body of the Rakshasas, waxed furiously enraged. And like unto the flaming fire at the universal dissolution, he, growing wroth, was incapable of being looked at. And seeing him filled with energy, the sylvan deities were extremely pained.[35] And the aspect of the enraged Rama appeared like that of the holder of Pinaka, intent upon destroying Daksha's sacrifice. Furnished with bows and ornaments and cars and mail hued like fire, that army of those subsisting on flesh, appeared like masses of blue clouds at sunrise.

[32] There is a variation in reading here; the sense, however, is the
same.

[33] The commentator says the yawning was in consequence of the
soldiers having during the conflict indulged in liquor.--T.

[34] Another text:--The holder of _pinaka.--T._

[35] Another reading is:--The sylvan deities fled away.--T.