Ramayan, Book 3, The

<SPAN name="toc457" id="toc457"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf458" id="pdf458"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoIII-XXXI" id="CantoIII-XXXI" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXI. Rávan.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But of the host of giants one,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Akampan, from the field had run</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And sped to Lanká<SPAN id="noteref_480" name="noteref_480" href="#note_480"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">480</span></span></SPAN> to relate</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In Rávaṇ's ear the demons' fate:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“King, many a giant from the shade</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of Janasthán in death is laid:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Khara the chief is slain, and I</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Could scarcely from the battle fly.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Fierce anger, as the monarch heard,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Inflamed his look, his bosom stirred,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And while with scorching glance he eyed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The messenger, he thus replied:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“What fool has dared, already dead,</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Strike Janasthán, the general dread?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who is the wretch shall vainly try</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In earth, heaven, hell, from me to fly?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Vaiśravaṇ,<SPAN id="noteref_481" name="noteref_481" href="#note_481"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">481</span></span></SPAN> Indra, Vishṇu, He</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who rules the dead, must reverence me;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For not the mightiest lord of these</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Can brave my will and live at ease.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fate finds in me a mightier fate</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To burn the fires that devastate.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With unresisted influence I</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Can force e'en Death himself to die,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With all-surpassing might restrain</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The fury of the hurricane,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And burn in my tremendous ire</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The glory of the sun and fire.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">As thus the fiend's hot fury blazed,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His trembling hands Akampan raised,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And with a voice which fear made weak,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Permission craved his tale to speak.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">King Rávaṇ gave the leave he sought,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And bade him tell the news he brought.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His courage rose, his voice grew bold,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thus his mournful tale he told:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“A prince with mighty shoulders, sprung</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From Daśaratha, brave and young,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With arms well moulded, bears the name</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of Ráma with a lion's frame.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Renowned, successful, dark of limb,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Earth has no warrior equals him.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He fought in Janasthán and slew</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Dúshaṇ the fierce and Khara too.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Rávaṇ the giants' royal chief.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Received Akampan's tale of grief.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then, panting like an angry snake,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">These words in turn the monarch spake:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Say quick, did Ráma seek the shade</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of Janasthán with Indra's aid,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And all the dwellers in the skies</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To back his hardy enterprise?”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Akampan heard, and straight obeyed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His master, and his answer made.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then thus the power and might he told</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of Raghu's son the lofty-souled:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Best is that chief of all who know</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With deftest art to draw the bow.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His are strange arms of heavenly might,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And none can match him in the fight.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His brother Lakshmaṇ brave as he,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fair as the rounded moon to see,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With eyes like night and voice that comes</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Deep as the roll of beaten drums,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By Ráma's side stands ever near,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like wind that aids the flame's career.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That glorious chief, that prince of kings,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On Janasthán this ruin brings.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No Gods were there,—dismiss the thought</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No heavenly legions came and fought.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His swift-winged arrows Ráma sent,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Each bright with gold and ornament.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To serpents many-faced they turned:</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266"></span><SPAN name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant hosts they ate and burned.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where'er these fled in wild dismay</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ráma was there to strike and slay.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By him O King of high estate,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Is Janasthán left desolate.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Akampan ceased: in angry pride</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant monarch thus replied:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“To Janasthán myself will go</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">And lay these daring brothers low.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Thus spoke the king in furious mood:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Akampan then his speech renewed:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“O listen while I tell at length</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The terror of the hero's strength.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No power can check, no might can tame</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ráma, a chief of noblest fame.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He with resistless shafts can stay</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The torrent foaming on its way.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sky, stars, and constellations, all</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To his fierce might would yield and fall.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His power could earth itself uphold</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Down sinking as it sank of old.<SPAN id="noteref_482" name="noteref_482" href="#note_482"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">482</span></span></SPAN></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or all its plains and cities drown,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Breaking the wild sea's barrier down;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Crush the great deep's impetuous will,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or bid the furious wind be still.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He glorious in his high estate</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The triple world could devastate,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And there, supreme of men, could place</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His creatures of a new-born race.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Never can mighty Ráma be</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O'ercome in fight, my King, by thee.