Chapter XXXIII: Section XXXIV

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