Chapter LI: Section LI

Then Ravana heard the tumult raised by the highly energetic monkeys roaring in company with the Rakshasas. And hearing that low and solemn noise--that prodigious uproar--Ravana said in the midst of his counsellors,--"From mighty roars that are heard of in innumerous delighted monkeys,--resembling the roar of clouds,--it is evident, beyond a doubt, that there is great rejoicing there. And the salt Ocean is vexed with these thundering noises. The brothers--Rama and Lakshmana--have been fast bound with sharp shafts; and here this uproar is exciting my alarm". Having spoken thus unto his ministers, the lord of the Rakshasas addressed the Nairitas present there, saying,--"Do you speedily acquaint yourselves with the cause of rejoicing that hath arisen of these monkeys on this mournful occasion". Thus accosted, they hurriedly mounting up on the wall, surveyed the forces maintained by the high-souled Sugriva as well as those exalted ones--Raghu's sons-- emancipated from their terrific arrowy fetters and arisen (now)". Thereat, with their hearts wrought up, grim-visaged Rakshasas descending from the wall, appeared before the Rakshasa-lord with pale faces. And then with woe-begone faces, those Rakshasas, skilled in speech, faithfully informed Ravana in full of that unfortunate circumstance. "Those brothers--Rama and Lakshmana--who had in battle been bound up in arrowy fetters by Indrajit,--and whose arms lay moveless,--having been emancipated from the arrowy bonds, are seen in the field of battle; and those ones like unto the foremost of elephants in strength, seem like elephants that have snapped their fetters". Hearing those words of theirs, the exeedingly powerful lord of the Rakshasas was wrought up with anxiety and anger, and his countenance lost its complexion. "Indrajit, having routed them in conflict, had bound them by means of irrisistible and terrible arrows, resembling venomous serpents, and like unto the Sun himself,--which had been conferred on (Indrajit) as boons. But if my enemy, having actually been bound by the weapons, can have been liberated, all this strength of mine I see placed in peril. And those shafts resembling Fire in fierceness, which had in battle deprived my foes of their lives,--have forsooth been rendered fruitless". Having said this in high rage, Ravana, sighing like a serpent, addressed a Rakshasa, named Dhumraksha, seated in the midst of the Rakshasas,--"O thou of dreadful prowess, surrounded by a mighty force, do thou march forth to compass the destruction of Rama along with the monkeys". Thus accosted by the intelligent lord of the Rakshasas, Dhumraksha, turning about, issued out of the abode of the king. And speedily sallying forth from the gate of (Ravana's) residence, he said unto the general of the forces,--"Do thou speedily move off thy forces. Why should a warrior linger?" Hearing Dhumraksha's words, the general of the forces, following them, at the command of Ravana forthwith made the army ready. And those powerful and dreadful night-rangers, bursting with high spirits,--with bells tied to their arms,--set up shouts, and surrounded Dhumraksha. And bearing various weapons in their hands, and wielding darts and clubs, and equipped with maces and bearded darts and rods and iron bludgeons and _parighas_ and _bhindipalas_ and lances and nooses and axes,--those terrific Rakshasas sallied out, roaring like unto clouds. And others, accoutred in armour, with cars; adorned with banners; furnished with golden networks, and mules having various faces, and extremely swift steeds, and lusty elephants in rut,--tiger-like Nairitas incapable of being subdued, even as tigers--sallied out (thereafter). And then Dhumraksha himself ascended a superb car, bearing faces of deer and lions decked with gold,--and sending forth a loud clatter. And the highly powerful Dhumraksha, surrounded by Rakshasas, cheerfully issued out of the Western Entrance, where Hanuman was posted. And thereat, fell fowls of the air forbade that exceedingly dreadful Rakshasa of a fearful form, as he went out ascending an excellent car, yoked with mules, and sending sharp sounds. And an exceedingly terrific vulture alighted at the crest of the car; and forming themselves into lines, vultures began to drop down about the top of the banner. And emitting a frightful cry, (a headless trunk) dropped down before Dhumraksha. And that god[160] showered down blood; and the earth shook. And the wind blew awry with a sound resembling thunder. And every side, covered with darkness, appeared dim. And witnessing those dreadful inauspicious omens at the outset, fraught with fear unto the Rakshasas, Dhumraksha was greatly aggrieved; and the Rakshasas marching before him, were stupified. And then as that strong and fearful one, eager for encounter, surrounded, by innumerable night rangers, issued out (of the city), he beheld that monkey-host, protected by the arm of Raghava,--resembling the deep at the time of the universal dissolution.

[160] Indra--cloud-compeller.