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy giant host the day might win</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From him, if heaven were gained by sin.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">If Gods were joined with demons, they</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Could ne'er, I ween, that hero slay,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But guile may kill the wondrous man;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Attend while I disclose the plan.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His wife, above all women graced,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is Sítá of the dainty waist,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With limbs to fair proportion true,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And a soft skin of lustrous hue,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Round neck and arm rich gems are twined:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She is the gem of womankind.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With her no bright Gandharví vies,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No nymph or Goddess in the skies;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And none to rival her would dare</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">'Mid dames who part the long black hair.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That hero in the wood beguile,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And steal his lovely spouse the while.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Reft of his darling wife, be sure,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Brief days the mourner will endure.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">With flattering hope of triumph moved</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant king that plan approved,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Pondered the counsel in his breast,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And then Akampan thus addressed:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Forth in my car I go at morn,</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">None but the driver with me borne,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And this fair Sítá will I bring</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Back to my city triumphing.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Forth in his car by asses drawn</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant monarch sped at dawn,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bright as the sun, the chariot cast</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Light through the sky as on it passed.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Then high in air that best of cars</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Traversed the path of lunar stars,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sending a fitful radiance pale</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As moonbeams shot through cloudy veil.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Far on his airy way he flew:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Near Táḍakeya's<SPAN id="noteref_483" name="noteref_483" href="#note_483"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">483</span></span></SPAN> grove he drew.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Márícha welcomed him, and placed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Before him food which giants taste,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With honour led him to a seat,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And brought him water for his feet;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And then with timely words addressed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Such question to his royal guest:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Speak, is it well with thee whose sway</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giant multitudes obey?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">I know not all, and ask in fear</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The cause, O King, why thou art here.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Ráva, the giants' mighty king,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Heard wise Márícha's questioning,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And told with ready answer, taught</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In eloquence, the cause he sought:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“My guards, the bravest of my band,</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Are slain by Ráma's vigorous hand,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Janasthán, that feared no hate</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of foes, is rendered desolate.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Come, aid me in the plan I lay</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">To steal the conqueror's wife away.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Márícha heard the king's request,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And thus the giant chief addressed:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“What foe in friendly guise is he</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who spoke of Sítá's name to thee?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who is the wretch whose thought would bring</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Destruction on the giants' king?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose is the evil counsel, say,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That bids thee bear his wife away,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And careless of thy life provoke</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Earth's loftiest with threatening stroke?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A foe is he who dared suggest</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">This hopeless folly to thy breast,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose ill advice would bid thee draw</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The venomed fang from serpent's jaw.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By whose unwise suggestion led</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wilt thou the path of ruin tread?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whence falls the blow that would destroy</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy gentle sleep of ease and joy?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Like some wild elephant is he</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">That rears his trunk on high,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Lord of an ancient pedigree,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Huge tusks, and furious eye.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Rávaṇ, no rover of the night</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">With bravest heart can brook,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Met in the front of deadly fight,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">On Raghu's son to look.</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page267"></span><SPAN name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The giant hosts were brave and strong,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Good at the bow and spear:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">But Ráma slew the routed throng,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">A lion 'mid the deer.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">No lion's tooth can match his sword,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Or arrows fiercely shot:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">He sleeps, he sleeps—the lion lord;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Be wise and rouse him not.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">O Monarch of the giants, well</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Upon my counsel think,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Lest thou for ever in the hell</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Of Ráma's vengeance sink:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">A hell, where deadly shafts are sent</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">From his tremendous-bow,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">While his great arms all flight prevent,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Like deepest mire below:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Where the wild floods of battle rave</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Above the foeman's head,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And each with many a feathery wave</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Of shafts is garlanded.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">O, quench the flames that in thy breast</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">With raging fury burn;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And pacified and self-possessed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">To Lanká's town return.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Rest thou in her imperial bowers</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">With thine own wives content,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And in the wood let Ráma's hours</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">With Sítá still be spent.”</span></div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The lord of Lanká's isle obeyed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The counsel, and his purpose stayed.