Chapter XXXVII: Section XXXVII

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

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

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