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Borne on his car he parted thence</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And gained his royal residence.</div> </div></div> <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> <SPAN name="toc459" id="toc459"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf460" id="pdf460"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoIII-XXXII" id="CantoIII-XXXII" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXII. Rávan Roused.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But Śúrpaṇakhá saw the plain</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Spread with the fourteen thousand slain,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Doers of cruel deeds o'erthrown</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By Ráma's mighty arm alone,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Add Triśirás and Dúshaṇ dead,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Khara, with the hosts they led.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their death she saw, and mad with pain,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Roared like a cloud that brings the rain,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And fled in anger and dismay</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To Lanká, seat of Rávaṇ's sway.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">There on a throne of royal state</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Exalted sat the potentate,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Begirt with counsellor and peer,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Like Indra with the Storm Gods near.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Bright as the sun's full splendour shone</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The glorious throne he sat upon,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As when the blazing fire is red</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Upon a golden altar fed.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wide gaped his mouth at every breath,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Tremendous as the jaws of Death.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With him high saints of lofty thought,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Gandharvas, Gods, had vainly fought.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The wounds were on his body yet</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From wars where Gods and demons met.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And scars still marked his ample chest</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By fierce Airávat's<SPAN id="noteref_484" name="noteref_484" href="#note_484"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">484</span></span></SPAN> tusk impressed.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A score of arms, ten necks, had he,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His royal gear was brave to see.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His massive form displayed each sign</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That marks the heir of kingly line.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In stature like a mountain height,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His arms were strong, his teeth were white,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And all his frame of massive mould</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Seemed lazulite adorned with gold.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A hundred seams impressed each limp</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where Vishṇu's arm had wounded him,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And chest and shoulder bore the print</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of sword and spear and arrow dint,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where every God had struck a blow</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In battle with the giant foe.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His might to wildest rage could wake</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sea whose faith naught else can shake,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Hurl towering mountains to the earth,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And crush e'en foes of heavenly birth.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The bonds of law and right he spurned:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To others' wives his fancy turned.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Celestial arms he used in fight,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And loved to mar each holy rite.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He went to Bhogavatí's town,<SPAN id="noteref_485" name="noteref_485" href="#note_485"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">485</span></span></SPAN></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Where Vásuki was beaten down,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And stole, victorious in the strife,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Lord Takshaka's beloved wife.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Kailása's lofty crest he sought,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And when in vain Kuvera fought,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Stole Pushpak thence, the car that through</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The air, as willed the master, flew.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Impelled by furious anger, he</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Spoiled Nandan's<SPAN id="noteref_486" name="noteref_486" href="#note_486"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">486</span></span></SPAN> shade and Naliní,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And Chaitraratha's heavenly grove,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The haunts where Gods delight to rove.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Tall as a hill that cleaves the sky,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He raised his mighty arms on high</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To check the blessed moon, and stay</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The rising of the Lord of Day.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Ten thousand years the giant spent</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">On dire austerities intent,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And of his heads an offering, laid</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Before the Self-existent, made.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No God or fiend his life could take,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Gandharva, goblin, bird, or snake:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Safe from all fears of death, except</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From human arm, that life was kept.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Oft when the priests began to raise</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their consecrating hymns of praise,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He spoiled the Soma's sacred juice</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Poured forth by them in solemn use.</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268"></span><SPAN name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The sacrifice his hands o'erthrew,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And cruelly the Bráhmans slew.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His was a heart that naught could melt,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Joying in woes which others felt.</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">She saw the ruthless monster there,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Dread of the worlds, unused to spare.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In robes of heavenly texture dressed,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Celestial wreaths adorned his breast.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He sat a shape of terror, like</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Destruction ere the worlds it strike.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">She saw him in his pride of place,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The joy of old Pulastya's<SPAN id="noteref_487" name="noteref_487" href="#note_487"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">487</span></span></SPAN> race,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Begirt by counsellor and peer,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Rávaṇ, the foeman's mortal fear,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And terror in her features shown,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The giantess approached the throne.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Then Śúrpaṇakhá bearing yet</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Each deeply printed trace</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Where the great-hearted chief had set</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">A mark upon her face,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Impelled by terror and desire,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Still fierce, no longer bold,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">To Rávaṇ of the eyes of fire</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Her tale, infuriate, told.</div> </div></div> <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> <SPAN name="toc461" id="toc461"></SPAN> <SPAN name="pdf462" id="pdf462"></SPAN> <SPAN name="CantoIII-XXXIII" id="CantoIII-XXXIII" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Canto XXXIII. Súrpanakhá's Speech.</span></h2> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Burning with anger, in the ring</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of counsellors who girt their king,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To Rávaṇ, ravener of man,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With bitter words she thus began:</div> </div> <div class="tei tei-lg" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Wilt thou absorbed in pleasure, still</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Pursue unchecked thy selfish will:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Nor turn thy heedless eyes to see</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The coming fate which threatens thee?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The king who days and hours employs</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In base pursuit of vulgar joys</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Must in his people's sight be vile</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As fire that smokes on funeral pile.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He who when duty calls him spares</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">No time for thought of royal cares,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Must with his realm and people all</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Involved in fatal ruin fall.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As elephants in terror shrink</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">From the false river's miry brink,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thus subjects from a monarch flee</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Whose face their eyes may seldom see,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who spends the hours for toil ordained</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In evil courses unrestrained.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He who neglects to guard and hold</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">His kingdom by himself controlled,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Sinks nameless like a hill whose head</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is buried in the ocean's bed.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy foes are calm and strong and wise,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Fiends, Gods, and warriors of the skies,—</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">How, heedless, wicked, weak, and vain,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Wilt thou thy kingly state maintain?</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou, lord of giants, void of sense,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Slave of each changing influence,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Heedless of all that makes a king,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Destruction on thy head wilt bring.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O conquering chief, the prince, who boasts,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of treasury and rule and hosts,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">By others led, though lord of all,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Is meaner than the lowest thrall.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For this are monarchs said to be</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Long-sighted, having power to see</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Things far away by faithful eyes</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of messengers and loyal spies.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But aid from such thou wilt not seek:</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy counsellors are blind and weak,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Or thou from these hadst surely known</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thy legions and thy realm o'erthrown.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Know, twice seven thousand, fierce in might,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Are slain by Ráma in the fight,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And they, the giant host who led,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Khara and Dúshaṇ, both are dead.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Know, Ráma with his conquering arm</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Has freed the saints from dread of harm,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Has smitten Janasthán and made</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Asylum safe in Daṇḍak's shade.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Enslaved and dull, of blinded sight,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Intoxicate with vain delight,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Thou closest still thy heedless eyes</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">To dangers in thy realm that rise.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">A king besotted, mean, unkind,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of niggard hand and slavish mind.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Will find no faithful followers heed</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Their master in his hour of need.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">The friend on whom he most relies,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">In danger, from a monarch flies,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Imperious in his high estate,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Conceited, proud, and passionate;</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who ne'er to state affairs attends</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">With wholesome fear when woe impends</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Most weak and worthless as the grass,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Soon from his sway the realm will pass.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For rotting wood a use is found,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">For clods and dust that strew the ground,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But when a king has lost his sway,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Useless he falls, and sinks for aye.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As raiment by another worn,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">As faded garland crushed and torn,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">So is, unthroned, the proudest king,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though mighty once, a useless thing.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">But he who every sense subdues</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And each event observant views,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Rewards the good and keeps from wrong,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Shall reign secure and flourish long.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Though lulled in sleep his senses lie</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">He watches with a ruler's eye,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Untouched by favour, ire, and hate,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">And him the people celebrate.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">O weak of mind, without a trace</div> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269"></span><SPAN name="Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></SPAN> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Of virtues that a king should grace,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Who hast not learnt from watchful spy</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">That low in death the giants lie.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left">Scorner of others, but enchained</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">By every base desire,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">By thee each duty is disdained</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Which time and place require.</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">Soon wilt thou, if thou canst not learn,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Ere yet it be too late,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The good from evil to discern,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"><span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Fall from thy high estate.”</span></div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">As thus she ceased not to upbraid</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">The king with cutting speech,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And every fault to view displayed,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Naming and marking each,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">The monarch of the sons of night,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Of wealth and power possessed,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em">And proud of his imperial might,</div> <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em">Long pondered in his breast.</div> </div></div> <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />