Kāṇḍa 5

5.1.1 Then he, the crusher of foes, resolved to seek the track of Sītā who had been carried off by Rāvaṇa, on the path frequented by the Cāraṇas.

5.1.2 Then the mighty, steadfast one roamed at ease over the verdant meadows colored like vaidūrya gems, which were as level as water.

5.1.3 Terrifying the birds, smashing trees with his chest, slaying many deer — he was like a fully grown lion.

5.1.4 The mountain was adorned with variegated mineral ores of their natural hues — blue, red, crimson, lotus-pink, white, and black.

5.1.5 It was thronged constantly, along with their retinues, by Yakṣas, Kiṃnaras, Gandharvas, and serpent-beings resembling gods, all assuming forms at will.

5.1.6 Standing at the foot of that foremost mountain, surrounded by lordly elephants, the best of monkeys shone there like an elephant in a lake.

5.1.7 Making añjali to Sūrya, to Mahendra, to Pavana, to Svayambhū, and to all beings, he made up his mind to depart.

5.1.8 Facing east, making añjali to Pavana, his own progenitor, he then grew in order to proceed south — the capable one toward the southern quarter.

5.1.9 Seen by the foremost of leaping monkeys, resolved upon the crossing, he expanded for the benefit of Rāma's cause, as the ocean swells at the full moon.

5.1.10 His body boundless, intent on leaping across the ocean, he pressed the mountain down with his arms and with his feet.

5.1.11 The lovely mountain, pressed by the monkey, trembled for a moment and shook all the blossoms from the flowering treetops.

5.1.12 Covered on all sides by that fragrant flood of flowers shed by the trees, the mountain shone as though it were made entirely of blossoms.

5.1.13 Pressed by that one of supreme valor, the mountain oozed forth water, like an elephant in rut exuding ichor.

5.1.14 Pressed by that mighty one, mount Mahendra gave forth streams of gold, antimony, and silver, and the mountain discharged great slabs of rock along with slabs of soapstone.

5.1.15 As the mountain was compressed, the creatures dwelling in its caves, pressed on all sides, cried out with strange and terrible sounds.

5.1.16 That great tumult of beings, arising from the mountain's compression, filled the earth and the directions and the groves on every side.

5.1.17 Serpents with wide, clearly marked svastika-signs on their heads, vomiting terrible fire, bit the rocks with their fangs.

5.1.18 Those great slabs of rock, bitten by the enraged, venomous serpents, blazed up kindled with fire and split into thousands of fragments.

5.1.19 Even the masses of herbs born on that mountain, though antidotes to serpent-venom, could not quell the poison of those Nāgas.

5.1.20 Thinking "the mountain is being shattered by these beings," the ascetic Vidyādharas, frightened, flew up from it together with their bands of women.

5.1.21 Abandoning the golden vessels and seats left behind on the drinking grounds, the precious drinking cups, and the golden water-pots,

5.1.22 leaving behind lickable and various edible delicacies, different kinds of meats, bull-hides, and swords with golden hilts,

5.1.23 adorned with garlands around their necks, intoxicated, wearing red garlands and unguents, with red eyes and lotus eyes, they took to the sky.

5.1.24 The women, wearing necklaces, anklets, armlets, and ornaments, astonished and smiling, stood in the sky together with their lovers.

5.1.25 The Vidyādharas and great sages, displaying their great powers, stood together in the sky and gazed upon the mountain.

5.1.26 They also heard the words of the self-perfected sages, of the Cāraṇas, and of the Siddhas who stood in the clear sky.

5.1.27 "This is Hanūmān, son of Māruta, mountain-like, who wishes to leap across the mighty, swift ocean, the abode of sea-monsters.

5.1.28 Wishing to accomplish a most difficult deed for the sake of Rāma and the monkeys, he desires to reach the far shore of the ocean — a shore most difficult to reach."

5.1.29 He shook his body hair, and trembled though mountain-like, and let out a great roar like a vast thundercloud.

5.1.30 About to leap, he flung his tail — round and covered with hair from base to tip — like the king of birds flinging a serpent.

5.1.31 His tail, whirling behind him as he sped at great velocity, looked like a great serpent being carried off by Garuḍa.

5.1.32 He braced his arms, which resembled great iron bars; the monkey crouched at the haunches and tensed his feet.

5.1.33 Drawing in his arms and likewise his neck, the glorious and valiant one channeled into himself his brilliance, vitality, and heroic energy.

5.1.34 Gazing far ahead at the path, his eyes directed upward, gazing at the sky, he held the breath in his heart.

5.1.35 Having planted his feet firmly, and drawing in his ears, the mighty Hanūmān — foremost elephant among monkeys, about to spring — spoke these words to the monkeys, the best of monkeys:

5.1.36 "As an arrow released by Rāghava, with the force of the wind, would fly, so shall I fly to Laṅkā ruled by Rāvaṇa.

5.1.37 If I do not find Janaka's daughter in Laṅkā, I shall go with the same speed to the abode of the gods.

5.1.38 Or if I do not find Sītā in the triple heaven after all my efforts, I shall bind the king of the Rākṣasas and bring Rāvaṇa back.

5.1.39 In any case I shall return having accomplished my mission — either with Sītā, or I shall uproot Laṅkā together with Rāvaṇa and bring it here."

5.1.40 Having spoken thus to the monkeys, Hanūmān, foremost among monkeys and swift of movement, then leapt forth with great speed, without hesitation.

5.1.41 As he leapt upward with speed, the trees that clung to the mountain, drawing in all their branches, sprang up on every side.

5.1.42 Carrying along the flowering trees — including the intoxicated koyaṣṭibhaka — by the force of his thighs, he moved through the clear sky.

5.1.43 The trees borne aloft by the force of his thighs followed the monkey for a moment on his long journey, like kinsmen following a dear one setting out.

5.1.44 The śāla trees and other foremost trees, churned up by the force of his thighs, followed Hanūmān like soldiers following a king.

5.1.45 Attended by the many trees with their fully-blossomed tops, the monkey Hanūmān, mountain-like, became wondrous to behold.

5.1.46 Then the sturdy trees among them sank into the salt water, as if mountains in fear of Mahendra had submerged into the abode of Varuṇa.

5.1.47 The monkey, strewn with various blossoms together with their sprouts and buds, cloud-like, shone like a mountain lit with fireflies.

5.1.48 Released by his speed, those trees, having shed their blossoms, fell back into the water like friends who have escorted one as far as they can and then returned.

5.1.49 That varied, motley mass of flowers from the trees, stirred by the monkey-wind, fell lightly and beautifully upon the ocean.

5.1.50 Trailed by the flood of multi-colored blossoms, the monkey shone like a rising cloud adorned with clusters of lightning.

5.1.51 The water, scattered with blossoms arising from his speed, looked like the sky adorned with lovely, risen stars.

5.1.52 His two arms, stretched out as he moved through the sky, appeared to issue from the mountain's peak like two five-headed serpents.

5.1.53 He appeared as if drinking the great ocean with its wave-mass, and the great monkey seemed as if thirsting to consume the sky.

5.1.54 His two eyes, gleaming with the brilliance of lightning as he sped along the path of the wind, blazed like two fires on a mountain.

5.1.55 The two large, round, tawny eyes of that foremost tawny-eyed one shone like the moon and the sun standing together.

5.1.56 His face, reddened by his copper-hued nose, shone like the orb of the sun touched by twilight.

5.1.57 The tail of Vāyu's son, whirling as he leapt, blazed in the sky like the banner of Śakra raised aloft.

5.1.58 The great, white-toothed son of Anila, most wise, shone with the wheel of his curling tail like the sun with its halo.

5.1.59 The great monkey, with his copper-red haunches, blazed like a mountain with a great vein of red ochre exposed.

5.1.60 As this lion among monkeys leapt across the ocean, the wind trapped in his armpits roared like a thundercloud.

5.1.61 As a meteor issuing from the northern end falls and is seen trailing its wake through the sky, so was that elephant among monkeys.

5.1.62 Resembling a flying bird in his darting motion, the extended monkey shone like a great elephant being girthed with a belly-band.

5.1.63 With his body above and his deep shadow below on the ocean, the monkey was then like a boat wind-driven upon the sea.

5.1.64 Whatever region of the ocean the great monkey traversed, that region appeared as if agitated to frenzy by the force of his body.

5.1.65 Striking with his chest the wave-masses of the ocean that were mountain-high, the great monkey sped across at tremendous velocity.

5.1.66 The powerful wind created by the monkey and the wind issuing from the clouds greatly shook the ocean with its terrible roar.

5.1.67 Dragging the great wave-masses in the salt sea, he surpassed them at great speed, as if counting the waves as he went.

5.1.68 Seeing that tiger among monkeys leaping through the sky, the serpents dwelling in the ocean took him for Suparṇa — Garuḍa.

5.1.69 The shadow of that lion among monkeys, ten leagues wide and thirty leagues long, became most beautiful upon the waters.

5.1.70 His shadow, spread out upon the salt water and following in the wake of Vāyu's son, shone like a dense bank of white clouds.

5.1.71 Seeing that monkey leaping swiftly then, the gods, Gandharvas, and Dānavas rained down showers of flowers.

5.1.72 The sun did not scorch that lord of monkeys as he leapt; and the wind attended upon him for the accomplishment of Rāma's purpose.

5.1.73 The sages praised him as he flew through the heavens, and gods and Gandharvas sang, extolling him of mighty splendor.

5.1.74 Nāgas and Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, gods, and birds praised him, suddenly seeing the foremost monkey flying through the sky, free from fatigue.

5.1.75 While that tiger among monkeys, Hanūmān, was leaping, the ocean, concerned for the honor of the Ikṣvāku lineage, pondered.

5.1.76 "If I do not render assistance to Hanūmān, that king among monkeys, I shall become the subject of reproach from all those who wish to speak.

5.1.77 I was enlarged by Sagara, lord of the Ikṣvākus; and this one serves the Ikṣvākus — he ought not to sink in exhaustion.

5.1.78 I must arrange matters so that the monkey may rest; and having rested upon me, he shall fly the remainder of the way with ease."

5.1.79 Having made this wholesome resolve, the ocean spoke to Maināka of the golden peak, that foremost of mountains, which was submerged in the water.

5.1.80 "O foremost of mountains, you were placed here as a bolt-lock by the king of the gods against the hordes of Asuras dwelling in the floor of Pātāla.

5.1.81 You stand blocking the door to the unfathomable Pātāla, preventing those whose strength is known from flying up again.

5.1.82 You have the power to grow sideways, upward, and downward; therefore I urge you — rise up, O best of mountains.

5.1.83 This tiger among monkeys, the valiant and terrible-in-deed Hanūmān, who has leapt into the sky for the purpose of Rāma's mission, passes over you.

5.1.84 I must render assistance to him who acts for the Ikṣvāku line. The Ikṣvākus are revered by me, but supremely revered by you.

5.1.85 Render us this service; let not our duty go unperformed. A task that ought to be done but is left undone would rouse the indignation of the good.

5.1.86 Rise up from the water, let this monkey stand upon you; he is both our guest and worthy of honor — the foremost of those who leap.

5.1.87 O Maināka of the great golden peak, attended upon by gods and Gandharvas, once Hanūmān has rested upon you he shall then proceed for the remainder of the way."

5.1.88 Considering the gentleness of Kākutstha, the banishment of Maithilī, and the exertion of the lord of leaping monkeys, you ought to rise up.

5.1.89 Golden-peaked Maināka, hearing this from the salt sea, quickly sprang up from the water, together with great trees and creepers.

5.1.90 He rose exceedingly high, bursting through the sea's water, as the sun with blazing rays bursts through a cloud.

5.1.91 With his golden peaks inhabited by Kiṃnaras and great serpents, gleaming like the sunrise, seemingly scratching the sky,

5.1.92 as the mountain's golden peaks rose up, the sky became resplendent, gleaming like a golden weapon.

5.1.93 With its peaks of pure gold, self-luminous and blazing, that best of mountains became as resplendent as a hundred suns.

5.1.94 Hanūmān, seeing it rise suddenly and stand before him in the middle of the salt water, was certain: "This is an obstacle."

5.1.95 That great monkey of tremendous speed struck it down with his chest as it stood immensely high — as the wind strikes down a thundercloud.

5.1.96 That foremost of mountains, having been dislodged by the monkey, perceived his speed, and thereupon rejoiced and was gladdened.

5.1.97 Pleased and with a glad heart, the mountain, assuming a human form and standing upon its own summit, addressed the hero who was moving through the sky.

5.1.98 "O best of monkeys, you have accomplished a most difficult deed. Having alighted upon my peaks, rest here at your ease."

5.1.99 "The ocean was nurtured by those born in the lineage of Rāghava; therefore that ocean now honours you, who are engaged in Rāma's service."

5.1.100 "To return a favour when a favour has been done — this is the eternal law. Thus the ocean, desiring to repay that debt, deserves respect from you."

5.1.101 "Urged by deep regard on your account, the ocean has prompted me. This monkey is leaping a hundred yojanas. Let him rest upon your slopes and then proceed with the rest of the journey."

5.1.102 "Stay, O tiger among monkeys; rest upon me and then proceed. Here are fragrant, sweet roots and fruits in abundance — taste them, O best of monkeys, and you will depart refreshed."

5.1.103 "There is indeed a bond between us as well, O chief of monkeys — a connection renowned throughout the three worlds, and attended by great virtues."

5.1.104 "Among all the swift-leaping monkeys, O son of the wind, O elephant among monkeys, I regard you as the foremost."

5.1.105 "A guest, even an ordinary one, is worthy of honour by one who understands dharma and seeks to learn it — how much more so one such as yourself!"

5.1.106 "For you are the son of Māruta, the greatest of the gods, the noble one; and equal to him in speed, O elephant among monkeys."

5.1.107 "When you, O knower of dharma, are honoured, Māruta receives honour thereby. For this reason you are worthy of my reverence — and hear also another reason for it."

5.1.108 "Long ago, dear one, in the Kṛtayuga, mountains had wings; they too moved in all directions with the speed of Garuḍa and the wind."

5.1.109 "As they roamed about, the hosts of gods together with the seers, and all beings, were seized with fear lest the mountains fall upon them."

5.1.110 "Then Sahasrākṣa, Śatakratu, enraged, cut off the wings of the mountains in thousands upon thousands of places with his thunderbolt."

5.1.111 "The lord of the gods approached me in fury, raising his thunderbolt; but then I was swiftly hurled away by the great-souled wind-god."

5.1.112 "I was cast into these salt waters, O best of monkeys, and there protected, wings concealed and body intact, by your father."

5.1.113 "Thus I honour you, for Māruta is honoured by me — and through you, O chief of monkeys, I have this bond, so full of great virtue."

5.1.114 "In this matter that concerns both the ocean and myself, you, O great monkey, with a glad heart, ought to gratify us both."

5.1.115 "Shake off your fatigue, accept my honour, O best of monkeys, and deem our affection well-placed — I am delighted by your sight."

5.1.116 Thus addressed, the best of monkeys replied to that foremost mountain: "I am pleased; hospitality has been rendered — let your displeasure be put aside."

5.1.117 "The time for my task presses; the day is advancing; and I have given a vow — I must not halt here in between."

5.1.118 Having said this, the bull among monkeys, full of valour, touched the mountain with his hand and entered the sky, as if laughing as he went.

5.1.119 The son of the wind-god was gazed upon with deep respect by both the mountain and the ocean, and was honoured with fitting benedictions.

5.1.120 Then, soaring upward into the distance, leaving behind the mountain and the great ocean, he took to his father's path and moved through the clear sky.

5.1.121 Again gaining an upward course and glancing back at that mountain, the son of Vāyu moved through the clear, unsupported sky.

5.1.122 Seeing that second most difficult feat accomplished by Hanūmān, all the gods, the Siddhas, and the great seers extolled him.

5.1.123 The divine beings gathered there were filled with joy at his act; and Sahasrākṣa Vāsava himself, along with the golden Sunābha, was pleased.

5.1.124 The wise lord of Śacī himself, Śatakratu, with his voice choked by satisfaction, spoke words to Sunābha, the best of mountains.

5.1.125 "O Hiraṇyanābha, O lord of mountains, I am deeply gratified with you; I grant you freedom from fear — remain here, good one, at your ease."

5.1.126 "You have rendered very great assistance to the valiant Hanūmān as he strides his hundred yojanas, offering fearlessness where danger existed."

5.1.127 "This monkey goes as the emissary of Rāma, son of Daśaratha; by rendering him due honour, you have truly pleased me greatly."

5.1.128 Then that foremost of mountains experienced immense delight, seeing the well-pleased Śatakratu, lord of the gods.

5.1.129 That mountain, thus granted the boon, remained in place; and Hanūmān in a moment had traversed the ocean.

5.1.130 Then the gods, together with the Gandharvas, the Siddhas, and the great seers, addressed Surasā, the mother of the Nāgas, who was radiant as the sun.

5.1.131 "This glorious son of the wind, named Hanūmān, is flying over the ocean; for a moment, place an obstacle before him."

5.1.132 "Assuming a most dreadful rākṣasa form, vast as a mountain, with fangs fearsome and tawny eyes, opening a mouth that touches the sky —"

5.1.133 "— we wish to learn yet more of his strength and valour: whether he will overcome you by stratagems or sink into despair."

5.1.134 Thus addressed by the gods who had duly honoured her, that goddess Surasā, assuming a rākṣasa form, appeared in the middle of the ocean.

5.1.135 Distorted, hideous, and terrifying to all, she intercepted Hanūmān as he flew and spoke these words.

5.1.136 "O bull among monkeys, you have been appointed as my food by the lords; I shall devour you — enter this mouth of mine."

5.1.137 Thus addressed by Surasā, the glorious bull among monkeys, with joyful countenance and palms joined, spoke these words.

5.1.138 "One named Rāma, son of Daśaratha, entered the Daṇḍaka forest together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa and his wife, the Vaideha princess."

5.1.139 "Of this one, thus engaged in his duty and having earned the enmity of the rākṣasas, the glorious Sītā, his wife, has been abducted by Rāvaṇa."

5.1.140 "I am going, by Rāma's command, as a messenger to her; O you who dwell in this domain, you ought to render Rāma assistance."

5.1.141 "Or else, having seen the Maithilī princess and Rāma of unwearied action, I shall come and enter your mouth — I solemnly promise you this."

5.1.142 Thus addressed by Hanūmān, the shape-shifting Surasā replied: "None may pass beyond me — this is my boon."

5.1.143 Thus addressed by Surasā, the enraged bull among monkeys replied: "Then make your mouth large enough to take me in."

5.1.144 Having spoken thus to Surasā, Hanūmān in his fury became ten yojanas in length and ten yojanas in breadth.

5.1.145 Seeing him cloud-dark and ten yojanas in extent, Surasā also opened her mouth to twenty yojanas.

5.1.146 Then Hanūmān in his fury grew to thirty yojanas; and Surasā made her mouth forty yojanas high.

5.1.147 The heroic Hanūmān became fifty yojanas in height; Surasā made her mouth sixty yojanas across.

5.1.148 Likewise the heroic Hanūmān rose to seventy yojanas; Surasā made her mouth eighty yojanas wide.

5.1.149 Hanūmān, like a motionless mountain, grew to ninety yojanas; Surasā made her mouth a hundred yojanas in extent.

5.1.150 Seeing that gaping mouth of Surasā, terrifyingly wide and long-tongued, resembling the entrance to the netherworld, the wise son of Vāyu —

5.1.151 — instantly contracted his body; like the wind within a cloud, Hanūmān at that moment became no larger than a thumb.

5.1.152 He swiftly darted into that mouth, then with great speed shot out of it, and standing in the sky, the glorious one spoke these words.

5.1.153 "O daughter of Dakṣa, I have entered your mouth — homage to you. I shall go to where the Vaideha princess is; and let your words prove true."

5.1.154 Seeing him freed from her mouth as the moon from the mouth of Rāhu, the goddess Surasā, in her own form, addressed the monkey.

5.1.155 "For the success of your purpose, O best of monkeys, go, gentle one, at your ease; and reunite the Vaideha princess with the great-souled Rāghava."

5.1.156 Seeing that third most difficult feat of Hanūmān, all living beings thereupon praised the monkey with cries of "Well done! Well done!"

5.1.157 He had overcome the irresistible ocean, the abode of Varuṇa, and entered the sky, moving with speed like Garuḍa.

5.1.158 He traversed the sky frequented by cloud-bearers and birds, visited by celestial bards, and coursed by Airāvata.

5.1.159 The sky was adorned with shining aerial cars flying about, carrying those borne by lions, elephants, tigers, birds, and serpents.

5.1.160 The sky was beautified by fires blazing like the crash of thunderbolts, and adorned by the meritorious and fortunate who had conquered heaven.

5.1.161 The sky was frequented by the many-rayed fire bearing oblations without end, and was adorned with planets, constellations, the moon, the sun, and hosts of stars.

5.1.162 The sky was filled with bands of great seers, Gandharvas, Nāgas, and Yakṣas; it was clear and pure and wide, frequented by Viśvāvasu.

5.1.163 He moved through the sky traversed by the elephant of the king of gods, along the path of the moon and the sun, the auspicious canopy of the world of the living, spread out and fashioned by Brahmā.

5.1.164 Frequented on all sides by heroes and by noble hosts of Vidyādharas, great clouds blazed as the monkey drew them in his wake.

5.1.165 Darting into masses of clouds and bursting out again and again, he shone like the moon in the rainy season, emerging and entering in turn.

5.1.166 But seeing him flying, a rākṣasī named Siṃhikā, enormous and able to assume any form at will, thought within her mind:

5.1.167 "Today, after a long time, I shall eat my fill; this great creature has come within my power after so long."

5.1.168 Having thought thus in her mind, she seized his shadow. As his shadow was seized, the monkey thought to himself:

5.1.169 "I have been suddenly dragged back with my momentum arrested, like a great ship in the ocean struck by a contrary wind."

5.1.170 Looking about him to the sides, above, and below, the monkey then saw a massive creature rising from the salt sea.

5.1.171 "This is the creature of marvellous appearance, the shadow-seizer of great power, about which the monkey king spoke — there is no doubt."

5.1.172 Having truly understood her nature, the wise monkey grew immensely large in body, like a rain-cloud of the wet season.

5.1.173 Gazing up at the growing body of that great monkey, she stretched open her mouth to the measure of the sky and the netherworld.

5.1.174 Then the wise great monkey saw her hideously vast mouth, and measured her body, and discerned her vital spots.

5.1.175 Into her wide-open mouth the monkey, firm as a thunderbolt, abruptly contracted himself and burst out — that one of mighty strength.

5.1.176 The Siddhas and Cāraṇas saw him plunging into her mouth as Rāhu swallows the full moon on a lunar day.

5.1.177 Then with his sharp nails the monkey tore out her vital organs, and with speed swift as thought he leapt out of her.

5.1.178 Seeing Siṃhikā swiftly slain by the monkey and falling, the sky-ranging beings spoke to that bull among monkeys:

5.1.179 "A terrible deed has been done today; you have slain a mighty creature. Now accomplish your desired purpose — safe journey, O best of the leapers!"

5.1.180 "He who possesses these four qualities as you do, O lord of monkeys — fortitude, foresight, intelligence, and dexterity — does not falter in his undertakings."

5.1.181 Honoured and revered by them, his purpose well in hand, the monkey entered the sky like the devourer of serpents — Garuḍa.

5.1.182 Having nearly reached the far shore, glancing about in all directions, he saw a line of forest at the end of the hundred yojanas.

5.1.183 And even as he flew, that best of tree-branch-dwellers saw an island adorned with varied trees, and the groves of the Malaya range.

5.1.184 He beheld the ocean, the ocean shores, the trees growing on those shores, and even the faces of the ocean's consorts.

5.1.185 The wise one, reflecting upon himself — vast as a great cloud, as if blocking the sky — resolved within his mind:

5.1.186 "The rākṣasas, upon seeing my great size and speed, will take an undue interest in me" — so the great monkey reasoned.

5.1.187 Thereupon he contracted that mountain-like body and returned to his natural form, like one free of delusion — composed and self-possessed.

5.1.188 He who could assume many beautiful forms, having reached the far shore of the ocean, wore a form that none of his enemies could anticipate — he had reflected upon himself and surveyed his purpose.

5.1.189 Then that great soul, rivalling the peak of a mighty mountain, alighted upon the richly adorned, variegated summit of Mount Lamba, with its ketakī, uddālaka, and nālikera trees.

5.1.190 Having by his power traversed that ocean filled with Dānavas and Nāgas, garlanded with great waves, and having alighted upon the shore of the great sea, he then beheld Laṅkā, like Amarāvatī.

5.2.1 Having crossed the irresistible ocean, that mighty one beheld Laṅkā standing on the peak of Trikūṭa, and stood at ease.

5.2.2 Then, as he stood there, the valiant one was showered by a rain of flowers shed from the trees, and shone as though made of blossoms.

5.2.3 Though the glorious ape of supreme prowess had crossed a hundred yojanas, he did not breathe hard and felt no fatigue there.

5.2.4 "I could stride many hundreds of yojanas — how much less this ocean whose end is measured at a hundred yojanas!"

5.2.5 He who is the best among the mighty and the foremost of leapers, having vaulted the great ocean, swiftly came to Laṅkā.

5.2.6 He passed through dark-green meadows, fragrant forests, groves with prominent peaks, and mountain-bearing tracts.

5.2.7 The lustrous Hanūmān, the bull among leapers, passed over hills covered with trees and flowering forest-rows.

5.2.8 Standing on that mountain, the son of the wind god beheld forests and groves; and from the mountain's peak he saw Laṅkā.

5.2.9 He saw sāra pines, karṇikāra trees, date palms in full bloom, priyāla and muculinda trees, kuṭaja shrubs, and ketaka plants.

5.2.10 He saw priyaṅgu vines full of fragrance, nīpa trees, saptacchadā trees, asana trees, kovidāras, and karavīra shrubs in bloom.

5.2.11 He saw trees weighed down with loads of flowers, some still in bud, covered with birds, their crowns tossed by the wind.

5.2.12 He beheld ponds thronged with haṃsa and kāraṇḍava birds, adorned with lotuses and blue water-lilies, many delightful pleasure-groves, and various reservoirs.

5.2.13 The bull among apes saw gardens densely planted with various trees that bore fruit and flowers in every season.

5.2.14 Approaching it, the glorious one beheld Laṅkā, guarded by Rāvaṇa, adorned with moats filled with lotuses and blue water-lilies.

5.2.15 It was well-guarded by Rāvaṇa on account of his abduction of Sītā, and patrolled on all sides by rākṣasas carrying fierce bows.

5.2.16 The great city was encircled by a golden rampart, beautiful and covered with hundreds of watchtowers, garlanded with banners and standards.

5.2.17 Hanūmān saw Laṅkā with its divine golden gateways embellished with rows of creepers — like a city of the gods in heaven.

5.2.18 The glorious ape beheld Laṅkā set on the mountain's summit, with white and beautiful mansions — like a city floating in the sky.

5.2.19 Hanūmān saw the city protected by the lord of rākṣasas, built by Viśvakarman, appearing as though it floated in the sky.

5.2.20 Filled with terrible rākṣasas and serpents like Bhogavatī, inconceivable, well-built, splendid — formerly inhabited by Kubera himself.

5.2.21 It was guarded by many fanged warriors, terrible rākṣasas holding spears and battle-axes in their hands, like a cave of venomous serpents.

5.2.22 Its hips were the earthen rampart and walls; its robe was the great mass of water; its locks were tipped with śataghnī engines and spears; its ornament was the row of watchtowers.

5.2.23 Approaching the northern gate, the monkey reflected — it was like the peak of Kailāsa, as if scratching the sky, as if holding the firmament aloft with its towering mansions.

5.2.24 Having surveyed its mighty defenses and the ocean, and reflecting upon Rāvaṇa the terrible enemy, the monkey fell into thought.

5.2.25 "Even if the monkeys came here, they would be in vain. Laṅkā cannot be conquered in battle even by the gods."

5.2.26 "Even having reached this inaccessible fortress, Laṅkā protected by Rāvaṇa — what will the long-armed Rāghava do?"

5.2.27 "No scope for conciliation is found among the rākṣasas; no scope for bribery or sowing dissension is visible; nor even for battle."

5.2.28 "The passage belongs only to four of the great-souled monkeys: the son of Vālī, Nīla, myself, and the wise king."

5.2.29 "Until I learn of Vaidehī — whether she lives or not — I shall deliberate only after seeing Janaka's daughter."

5.2.30 Then the bull among apes, devoted to Rāma's welfare, stood for a moment on that mountain peak, deep in thought.

5.2.31 "In this form, I cannot enter the city of the rākṣasas, guarded as it is by cruel and powerful rākṣasas."

5.2.32 "All these rākṣasas of fierce energy, great valor, and great strength must be deceived by me in my search for Jānakī."

5.2.33 "In a form barely visible, at night, I should enter the city of Laṅkā — the time is ripe for me to accomplish this great task."

5.2.34 Seeing that city thus — inaccessible to gods and asuras — Hanūmān reflected, sighing again and again.

5.2.35 "By what means might I see Maithilī, Janaka's daughter, without being seen by Rāvaṇa the evil-souled lord of rākṣasas?"

5.2.36 "How should the mission of the self-knowing Rāma not be ruined? And how should I, alone, see Janaka's daughter alone and in private?"

5.2.37 "Accomplished purposes collapse when contrary to place and time, and when they meet with a confused envoy — as darkness collapses at sunrise."

5.2.38 "Even a settled judgment does not shine at the boundary between advantage and disadvantage; for envoys who fancy themselves wise destroy missions."

5.2.39 "How should the mission not be ruined? How should confusion not arise? And how should my crossing of the ocean not be in vain?"

5.2.40 "If the rākṣasas see me, this mission of the self-knowing Rāma, who wishes ill to Rāvaṇa, would become fruitless."

5.2.41 "It is impossible to remain anywhere without being recognized by the rākṣasas — even in rākṣasa form, much less in any other form."

5.2.42 "My belief is that not even the wind moves here unrecognized; for there is nothing unknown to these mighty rākṣasas."

5.2.43 "If I remain here disguised in my own form, I shall meet destruction, and my master's cause will suffer."

5.2.44 "Therefore, having taken a diminutive form from my own nature, I shall fly into Laṅkā by night, for the accomplishment of Rāghava's purpose."

5.2.45 "Entering by night this city of Rāvaṇa so difficult to assault, searching every mansion, I shall find Janaka's daughter."

5.2.46 Having thus deliberated, the heroic Hanūmān awaited the setting of the sun, eager to see Vaidehī, and having made himself the size of a mere gnat, he became wondrous to behold.

5.2.47 At dusk, the valiant Hanūmān swiftly sprang up and entered the beautiful city with its broad, well-laid avenues.

5.2.48 It was spread with rows of palaces, with golden and silver pillars, with lattices of pure gold — resembling the city of the gandharvas.

5.2.49 He saw the great city with its seven- and eight-storied buildings, with floors filled with crystal and adorned with pure gold.

5.2.50 The mansions of the rākṣasas there shone with floors decorated with vaidūrya gems and adorned with nets of pearls.

5.2.51 The golden and variegated gateways of the rākṣasas lit up Laṅkā, which was adorned and embellished on all sides.

5.2.52 Beholding Laṅkā, inconceivable and of wondrous form, the great monkey was at once downcast and elated, eager to see Vaidehī.

5.2.53 He gazed at it — garlanded with white, soaring aerial pavilions, with gateways latticed with precious jāmbūnada gold, protected by the arms of the glorious Rāvaṇa, surrounded by night-roaming beings of terrible power.

5.2.54 And the moon, as though rendering service to Laṅkā, rising resplendent surrounded by hosts of stars, spreading a canopy of moonlight over the world, rose with its thousands upon thousands of rays.

5.2.55 That foremost of monkeys saw the moon rising and shining — bright as a conch, white as milk and lotus-fiber — gliding like a haṃsa upon a lake.

5.3.1 On a lofty peak, high and resembling a hanging cloud, the wise Hanūmān, son of the wind, composed himself with courage.

5.3.2 At night, Hanūmān the great-souled bull among apes entered Laṅkā — the city protected by Rāvaṇa, rich with beautiful groves and waters.

5.3.3 It was beautified by mansions resembling autumnal clouds; its roar was like the ocean; it was fanned by the ocean wind.

5.3.4 Guarded by a well-nourished army — like Viṭapāvatī herself — with beautiful gateway-arches and white-pillared portals.

5.3.5 Frequented by serpentine beings and well-guarded, beautiful — like Bhogavatī — covered with clouds shot through with lightning, and traversed by pathways of luminaries.

5.3.6 Resounding with fierce winds like Indra's Amarāvatī, surrounded by a great rampart of pure gold.

5.3.7 Adorned with banners ringing with clusters of tiny bells, he approached suddenly, joyful, and reached the rampart.

5.3.8 His heart seized with wonder, surveying the city on all sides — with gateways made of jāmbūnada gold and raised platforms fashioned of vaidūrya gems —

5.3.9 — adorned with gem-inlaid floors of sapphire, crystal, and pearl; with projecting cornices of refined gold; gleaming silver-white and spotless —

5.3.10 — with staircases of vaidūrya, with crystal dust between the steps, fitted with beautiful running-courses, those auspicious mansions seemed to soar into the sky —

5.3.11 — resounding everywhere with the cries of krauñca birds and peacocks, frequented by royal haṃsas, reverberating with the sounds of musical instruments and ornaments —

5.3.12 Surveying that city matchless as Vasvokasārā, Laṅkā appearing to leap into the sky, the monkey Hanūmān rejoiced.

5.3.13 Surveying that city Laṅkā of the lord of rākṣasas — beautiful, unrivaled, full of prosperity — the valiant one fell into thought.

5.3.14 "This city cannot be assaulted by force by anyone else, guarded as it is by the armies of Rāvaṇa with weapons raised and ready."

5.3.15 "This ground might be within the reach of Kumuda and Aṅgada, of the great monkey Suṣeṇa, and also of Mainda and Dvivida."

5.3.16 "It might be within reach of Vivasvat's son, of the monkey Kuśaparvan, of Ṛkṣa and Ketumāla, and of myself as well."

5.3.17 Yet reflecting on the valor of the long-armed Rāghava and on Lakṣmaṇa's prowess, the monkey became confident and glad.

5.3.18 He saw the city adorned with jewels and garments, crowned with treasure-houses, her breast the arsenal — wealthy, like a great lady adorned with ornaments.

5.3.19 The great monkey saw the city of the lord of rākṣasas — its darkness dispelled by lamps and the luminous great mansions.

5.3.20 Having entered by night, the son of the wind, full of courage, took the great road adorned and shining with scattered flowers.

5.3.21 With sounds of laughter and uproar attended by music, with householders' dwellings resembling thunderbolts and hooks, adorned with lattices of lightning — the beautiful city shone like the sky with storm-clouds.

5.3.22 Laṅkā blazed then with the beautiful homes of the rākṣasa hosts — white as clouds, adorned with lotus and svastika patterns, and with expanding mansions eloquently fashioned on all sides.

5.3.23 Roaming for Rāghava's sake, the glorious one who works for the welfare of the monkey-king saw that city adorned with varied garlands and ornaments, and was delighted.

5.3.24 He heard sweet song adorned with tones from the three registers — from women intoxicated with wine, like the apsarases in heaven.

5.3.25 He heard the tinkling of girdles and the ringing of anklets, the sound of footsteps on staircases in the mansions, and here and there the sounds of clapping and hissing.

5.3.26 He saw yātudhānas engaged in recitation of the Vedas, and rākṣasas roaring praises to Rāvaṇa.

5.3.27 He saw a great body of rākṣasa troops blocking the royal road, and in the central guard-post many scouts of the rākṣasa.

5.3.28 He saw some who had taken vows, some matted-haired, some shaven — clothed in cowhides and goatskins, armed with fistfuls of kuśa grass, and others with fire-pots as weapons.

5.3.29 He saw those holding crooked clubs, those bearing staff-weapons, one-eyed ones, many-eared ones, and those with swinging, pendulous breasts.

5.3.30 He saw terrible ones, disfigured ones, monstrous and dwarfish ones, archers, swordsmen, those armed with śataghnī engines and clubs, those holding great iron bars in their hands — all gleaming in varied armor.

5.3.31 He saw those who were neither too stout nor too lean, neither too tall nor too short — some ill-shaped, some of many forms, and some of handsome form and bright complexion.

5.3.32 The great monkey also saw those armed with śakti-spears and tree-trunks, those bearing battle-axes and thunderbolts, and those holding slings and nooses in their hands.

5.3.33 He saw those wearing garlands and anointed with unguents, adorned with excellent ornaments, those bearing sharp tridents, and those carrying the vajra — all of great power.

5.3.34 The great monkey saw the central guard of one hundred thousand, unwavering, completely surrounding the rampart.

5.3.35 It was like the divine Triviṣṭapa, filled with divine sounds, resounding with the neighing of horses, reverberating with the music of ornaments.

5.3.36 There were chariots, vehicles, aerial cars, auspicious elephants and horses, and four-tusked elephants resembling masses of white cloud.

5.3.37 Adorned and with a beautiful gateway, with intoxicated animals and birds — guarded as the mansion of the lord of rākṣasas — the monkey entered.

5.4.1 Then that wise one beheld in the sky the Moon, who had reached the zenith, pouring out a great flood of moonlight, blazing with radiance, roaming like a rutting bull in a cattle-pen.

5.4.2 He beheld the cool-rayed Moon advancing — destroying the sins of the world, swelling the great ocean, and illuminating all living beings.

5.4.3 The beauty that shines on earth when set upon Mandara, and at nightfall when resting upon the ocean, and likewise when dwelling in lotus-pools — that same splendour now blazed, abiding in the lovely Moon.

5.4.4 As a swan resting in a silver cage, as a lion couched in a cave of Mandara, as a hero mounted on a proud elephant — so too the Moon blazed, stationed in the sky.

5.4.5 Like a great mountain with a sharp summit, like a white peak rising high, like an elephant with its tusks bound in gold — so the Moon shone with its disc perfectly full.

5.4.6 The blessed nightfall had its faults dispelled by the bright rising of the Moon; the fault of the flesh-eating Rākṣasas grown mighty; the fault of minds stirred by longing for lovely Rāma — yet it shone like heaven.

5.4.7 Sweet sounds of lutes and strings, pleasing to the ear, arose; women of good conduct slept beside their husbands; and the night-wanderers too stirred forth to sport — those of most wondrous and dread disposition.

5.4.8 That wise monkey beheld households in tumult with the intoxicated and the heedless, filled with chariots, horses, and fine seats, and thronged with the glory of heroes.

5.4.9 They hurled boastful taunts at one another, flinging their stout arms about, uttering the babbling speech of the intoxicated, casting challenges at each other in their drunkenness.

5.4.10 Rākṣasas throwing out their broad chests, casting their limbs upon their beloved women — he saw some conversing with their sweethearts, and others there sleeping.

5.4.11 It resounded with great elephants trumpeting, with well-worshipped and excellent horses, with heroes heaving sighs — gleaming like a lake breathing with serpents.

5.4.12 In that city he saw Yātudhānas — the demon-sorcerers — foremost in intellect, bearing lovely names, revered and regarded as chiefs of the world, of many varieties and with pleasing appellations.

5.4.13 He rejoiced to see those of fair form, endowed with varied qualities befitting their own natures, blazing with splendour — those of beautiful form he saw; and then again some others of hideous form.

5.4.14 Then he saw the wives of those Rākṣasas — women worthy of the best, with hearts utterly pure, of great majesty, devoted in spirit to their beloved drinks, shining like stars of brilliant radiance.

5.4.15 Blazing with beauty, veiled by modesty, in the midnight hour clasped by their lovers — he saw some women embraced by their beloved mates, like birds nestled amid blossoms.

5.4.16 Others again were seated on the floors of their mansions, comfortably settled in the laps of their beloved husbands — devoted to virtue, dear to their lords, well-settled in their place — and that wise one saw them possessed of a dignity that confers honour.

5.4.17 Some were unclothed, of golden-streak complexion; some were most precious ones of burnished-gold hue; others again were of lunar-spot colouring; and some, deserted by their lovers, were of lovely limb-colour.

5.4.18 Then, having obtained their beloved ones who delight the mind, filled with deep joy, looking upon those Rāmas — the lord of monkeys beheld those women, joyful in their homes and supremely beautiful.

5.4.19 He saw garlands of faces bright as moonlight, garlands of lovely eyes with curving lashes, garlands of ornaments — like the fair garland of the hundred-flash lightning.

5.4.20 But Sītā, of the highest birth, born into the royal line that walks the righteous path, slender as a blossoming vine of noble growth — born of the mind itself — he did not find her.

5.4.21 Her who is established in the eternal path, that one worthy to be seen by Rāma, seized by longing, who has entered the glorious mind of her husband — ever distinguished above all excellent women — he did not see.

5.4.22 Afflicted by heat, her throat flowing with streaming tears, her throat once adorned with the finest and most precious jewelled pendants, with well-formed lashes, her throat flushed — wandering in the forest like a blue-throated bird — he did not see her.

5.4.23 Like the crescent of the moon with its mark obscured; like a line of gold smeared with dust; like the track of an arrow-wound grown over again; like a streak of cloud rent asunder by the wind.

5.4.24 Not finding Sītā — wife of Rāma, lord of men, best among the eloquent — the monkey became struck with grief, growing slow and sluggish after long exertion, like a fire robbed of its vigour.

5.5.1 Roaming at will among the bending trees, the monkey, assuming whatever form he desired, explored Laṅkā with swiftness and ease.

5.5.2 Then that glorious one came upon the palace of the lord of Rākṣasas, entirely enclosed by a wall of sun-like colour and radiant splendour.

5.5.3 Guarded by terrible Rākṣasas as a great forest is guarded by lions — surveying that mansion, the elephant among monkeys shone forth with purpose.

5.5.4 It was adorned with variegated gateways fitted with silver finials and decorated with gold, surrounded by elaborate courtyards and beautiful doors.

5.5.5 It was attended by great elephant-drivers mounted on their elephants, by tireless heroes, by irresistible horses and chariot-riders.

5.5.6 It was constantly traversed by chariots with armour made of lion and tiger hide, wrought of ivory, gold, and silver, resonant with noise and richly adorned.

5.5.7 It was strewn with many precious gems, filled with vessels of the most valuable seats, the dwelling-place of great warriors, furnished with great thrones for great car-warriors.

5.5.8 It was filled on all sides with various most excellent spectacles, and with various beasts and birds in their thousands upon thousands.

5.5.9 It was well-guarded by well-trained gate-keepers and Rākṣasa guards, and filled everywhere with foremost women of the finest quality.

5.5.10 That jewel of a palace of the lord of Rākṣasas, filled with joyful women, resounded with the tinkling of exquisite ornaments like the roar of the ocean.

5.5.11 That palace, endowed with every royal excellence, perfumed with the finest sandalwood, resounded with the beat of kettledrums and mṛdaṅgas, and rang with the blast of conch-shells.

5.5.12 Perpetually worshipped, offered oblations at every festival, constantly honoured by the Rākṣasas — deep as the ocean, and resonant as the ocean.

5.5.13 That great monkey of mighty soul beheld the vast dwelling, furnished with most precious appurtenances, thronged with great multitudes of people.

5.5.14 Blazing with splendour in its form, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots — that great monkey reckoned it to be the very ornament of Laṅkā itself.

5.5.15 Moving from house to house among the Rākṣasas, surveying the gardens and the palace-towers without any fear, that monkey roamed about.

5.5.16 Leaping with great speed into the mansion of Prahasta, that mighty one then bounded to another dwelling — the mansion of Mahāpārśva.

5.5.17 Then that great monkey leaped into the dwelling of Kumbhakarṇa, resembling a thundercloud, and likewise into that of Vibhīṣaṇa.

5.5.18 And likewise into the mansion of Mahodara, and of Virūpākṣa, into the dwelling of Vidyujjihvā, and likewise that of Vidyunmālin, and the dwelling of Vajradaṃṣṭra — so that great monkey leaped.

5.5.19 With great speed, the leader of the monkey-horde went to the mansion of Śuka, and of the wise Sāraṇa, and likewise to the dwelling of Indrajit.

5.5.20 The leader of the monkey-horde went to the mansions of Jambumālin and Sumālin, and likewise to the dwelling of Raśmiketu and Sūryaśatru.

5.5.21 The son of the Wind visited the mansion of Dhūmrākṣa and Saṃpātin, of the dreadful Vidyudrūpa, of Ghana and of Vighana.

5.5.22 He visited the mansions of Śukanābha, of Vakra, of Śaṭha and Vikaṭa, of Hrasvakarṇa, of Daṃṣṭra, and of the Rākṣasa Romaśa.

5.5.23 He visited those of Yuddhonmatta, of Matta, of Dhvajagrīva, of Nādin, of Vidyujjihvā and Indrajihva, and likewise of Hastimukha.

5.5.24 And of Karāla, of Piśāca, and of Śoṇitākṣa — advancing step by step in due order, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, moved on.

5.5.25 In each of those most magnificent mansions, that great monkey of great glory beheld the opulence of those opulent ones.

5.5.26 Having passed through all the mansions on every side, that glorious one then arrived at the palace of the lord of Rākṣasas.

5.5.27 That foremost of monkeys, that tiger among monkeys, roaming about, beheld the female Rākṣasas who lay in attendance upon Rāvaṇa — those of distorted eyes, bearing tridents and cudgels in their hands, armed with śakti-spears and bearing tomaras.

5.5.28 He beheld the various guard-posts in the dwelling of that lord of Rākṣasas.

5.5.29 Red ones, white ones, and pale ones — and tawny ones of great speed, of noble lineage, endowed with fine form — elephants that break the elephants of enemies.

5.5.30 He saw in that dwelling those trained in the peak of elephant-craft, the equals of Airāvata in battle, the slayers of enemy armies.

5.5.31 Dripping like rain-clouds, oozing like mountains weeping — producing a roar like the thunder of clouds, unconquerable by enemies in battle.

5.5.32 A thousand companies of troops were there, adorned with gold of the Jambū river, unbroken by nets of gold, resembling the young sun.

5.5.33 That monkey, the son of the Wind, beheld in the palace of Rāvaṇa, the lord of Rākṣasas, palanquins of various shapes and forms.

5.5.34 Lovely bower-houses of creepers, and painted hall-chambers, and other pleasure-houses, and also wooden model mountains.

5.5.35 The charming house of pleasures, and also the daytime-chamber — these he beheld in the palace of Rāvaṇa, the lord of Rākṣasas.

5.5.36 He beheld that most excellent of mansions — resembling the surface of Mount Mandara, crowded with peacock-grounds, and thickly planted with flag-poles.

5.5.37 With a mass of infinite gems, a treasury on every side, with all work-tasks executed steadily and surely — like the palace of the lord of all beings.

5.5.38 And with the flames of gemstones and the splendour of Rāvaṇa himself — that mansion then blazed forth like the sun radiating its rays.

5.5.39 Couches and seats made entirely of Jāmbūnada gold, and bright, gleaming vessels — these the leader of the monkey-host beheld.

5.5.40 Moist with the residue of honey-wine, crowded with jewelled vessels, delightful and unencumbered — like the palace of Kubera himself.

5.5.41 It resounded with the jingling of anklets, with the tinkling of golden girdles, and rang out loudly with the sound of mṛdaṅga-drums and clapping hands.

5.5.42 Provided with an assemblage of palace-towers, thronged with hundreds of jewel-like women, with its courtyards well-arranged — Hanūmān entered that great mansion.

5.6.1 That mighty one beheld a network of dwelling-chambers, interlaced with a lattice of vaidūrya gems and gold — like a great canopy of clouds in the rainy season, bound together by lightning and interwoven with flights of birds.

5.6.2 Various halls of the palatial residences — halls foremost with conches, weapons, and bows — and also charming and spacious moonlit terraces on the palace-mountains: these he beheld.

5.6.3 Mansions glorified by many kinds of jewels, well-honoured even by gods and asuras, free from all faults — the monkey beheld those acquired by his own prowess.

5.6.4 Those mansions brought together with great care, built as if by Maya himself in person, surpassing all in every excellence on the face of the earth — he beheld those homes of the lord of Laṅkā.

5.6.5 Then he beheld the most excellent of mansions — towering in the form of a great cloud, charming and beautiful with golden appearance, commensurate with the personal might of the lord of Rākṣasas, matchless in form and without equal.

5.6.6 Like heaven spread out upon the earth, blazing with glory, strewn with many gems, strewn with blossoms of manifold trees — like the summit of a mountain sprinkled with pollen.

5.6.7 Blazing as if with the finest of women; worshipped like a rain-cloud by lightning-flashes; carried as if by the finest of swans — that heavenly vimāna-palace shone in the sky, endowed with glory, the dwelling of those who have performed great merit.

5.6.8 As the peak of a mountain is variegated with many minerals, as the sky is variegated with planets and the moon — he beheld that jewel of a vimāna, variegated with artfully fashioned clouds, variegated with many precious stones.

5.6.9 The earth was fashioned full of ranges of mountains; the mountains were fashioned full of spreading canopies of trees; the trees were fashioned full of spreading canopies of flowers; the flowers were fashioned full of filaments and petals.

5.6.10 And white mansions were fashioned, and lotus-pools in full bloom; and again lotuses with their stamens, auspicious and variegated, and likewise wonderful forests.

5.6.11 Named Puṣpāhvaya — the Flower-named — blazing splendidly, growing ever greater with the radiance of precious gems, rising even above the most excellent of mansions — that great vimāna the great monkey beheld there.

5.6.12 Birds were fashioned of vaidūrya, and likewise birds of silver and coral; serpents were variegated with many kinds of gems; and horses of fine breeds with beautiful limbs were fashioned.

5.6.13 With wings of coral, Jāmbūnada gold, and flowers; with bent, curving wings gracefully inclined — their wings shine as if Kāma himself were manifest; birds were fashioned with beautiful faces and lovely wings.

5.6.14 And elephants being yoked, with graceful trunks, bearing lotus-leaves as their trunks — and also the goddess Lakṣmī was fashioned with lovely hands, holding a lotus in the lotus-pool.

5.6.15 Having approached that beautiful mansion — full of wonder, like a lovely, beautiful mountain — and again that supremely fragrant, lovely one — like a mountain with a beautiful cave at the end of the snowy season.

5.6.16 Then that monkey, having traversed that revered city guarded by the arms of the ten-faced Rāvaṇa, not finding that daughter of Janaka — so greatly honoured, so deeply afflicted, overwhelmed by the power of her husband's virtues.

5.6.17 Then at that time, the mind of that great-souled one — whose spirit had been cultivated in many ways, whose self was disciplined, who walked the right path, who roamed with clear vision — became exceedingly grieved at not finding the daughter of Janaka.

5.7.1 In the midst of that most excellent abode, vast and spacious, Hanūmān, the son of the wind-god, beheld the finest of mansions.

5.7.2 That palace of the lord of rākṣasas was half a yojana in breadth and a full yojana in length, crowded with many turrets.

5.7.3 Seeking Vaidehī Sītā of the large eyes, Hanūmān the destroyer of enemies wandered in every direction.

5.7.4 It was surrounded without obstruction by elephants bearing four tusks and likewise by those bearing three tusks, and guarded by soldiers with upraised weapons.

5.7.5 The dwelling of Rāvaṇa was enclosed by his rākṣasī wives and by princesses who had been carried off by force.

5.7.6 It teemed with crocodiles and sea-monsters, was filled with timiṅgila fish, and was stirred by the speed of the wind — like the ocean teeming with serpents.

5.7.7 Whatever wealth and splendor belong to Vaiśravaṇa and to Indra who rides the bay horses — all that was permanently and unfailingly present in Rāvaṇa's abode.

5.7.8 Such prosperity as belongs to King Kubera, to Yama, and to Varuṇa — or even surpassing that — was present here in the dwellings of the rākṣasas.

5.7.9 Standing in the midst of that palace, the son of the wind-god saw another exquisitely constructed mansion, dense with many projecting balconies.

5.7.10 In heaven, made by Viśvakarman at the behest of Brahmā, stood the divine aerial car called Puṣpaka, adorned with every kind of jewel.

5.7.11 That which Kubera had obtained from the Grandfather Brahmā through supreme austerity — that very thing the lord of rākṣasas had obtained by vanquishing Kubera by force.

5.7.12 It was filled with golden pillars fashioned with longing-deer designs, worked in gold of fitting note, and blazed as if ablaze with radiance.

5.7.13 It was adorned on all sides with peaked chambers of beautiful form, resembling Meru and Mandara, scratching the sky as it were.

5.7.14 Wrought by Viśvakarman, it shone like blazing sun, furnished with golden stairways and graceful, excellent terraces.

5.7.15 Fitted with latticed windows, of gold and crystal, with terraces of indranīla and mahānīla gems — the great monkey mounted the divine aerial car Puṣpaka.

5.7.16 Standing there, he inhaled a divine fragrance arising from drink, food, and cooked dishes — concentrated, like a wind that had taken form.

5.7.17 That fragrance drew the mighty-souled one as if a kinsman summoning a kinsman — "Come here" — toward the very place where Rāvaṇa was.

5.7.18 Then, proceeding in that direction, he saw a great and beautiful hall — beloved of Rāvaṇa's heart, like a lovely noble woman.

5.7.19 It was adorned with steps of jewels, brilliant with a lattice of gold, its floor sheathed in crystal, its panels inlaid with ivory.

5.7.20 It was embellished with pearls and coral, with silver and gold, and graced with a great multitude of gem-studded pillars.

5.7.21 With even, straight, exceedingly tall and well-adorned pillars on all sides, like immensely lofty wings, it seemed to be setting out for heaven.

5.7.22 With a great carpet bearing auspicious earthly marks, it was as vast as the earth itself, garlanded with all the kingdoms and their houses.

5.7.23 Resounding with intoxicated birds, pervaded by divine fragrances, furnished with the most excellent couches, and frequented by the lord of rākṣasas.

5.7.24 Smoky with agaru incense, spotless and white as a swan, variegated with offerings of flowers — gleaming like a dappled creature.

5.7.25 She who was a delight to the mind, who gladdens even one's complexion, that divine hall that destroys sorrow — like the very birthplace of Śrī.

5.7.26 The five senses were then gratified by the five excellent sense-objects in that place governed by Rāvaṇa — like a mother gratifying her children.

5.7.27 "Is this heaven? Is this the world of the gods? Could this be Indra's city? Or might this be the highest perfection?" — so Māruti reflected.

5.7.28 As if lost in thought, he saw the golden lamps there — like cheats defeated by great cheats at gambling.

5.7.29 By the radiance of the lamps, the splendor of Rāvaṇa, and the flames of the ornaments — it appeared to be ablaze, so he thought.

5.7.30 Then he saw resting on couches a thousand noble women — wearing garments and garlands of many hues, adorned in varied attire.

5.7.31 When midnight had come round, having fallen under the sway of wine-sleep, having ceased from sport during the night, he slept deeply.

5.7.32 That assembly sleeping — with ornaments stilled, with geese and bees hushed — shone like a great lotus pond at night.

5.7.33 The son of the wind saw the faces of those lovely women — teeth hidden, eyes closed, fragrant as lotuses.

5.7.34 Like lotuses that had bloomed at the end of darkness and then closed their petals again, so they appeared that night.

5.7.35 "Surely the intoxicated bees must seek these lotus-faces again and again, just as they seek blooming water-lilies."

5.7.36 So the glorious great monkey reflected by way of analogy — for he judged them equal in quality to water-born lotuses.

5.7.37 That hall, graced by those women, shone like the clear autumnal sky adorned with stars.

5.7.38 And the lord of rākṣasas, surrounded by them, shone just as the glorious lord of the constellations is surrounded by stars.

5.7.39 "These here must be all those stars that have fallen from the sky, enveloped in the remnant of their merit, gathered together" — so the monkey thought then.

5.7.40 Indeed like the great stars of auspicious radiance, the women there shone in the clarity of their luster and complexion.

5.7.41 Their heavy and full garlands had slipped aside, their fine ornaments were scattered, their senses carried away by sleep during hours of drinking and exertion.

5.7.42 Some had their brow-marks displaced, some had their anklets fallen awry, some had their pearl-necklaces slipped to the side — those most excellent women.

5.7.43 Others had their faces wrapped in garlands; some had their garments slipped; their girdle-strings loosened — like fillies being led away.

5.7.44 Others wore lovely earrings, their garlands crushed and broken — like flowering creepers in a great forest, trampled by a lordly elephant.

5.7.45 The brilliant necklaces of some women, shining like moonbeams, lay between their breasts like sleeping swans.

5.7.46 The vaidūrya gems of others appeared like kādamba birds; the golden threads of still others appeared like cakravāka geese.

5.7.47 Filled with geese and kāraṇḍava ducks and adorned with cakravāka birds, they glittered like rivers — their hips like sandbanks.

5.7.48 With nets of small bells like lotuses in broad gold, responsive to feeling, renowned as their banks — they lay like sleeping rivers.

5.7.49 On the soft limbs of some, and resting on the tips of their breasts, the lovely rows of ornaments themselves seemed to be ornaments.

5.7.50 The fine garment-ends of some, blown by the breath from their mouths, waved again and again over their faces.

5.7.51 Those cloth-ends, like flags raised aloft, shining with beautiful radiance at the base of the wives' faces, gleamed in the many colors of gold.

5.7.52 The earrings of some of those lovely women, touched by the breath from their mouths, swayed softly, softly, their light auspicious.

5.7.53 The breath from their mouths — naturally fragrant and sweet, with the scent of sugarcane-liquor — attended on Rāvaṇa then.

5.7.54 And some of Rāvaṇa's wives, mistaking them for Rāvaṇa's face, kissed the faces of their co-wives again and again.

5.7.55 Those noble women, their minds utterly devoted to Rāvaṇa, without independence, acted even toward their co-wives as if doing what was dear to him.

5.7.56 Placing their arms as pillows, adorned with their ornaments, and lovely garments about them, the women lay there sleeping.

5.7.57 One lay upon another's breast; another upon her arm; still another upon that one's lap; yet another upon her two arms.

5.7.58 Leaning on each other's thighs, flanks, hips, and backs, their bodies interlocked with each other's, led on by the influence of intoxication and love.

5.7.59 Delighting in the mutual touch of their limbs, the slender-waisted women all slept there, their arms merged into one.

5.7.60 Strung together by the cord of each other's arms, that garland of women was like a garland threaded on a string, adorned with intoxicated bees.

5.7.61 Like creepers in the month of Mādhava blooming and fanned by the wind — their flower clusters clinging together, interwoven in mutual garlands.

5.7.62 With necks closely entwined, stirred by bees seeking one another, Rāvaṇa's grove of women was like a forest swaying in the wind.

5.7.63 Even among those who were used to such things, it was clearly not possible to make any distinction among the women's ornaments, bodies, garments, and garlands.

5.7.64 With Rāvaṇa comfortably asleep, those women of varied radiance — and the blazing golden lamps — seemed to gaze upon him without blinking.

5.7.65 The daughters of royal sages, of manes, of daityas, of gandharvas, and of rākṣasas had all come under his power of desire.

5.7.66 Not one woman there had been won by force — all had been obtained by valor and virtue; none longed for another man, nor had been previously another's — save for Janaka's daughter, who was worthy of the most excellent.

5.7.67 None was of low birth, none of inferior beauty, none lacking in accomplishments, none without proper conduct; none became his wife who was deficient in virtue, or who was not beloved, or who was not desirable.

5.7.68 Then the thought arose in the lord of monkeys: "If the lawfully wedded wife of Rāghava were like these wives of the rākṣasa king — how well-born this Rāvaṇa must be!" — for so a good-natured man thinks.

5.7.69 And then he reflected again in anguish: "Surely Sītā must exceed these in virtue; and yet this great-souled lord of Laṅkā has done a cruel, ignoble deed against her."

5.8.1 There, looking about, Hanūmān saw a foremost couch divine in appearance, made of crystal and adorned with jewels.

5.8.2 In one part of it he saw a white canopy adorned with the finest garlands, resembling the lord of the stars.

5.8.3 It was being fanned on all sides by women holding yak-tail fly-whisks; pervaded by various fragrances; fumigated with excellent incense.

5.8.4 Spread with a most excellent coverlet, covered with woolen cloth and skins, beautified on all sides with strings of the finest garlands.

5.8.5 Upon it lay one like a rain-cloud in hue, with brilliant, excellent earrings, red-eyed, long-armed, wearing garments of great silver.

5.8.6 His limbs anointed with red sandalpaste of sweet fragrance — like a rain-cloud in the sky reddened at twilight, set with rows of lightning.

5.8.7 Encircled by divine ornaments, handsome, able to take on any form — like Mount Mandara asleep, abundant with trees, forests, and shrubs.

5.8.8 Having ceased from sport during the night, adorned with excellent ornaments, dear to the rākṣasa maidens, the cause of delight to the rākṣasas.

5.8.9 The great monkey saw that hero, the lord of rākṣasas — having drunk and then ceased — sleeping on a couch that glowed like the sun.

5.8.10 Approaching Rāvaṇa as he breathed like a serpent, the best of monkeys was greatly agitated and drew back as if in great fear.

5.8.11 Then, approaching the ascent and taking shelter at the edge of a terrace, the great monkey observed the sleeping tiger among rākṣasas.

5.8.12 The excellent couch of the lord of rākṣasas as he slept shone like a great spring when a rutting elephant has settled in it.

5.8.13 He saw the two outstretched arms of that great-souled lord of rākṣasas, bound with golden armlets, comparable to Indra's banner-poles.

5.8.14 They bore wounds inflicted by the tusk-tips of Airāvata; their broad shoulders were gashed by Vajra's bolt; they had been struck by Viṣṇu's discus.

5.8.15 Thick, evenly and well-formed at the shoulders, joined together, endowed with strength, their thumbs and nails well-marked with auspicious signs, the palms and fingers bearing good marks.

5.8.16 Firm, shaped like iron bars, rounded, comparable to elephant's trunks — flung out on the bright couch like two five-headed serpents.

5.8.17 Well-anointed and well-adorned with the most excellent sandalwood paste — like fresh blood — cool and fragrant.

5.8.18 Caressed by the finest women, attended by the best of fragrances, resounding with yakṣas, serpents, gandharvas, gods, and dānavas.

5.8.19 The monkey saw those two arms of his, laid on the couch — like two great serpents sleeping in the caverns of Mandara, as if in anger.

5.8.20 With those two full arms, the lord of rākṣasas shone like a mountain — like Mandara with its two peaks.

5.8.21 Fragrant with mango and puṃnāga trees, mingled with the finest bakula flowers, joined with the juice of fine food, preceded by the scent of drink.

5.8.22 From the mouth of that lion among rākṣasas as he lay sleeping issued a mighty breath — as if filling that entire dwelling.

5.8.23 His face was lit by his earrings, his crown — dazzling gold variegated with pearl-jewels — having slipped to one side.

5.8.24 And adorned with a necklace anointed with red sandalwood, brilliant with his full, long, and broad chest.

5.8.25 His eyes blood-red, a white silk cloth flung aside, neatly wrapped in yellow, most excellent upper garments.

5.8.26 Dark as a heap of black beans, breathing like a serpent — like an elephant plunged into the great Gaṅgā's deep water.

5.8.27 Illuminated in all four directions by four blazing golden lamps, his entire body made bright — like a cloud surrounded by masses of lightning.

5.8.28 And at his feet he saw the wives of that most great-souled one, who was fond of his wives, in the house of that lord of rākṣasas.

5.8.29 Faces shining like the moon, adorned with excellent earrings, their garlands and ornaments unfaded — so the lord of the monkey-troop saw them.

5.8.30 Skilled in dancing and playing instruments, resting in the embrace of the lord of rākṣasas, wearing excellent ornaments — the monkey saw them seated.

5.8.31 At the ears of the women he saw earrings and armlets of refined gold, set with diamonds and vaidūrya gems.

5.8.32 With their moon-like faces and beautiful, graceful earrings, that aerial palace shone like the sky adorned with multitudes of stars.

5.8.33 Wearied by intoxication and exertion, the slender-waisted wives of the lord of rākṣasas lay sleeping in various spaces.

5.8.34 One, embracing a vīṇā and asleep, appeared bright — like a lotus plant in a great river, clinging to a young sprout.

5.8.35 Another dark-eyed woman, with a small drum at her side, lay sleeping and shone like a fond mother with her young child.

5.8.36 One of beautiful limbs and auspicious breasts lay pressing a kettledrum — like a passionate woman embracing a long-desired lover.

5.8.37 One lotus-eyed woman lay asleep, embracing a drum-stand, having fallen under the power of sleep — like a beauty with her beloved.

5.8.38 Another, with intoxicated eyes, pressed a mṛdaṅga drum with her soft, full, beautiful limbs shining like gold, and lay asleep.

5.8.39 A slender-waisted, blameless woman lay asleep, wearied by intoxication, a small drum resting between her arm and side.

5.8.40 Another, having grasped a double-drum and still clinging to it, lay asleep — like a beautiful woman embracing a young calf.

5.8.41 One lotus-petal-eyed woman, having pressed a great drum with her embrace of arms, lay asleep, stupefied by intoxication.

5.8.42 Another, having set aside a water-jar, lay asleep and shone — like a garland in spring, streaked with flowers, freshly arranged.

5.8.43 One woman lay asleep, overcome by the force of sleep, clasping her breasts — resembling golden water-pots — with both hands.

5.8.44 Another, lotus-petal-eyed, her face like the full moon, fine-hipped, lay asleep embracing another woman, bewildered by intoxication.

5.8.45 Those noble and amorous women lay asleep embracing various musical instruments and pressing them with their breasts — as if embracing their lovers.

5.8.46 Apart from them, lying on an auspicious couch in a secluded place, the monkey saw another woman possessed of great beauty.

5.8.47 Well-adorned with ornaments set with pearls and gems — as if adorning the excellent palace itself with her own radiance.

5.8.48 The monkey saw there, lying and lovely in form — fair, golden in hue, beloved, mistress of the inner apartments — Mandodarī.

5.8.49 The long-armed son of the wind, seeing her adorned thus, guessed her to be Sītā by her wealth of beauty and youth; filled with great joy, the lord of the monkey-troop rejoiced.

5.8.50 He slapped his arms, kissed his tail, rejoiced, frolicked, sang, went about, climbed the pillars, fell to the ground — displaying the very nature of monkeys.

5.9.1 Then shaking off that thought he became still, and the great monkey turned to another reflection concerning Sītā.

5.9.2 "That noble woman, separated from Rāma, cannot be sleeping, or eating, or adorning herself, or drinking.

5.9.3 She cannot be attending on another man, even if he were lord of the gods — for there exists no one equal to Rāma, not even among the thirty gods." Having thus concluded that this was another woman, he wandered through the drinking hall.

5.9.4 Some were wearied by play, others by singing; still others were wearied by dancing; others were overwhelmed by drink.

5.9.5 Some women were lying on muraja-drums, on mṛdaṅgas, and on stools; others had settled onto the finest of couches and spreads.

5.9.6 With a thousand women adorned with ornaments, skilled in beauty and conversation, apt in speaking the meaning of songs,

5.9.7 suited to time and place, speaking fitting words — the lord of the monkey-troop saw him sleeping, sated with love after love.

5.9.8 In their midst the long-armed lord of rākṣasas shone — like a bull in a great pen, amid the finest cows.

5.9.9 That lord of rākṣasas himself, surrounded by them, shone — like a great elephant in a forest, encircled by she-elephants.

5.9.10 The tiger among monkeys saw the drinking hall of that great-souled one, provided with every pleasure, in the house of that lord of rākṣasas.

5.9.11 He saw there, in the drinking hall, portions of the flesh of deer, buffalo, and boar laid out.

5.9.12 In large golden vessels the tiger among monkeys saw peacocks and cocks, half-eaten.

5.9.13 Hanūmān observed boar and dried-meat preparations mixed with curd and black salt, roasted meats, and flesh of deer and peacock.

5.9.14 Various cooked partridges, cakor birds half-eaten, whole-skewered buffalo, and goats well-prepared; lickable items both high and low, drinks, and various foods.

5.9.15 Along with various sour and salt condiments and colored sweet-and-sour sauces; necklaces, anklets, and armlets of great value strewn about.

5.9.16 With drinking vessels scattered about and various fruits as well, and floral offerings made — the floor bloomed with surpassing splendor.

5.9.17 With couches and seats well-arranged and placed here and there, the drinking hall appeared to be ablaze even without fire.

5.9.18 With meats of many varied kinds, prepared with excellent seasoning and skillfully combined, placed separately in the drinking hall.

5.9.19 Divine, clear, varied wines and distilled spirits as well — sugarcane-spirits, mead, flower-spirits and fruit-spirits — each purified with its particular perfumed powder, separately displayed.

5.9.20 The floor was continuously beautiful with many garlands laid about it, covered over with golden water-vessels, crystal cups, and yet other drinking vessels of Jāmbūnada-gold.

5.9.21 In silver pitchers and in those of Jāmbūnada-gold, the monkey then and there saw an abundance of the finest drink.

5.9.22 The great monkey saw vessels of pure gold, of jewels, and of silver, all brimming full with fermented liquor.

5.9.23 In some places he saw drinks with half remaining, in others entirely consumed, in still others not yet drunk at all.

5.9.24 Seeing various eatables in one place, portions of drink in another, and remnants of food in yet another, he wandered about.

5.9.25 In some places with broken drinking cups, in others with overturned pitchers, in yet others water and fruits mixed with garlands.

5.9.26 The women's couches here were empty in many places; some noble women lay sleeping, embracing one another.

5.9.27 One woman had taken another's garment, wrapped it around herself and embraced it, and lay sleeping, overcome by the force of sleep.

5.9.28 The garments and body-garlands of those women, moved by the breeze of their breathing, stirred gently, like a light wind barely reaching them.

5.9.29 Of cool sandalwood and sweet fermented liquor, of various garlands, and of various flowers —

5.9.30 — in that place the wind bore aloft many varied fragrances; made dense with the scents of bathing substances, sandalwoods, and incense, a fragrant perfume blew through the aerial car Puṣpaka then.

5.9.31 Some women there were dark-complexioned and fair; some were wholly dark, those noble ladies; some had limbs of golden hue — those beauties in the rākṣasa dwelling.

5.9.32 Indeed, by virtue of their being under the sway of sleep and swooning with love, they had the appearance of sleeping lotus plants.

5.9.33 Thus the monkey of immense brilliance surveyed the entirety of Rāvaṇa's inner apartments without exception — and yet did not see Jānakī.

5.9.34 And then, having looked upon those women, the great monkey fell into deep reflection, troubled by apprehension about his duty.

5.9.35 "Surely this act of gazing upon the inner apartments — upon another man's wives while they sleep — will cause me a great violation of dharma.

5.9.36 My gaze has not been directed toward another man's wives with sensual intent; and yet what I have seen here is another man's wife's domain.

5.9.37 Then another thought arose for that resolute and steadfast one of fixed single mind — a thought that discerned the certainty of the task.

5.9.38 "Though I have indeed seen all of Rāvaṇa's wives with confidence, yet not the slightest perturbation has come upon my mind.

5.9.39 For the mind is the cause of all the senses' activity in auspicious and inauspicious conditions — and mine is perfectly controlled.

5.9.40 For nowhere else could Vaidehī have been sought by me — for women are always to be looked for among women when searching.

5.9.41 A creature is to be sought in its own kind of abode — a lost woman cannot be sought among does.

5.9.42 So this has been searched by me with a pure mind — the entire inner apartments of Rāvaṇa are seen, yet Jānakī is not seen.

5.9.43 The valiant Hanūmān, looking about even among the daughters of gods, gandharvas, and nāga maidens, did not see Jānakī.

5.9.44 Not seeing her there, but seeing the other noble women, that heroic monkey withdrew and began to reflect deeply.

5.10.1 That monkey moved through the inner chambers of his palace — the bower-houses, the painted halls, the night-chambers — eager to behold Sītā, yet nowhere did he see her, she of lovely form.

5.10.2 Then that great monkey, not finding her who is dear to the son of Raghu, reflected: "Surely Sītā must be dead, since Maithilī does not come within my sight however thoroughly I search."

5.10.3 "That young woman, devoted entirely to guarding her own virtue, a faithful wife, standing firm on the noble path — she must surely have been slain by this wicked evildoer."

5.10.4 "Having looked upon the wives of the king of rākṣasas — misshapen, deformed, sallow, great-mouthed, tall and hideous in appearance — the daughter of the lord of Janaka may have perished from sheer terror."

5.10.5 "Having failed to find Sītā and having accomplished no heroic deed, after spending so long a time with the monkeys, there is no way for me to return to Sugrīva's presence — he is powerful and swift in punishment."

5.10.6 "The entire inner palace has been searched; I have seen Rāvaṇa's women; yet the virtuous Sītā is nowhere to be found. My effort has been in vain."

5.10.7 "What will all the assembled monkeys say to me when I return? They will ask: 'Tell us, hero, what did you accomplish when you went there?'"

5.10.8 "What shall I say, not having found the daughter of Janaka? When time runs out, they will surely undertake a fast unto death."

5.10.9 "What will old Jāmbavān say, and Aṅgada, and the assembled monkeys who have crossed to the far shore of the ocean?"

5.10.10 "Perseverance is the root of prosperity; perseverance is the highest happiness. I shall search again those places not yet searched."

5.10.11 "For perseverance ever drives a being forward in all endeavors and renders fruitful whatever action that being undertakes."

5.10.12 "Therefore I shall exert the best effort born of perseverance, and search those quarters of Rāvaṇa's realm not yet examined."

5.10.13 "The drinking halls have been searched, and the flower-houses too; the picture galleries have been examined as well as the pleasure-chambers."

5.10.14 "The inner lanes of the groves, the aerial palaces — all have been scrutinized." Having thus reflected, he set about searching again.

5.10.15 Underground chambers, shrines, dwellings and smaller outbuildings — leaping up and dropping down, standing still and moving on, turning in every direction,

5.10.16 — throwing open doors, pushing at panels, entering and issuing forth, diving down and springing up — that great monkey explored every single space.

5.10.17 There was not even a four-finger-wide space in that inner palace of Rāvaṇa which the monkey did not enter.

5.10.18 The lanes within the ramparts, the altars and their shrines, the chasms and the lotus pools — all were surveyed by him.

5.10.19 Rākṣasī women of every shape, misshapen and deformed, were seen by Hanūmat there — but not that daughter of Janaka.

5.10.20 Vidyādhara women of unrivalled beauty in the world were seen by Hanūmat there — but not she who is the beloved of Rāghava.

5.10.21 Nāga maidens of noble bearing, their faces like the full moon, were seen by Hanūmat there — but not slender-waisted Sītā.

5.10.22 Nāga maidens seized by force by the lord of rākṣasas and held in subjugation were seen by Hanūmat there — but not that daughter of Janaka.

5.10.23 Not finding her, yet seeing all those other noble women — the mighty-armed Hanūmat, son of the Wind, fell into despondency.

5.10.24 Seeing the great effort of the monkey chiefs and the crossing of the ocean rendered fruitless, the son of the Wind fell once more into anxious thought.

5.10.25 Hanūmat, son of the Wind, descended from the aerial palace and fell into reflection, his mind stricken with grief.

5.11.1 Crossing easily from the aerial palace to the rampart, Hanūmat, swift lord of the monkey host, was like lightning lodged within a cloud.

5.11.2 Having roamed all about Rāvaṇa's dwelling and not found Jānakī Sītā, the monkey spoke these words:

5.11.3 "Laṅkā has been searched most thoroughly in service of Rāma, yet I do not see Vaidehī Sītā, she who is beautiful in every limb."

5.11.4 "Pools, lakes, ponds and rivers, streams with marshy groves along their banks, mountain fastnesses — the whole earth has been searched, yet I do not see Jānakī."

5.11.5 "Here in Rāvaṇa's dwelling Sītā was pointed out by Saṃpāti, king of vultures, yet I do not find her."

5.11.6 "Would Sītā — Vaidehī, Maithilī, daughter of Janaka — ever willingly submit to Rāvaṇa, that wicked-natured one?"

5.11.7 "I think the rākṣasa, fleeing swiftly in terror of Rāma's arrows while carrying Sītā, may have let her fall midway."

5.11.8 "Or else, while being carried along the path frequented by siddhas, the noble lady's heart may have failed upon beholding the ocean below."

5.11.9 "Crushed by the great speed of Rāvaṇa and pressed by his arms, I think that wide-eyed noble lady may have surrendered her life."

5.11.10 "Or perhaps, as Rāvaṇa traversed higher and higher over the ocean, the daughter of Janaka, writhing in his grasp, fell into the sea."

5.11.11 "Or perhaps, while guarding her own chastity from this wretched creature, helpless Sītā, that ascetic woman, was devoured by Rāvaṇa."

5.11.12 "Or she of dark eyes, though herself guiltless, may have been devoured by the wives of the rākṣasa king, those women of evil intent."

5.11.13 "Meditating on Rāma's face — like the full moon, with eyes resembling lotus petals — that wretched woman may have perished."

5.11.14 "Crying out again and again 'Oh Rāma! Oh Lakṣmaṇa!' and 'Oh Ayodhyā!', Maithilī Vaidehī may have laid down her body."

5.11.15 "Or perhaps she is confined somewhere in Rāvaṇa's dwelling, piteously murmuring like a myna bird in a cage."

5.11.16 "Born in Janaka's lineage, Rāma's wife, slender-waisted, with eyes like lotus petals — how could she ever submit to Rāvaṇa's will?"

5.11.17 "Whether the daughter of Janaka is destroyed, disappeared, or dead — it is not proper to report such news to Rāma, who loved her as his wife."

5.11.18 "There would be harm in telling him; there would be harm in not telling him. What truly must be done seems difficult to discern."

5.11.19 "With matters thus arrived at this pass, what would be timely and proper?" Hanūmān deliberated thus at length.

5.11.20 "If I return from here to the city of the monkey king without having found Sītā, what human purpose will have been achieved by me?"

5.11.21 "This crossing of the ocean on my part will have been fruitless, as will my entry into Laṅkā and my seeing the rākṣasas."

5.11.22 "What will Sugrīva say, or the assembled monkeys, or those two sons of Daśaratha, when I reach Kiṣkindhā?"

5.11.23 "If I go and report to Kākutstha the most grievous news — that Sītā has not been found by me — he will abandon his life."

5.11.24 "Upon hearing those harsh, terrible, cruel, keen, sense-tormenting, ill words occasioned by Sītā, he will cease to exist."

5.11.25 "Seeing him plunged in anguish, his heart dissolved in death, Lakṣmaṇa — devoted to him most deeply, though wise — will not survive."

5.11.26 "Upon hearing that both brothers are dead, Bharata too will die; and seeing Bharata dead, Śatrughna will not survive."

5.11.27 "Looking upon their dead sons, the mothers — Kausalyā, Sumitrā and Kaikeyī — will not survive either; of that there is no doubt."

5.11.28 "Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, grateful and true to his word, will abandon his life upon seeing Rāma thus departed."

5.11.29 "Dejected, distressed, wretched, joyless, tormented by grief for her husband, Rumā will relinquish her life."

5.11.30 "Afflicted by the sorrow caused by Vālin's son and worn by grief, Tārā too will not survive the king's death."

5.11.31 "With the loss of both his parents and Sugrīva's calamity upon him, how will prince Aṅgada maintain his life?"

5.11.32 "Overwhelmed by grief arising from their master's death, the forest-dwellers will beat their heads with palms and fists."

5.11.33 "The monkeys, who were cherished by the glorious monkey king with conciliation, gifts and honor, will cast away their lives."

5.11.34 "The lordly elephants among monkeys, gathered together, will sport no more in forests, on mountains, nor in groves."

5.11.35 "With their sons and wives and ministers, tormented by the calamity that befell their master, they will hurl themselves from mountain peaks and precipices."

5.11.36 "The monkeys will resort to poison, hanging, entering fire, starvation, or the sword."

5.11.37 "I think, if I depart without success, there will be terrible weeping, and the ruin of the Ikṣvāku lineage together with the destruction of the forest-dwellers."

5.11.38 "Therefore I shall not return from here to the city of Kiṣkindhā, for I cannot bear to look upon Sugrīva without Maithilī."

5.11.39 "If I remain here without returning, those two great warriors of righteous soul, and the spirited monkeys, will sustain themselves on hope."

5.11.40 "Taking food only by hand or by mouth, restrained, dwelling at the root of a tree, I shall become a forest ascetic without having found the daughter of Janaka."

5.11.41 "In a place beside the ocean, rich in roots and fruit, I shall build a funeral pyre and enter the fire kindled from the araṇī wood."

5.11.42 "Or, sitting still and properly observing the rites of one who bears the marks of renunciation, crows and beasts of prey will devour my body."

5.11.43 "This too is a departure approved by the seers, I believe: I shall properly enter the waters, if I do not find Jānakī."

5.11.44 "Well-rooted, fortunate, wreathed in glory and fame — this long-standing honor of mine is now shattered, I who have not found Sītā."

5.11.45 "I shall become an ascetic, restrained, dwelling at the root of a tree — I shall not return from here without finding her of dark eyes."

5.11.46 "If I return from here without obtaining Sītā, Aṅgada together with all the monkeys will not survive."

5.11.47 "In dying there are many faults; in living one attains what is good. Therefore I shall preserve my life — while one lives, reunion is certain."

5.11.48 "Thus repeatedly bearing many forms of anguish in his mind, that lordly elephant among monkeys could find no end to his grief."

5.11.49 "Or I shall slay Rāvaṇa, the mighty ten-necked one; let Sītā have been carried off — it shall be requited."

5.11.50 "Or else I shall seize him and carry him above the ocean to Rāma as a sacrificial beast to the lord of sacrificial beasts."

5.11.51 Thus the monkey, having entered upon these deliberations, not having found Sītā, his soul overwhelmed by meditative grief, continued to reflect.

5.11.52 "As long as I do not find Sītā, the glorious wife of Rāma, I shall search this city of Laṅkā again and again."

5.11.53 "And if I bring Rāma here on account of Saṃpāti's word, Rāghava, not finding his wife, would burn all the monkeys."

5.11.54 "I shall remain right here with measured food and restrained senses; let not all those men and monkeys perish on my account."

5.11.55 "There is also this great Aśoka grove with its mighty trees — I shall approach it, for it has not been searched by me."

5.11.56 "Paying homage to the Vasus, the Rudras, the Ādityas, the Aśvins and the Maruts, I shall go there as one who augments the grief of the rākṣasas."

5.11.57 "Having conquered the rākṣasas, I shall deliver the queen, delight of the Ikṣvāku lineage, to Rāma the ascetic, proportionate to success."

5.11.58 Having reflected for a moment, his senses knotted with care, the mighty-armed Hanūmān, son of the Wind, arose.

5.11.59 "Homage to Rāma together with Lakṣmaṇa; homage to that goddess, the daughter of Janaka; homage to Rudra, Indra, Yama and the Wind; homage to the Moon, the Sun and the hosts of Maruts."

5.11.60 Having paid those homages and to Sugrīva as well, the son of the Wind surveyed all the directions and turned toward the Aśoka grove.

5.11.61 Going first in his mind to the lovely Aśoka grove, the monkey, son of the Wind, then reflected further:

5.11.62 "Surely the Aśoka grove, well-tended with every cultivation, will be full of rākṣasas and crowded with forest creatures."

5.11.63 "Guards are surely appointed there to protect the trees; even the omnipresent lord of all does not blow there with excessive disturbance."

5.11.64 "This form of mine has been contracted for Rāma's sake and for Rāvaṇa's undoing; the gods together with the host of sages will arrange my success here."

5.11.65 "May Brahmā the self-born, the blessed Lord, and the gods grant me success — Agni, Vāyu, and Puruhūta the wielder of the thunderbolt."

5.11.66 "May Varuṇa with his noose, Soma and the Ādityas, the two great-souled Aśvins, and all the Maruts grant me success."

5.11.67 "May all beings grant me success, and he who is the lord of all beings, and whatever others, unseen, range along my path."

5.11.68 "When shall I behold that noble face — with its upturned nose, white teeth, unblemished, with a pure smile, with eyes like lotus petals, appearing like the bright full moon?"

5.11.69 "By that wretched, sinful, cruel-acting one, wearing a most dreadful adornment and garb — overwhelmed by force, that helpless ascetic woman: when will she come within my sight today?"

5.12.1 Having reflected for a moment and reaching it first in his mind, the greatly resplendent one leaped down to the enclosure wall of that mansion.

5.12.2 Standing on the enclosure wall, every limb thrilled with joy, that great monkey beheld in the early spring various trees flowering at their crests.

5.12.3 Śala trees, aśoka trees, bhavya trees, beautifully blossoming campaka trees, uddālaka trees, nāga trees, mango trees, and kapimukha trees as well —

5.12.4 — he leaped into that tree-garden dense with mango groves and entwined with hundreds of creepers, like an iron arrow loosed from a bowstring.

5.12.5 Entering that wondrous place resounding with birds, surrounded on all sides by silver and golden trees,

5.12.6 — vivid with birds and herds of deer, a grove of marvellous colors, blazing like the risen sun — Hanūmān the monkey beheld it.

5.12.7 Surrounded by trees of every kind laden with flowers and fruit, always frequented by intoxicated kokilas and king-crows —

5.12.8 — in a season delightful to the human heart, teeming with deer and birds, resounding with drunken peacocks, filled with many flocks of birds —

5.12.9 — while searching for that blameless princess of noble bearing, the monkey awakened birds sleeping in comfort.

5.12.10 Struck by the wings of the flocks of birds as they took flight, the śāla trees of many hues released showers of blossoms of every variety.

5.12.11 Strewn with blossoms, Hanūmān son of the Wind shone in the midst of the Aśoka grove like a mountain composed of flowers.

5.12.12 Seeing the monkey moving through the thickets of trees in all directions, all living beings took him for the season of spring.

5.12.13 Strewn with blossoms of every variety fallen from the trees, the earth there blazed like a young woman adorned.

5.12.14 Those trees, shaken with speed by that swift monkey, then shed their many-colored flowers.

5.12.15 With their crests stripped of leaves, their flowers and fruits shed, they were like rogues stripped of their garments and ornaments in defeat.

5.12.16 Those finest of trees, shaken by the swift Hanūmān, quickly shed their flowers, leaves and fruits — those trees so full of blossoms.

5.12.17 Stripped of their flocks of birds, those trees with only trunks remaining became utterly inaccessible, as if shaken by a storm-wind.

5.12.18 Like a young woman with her hair disheveled, her cosmetics smeared, her beautiful lips and teeth drained of color, scratched by nails and teeth —

5.12.19 — so the Aśoka grove, trampled by tail, hands and feet, with its fine trees broken, appeared.

5.12.20 The monkey swiftly scattered the garlands of great creepers as the wind scatters masses of cloud from the Vindhyas in the rainy season.

5.12.21 Roaming there, the monkey beheld ground paved with jewels, charming grounds paved with silver, and grounds paved with gold.

5.12.22 Pools of various shapes filled with the finest water, furnished here and there with stairways of precious gems —

5.12.23 — their sands of pearl and coral, their floors inlaid with crystal, adorned by varied golden trees growing along their banks —

5.12.24 — with groves of blooming lotuses and blue water-lilies, filled with the murmur of cakravāka birds, resounding with the calls of nātyūha birds, echoing with the cries of geese and cranes —

5.12.25 — adorned all around by long streams lined with trees whose water resembled nectar, auspicious streams —

5.12.26 — canopied by hundreds of creepers, covered with santānaka trees, their groves clothed in various shrubs, with spaces made by karavīra plants —

5.12.27 — then he beheld a mountain resembling a rain-cloud, with high peaks, with varied summits, surrounded on all sides by crests —

5.12.28 — canopied by caves in the rock, covered with many kinds of trees: that tiger among monkeys beheld the loveliest mountain in the world.

5.12.29 The monkey also beheld a river fallen from that mountain — like a beloved woman who has sprung from the lap of her beloved and fallen away.

5.12.30 Adorned by trees with their tops plunged into the water, she was like an angry young woman being restrained by her dear kinsmen.

5.12.31 That great monkey beheld her with water turning back again, like a beloved who, now clear-hearted, returns to her beloved once more.

5.12.32 Not far from her, that tiger among monkeys, Hanūmān son of the Wind, beheld lotus ponds filled with many flocks of birds.

5.12.33 He also beheld an artificial pool filled with cool water, its stairways of finest gems, adorned with sands of pearl.

5.12.34 Vivid with various herds of deer, with wonderful colorful groves, adorned all around by grand palaces built by Viśvakarman and by artificial woodlands —

5.12.35 — whatever trees were there bearing flowers and fruit, all were well-furnished with canopies and parasols, all with golden platforms.

5.12.36 Entwined with many spreading creepers and covered with many leaves, that great monkey beheld a single golden śiṃśupā tree.

5.12.37 He saw stretches of ground and gullies with springs; he saw other golden trees resembling peacocks.

5.12.38 By the radiance of those trees, that heroic monkey, great among monkeys, then imagined, as if by the light of Meru, that he himself had become golden.

5.12.39 Seeing that grove fanned by the breeze among its company of golden trees, resounding with hundreds of tinkling bells, he was filled with wonder.

5.12.40 The greatly swift one climbed that śiṃśupā tree — beautiful with fully flowered crest, with tender shoots and sprouts, covered with foliage —

5.12.41 — thinking: "From here I shall see Vaidehī, longing to behold Rāma, wandering here and there, tormented by grief, coming about by chance."

5.12.42 "And this Aśoka grove of the evil-souled one is truly lovely, adorned with campaka, sandalwood and bakula trees."

5.12.43 "And this charming lotus pool, frequented by flocks of birds — Jānakī, the great queen of Rāma, will surely come to this."

5.12.44 "She — Rāma's great queen, always dear to Rāghava, well-versed in roaming through forests — Jānakī will surely come here."

5.12.45 "Or that woman with eyes like a young deer's, knowing this forest well, she who is worn thin by thoughts of Rāma, will come to this grove."

5.12.46 "That goddess of lovely eyes, ever delighting in forest-dwelling, she who ever roams the forest — scorched by grief for Rāma, she will come here."

5.12.47 "Formerly she who is the beloved wife of Rāma, the faithful daughter of Janaka, always yearned for those who roam in the forest."

5.12.48 "At the time of twilight, dark-complexioned Jānakī, of noble hue, will certainly come to this auspicious river for the evening rite."

5.12.49 "And this auspicious Aśoka grove befits her — she who is the consort of the lord of the earth's sons and the match of Rāma."

5.12.50 "If that goddess lives — she whose face resembles the lord of the stars — she will certainly come to this auspicious river."

5.12.51 Thus reasoning, the great-souled Hanūmān, waiting and watching for the wife of the lord of men, concealed in the dense foliage of the fully blossoming tree, surveyed everything.

5.13.1 Standing there, searching for the daughter of Mithilā, he gazed about and surveyed all the ground around him.

5.13.2 He beheld it adorned with Santāna and Kalata trees, endowed with divine fragrance and flavor, beautified on every side.

5.13.3 It resembled Nandana, that grove — thronged with deer and birds, dense with mansions and palaces, filled with the clamorous song of cuckoos.

5.13.4 It was beautified by pools bearing golden lotuses and blue water-lilies, furnished with many seats and carpets, and filled with many-storied houses.

5.13.5 Lovely with flowers of every season and fruit-laden trees, it blazed with the splendor of blooming Aśoka trees like the light of sunrise.

5.13.6 Standing there, the son of Māruta gazed upon it as if blazing — its branches stripped of leaves, made so again and again by birds flying forth in hundreds, wearing blossoms as their garlands.

5.13.7 Aśoka trees — destroyers of sorrow — laden with blossoms from root to crown, bowed down by the weight of their flowers as if touching the earth.

5.13.8 With Karṇikāra trees in bloom and Kiṃśuka trees well flowering, that place seemed lit up everywhere by their radiance.

5.13.9 Puṃnāga, Saptaparṇa, Campaka, and Uddālaka trees — many and deep-rooted — shone beautifully, their flowers in full bloom.

5.13.10 Some of the Aśoka trees there, thousands of them, resembled burnished gold, some were like tongues of flame, and others were like dark collyrium.

5.13.11 Like Nandana, like the variegated garden of Citraratha, it surpassed even the inconceivable — divine, charming, and wrapped in beauty.

5.13.12 It was like a second sky filled with clusters of floral luminaries, variegated with hundreds of floral gems — like a fifth ocean.

5.13.13 The grove was filled with trees of sweet fragrance flowering in all seasons, charming with diverse calls of herds of deer and birds.

5.13.14 With currents of many fragrances, sacred in its scent, enchanting to the mind — rich in perfume like Gandhamādana, a second king of mountains.

5.13.15 Within that Aśoka grove, that bull among monkeys saw, not far away, a grand sanctuary-palace.

5.13.16 It stood in the center supported by a thousand pillars, white as Kailāsa, its stairways made of coral, its platform of molten gold.

5.13.17 It seemed to steal away the eyes, blazing with splendor, pure and lofty, as if scratching the sky with its height.

5.13.18 Then he saw her — clad in soiled garments, surrounded by rākṣasī women, emaciated by fasting, wretched, sighing again and again — pure as the crescent moon at the start of the bright fortnight.

5.13.19 Her beauty, though still alluring, was only faintly visible, like the flame of Agni veiled and obscured by a shroud of smoke.

5.13.20 Clad in a single soiled yellow garment, mud-stained and unadorned — like a lotus pond drained of its lotuses.

5.13.21 Ashamed, tormented by grief, withered, forlorn — like Rohiṇī afflicted by the planet Aṅgāraka.

5.13.22 Her face full of tears, wretched, emaciated by lack of food, absorbed in grief-stricken meditation, pitiable, constantly immersed in sorrow.

5.13.23 Seeing no beloved person, only crowds of rākṣasī women — like a doe separated from her own herd, surrounded by a pack of dogs.

5.13.24 A single braid of hair, dark as a black serpent, fallen along her hip — she who deserved only happiness, burned by grief, the very embodiment of calamity.

5.13.25 Observing her — wide-eyed, exceedingly soiled, emaciated — he surmised her to be Sītā, confirming it by the signs he recognized.

5.13.26 For this woman appeared as she had been seen when carried off by that shape-shifting rākṣasa — the very same form.

5.13.27 Her face was like the full moon, her brows lovely, her breasts beautifully rounded — this goddess whose radiance dispelled darkness in all directions.

5.13.28 Dark-haired, with lips red as Bimba fruit, slender-waisted, well-proportioned — Sītā with eyes like lotus petals, like Rati to Manmatha.

5.13.29 Beloved of all the world, radiant as the full moon — seated on the earth, slender, as composed as an ascetic.

5.13.30 Breathing heavy sighs, timid, like the wife of a great serpent-king — not shining, ensnared in a great web of grief.

5.13.31 Like the flame of fire obscured by a net of smoke — like a memory grown uncertain, like a prosperity that has fallen away.

5.13.32 Like faith that has been struck down, like hope that has been thwarted, like a siddhi beset by obstacles, like an intellect grown turbid.

5.13.33 Like a fame fallen by false slander — afflicted by the anguish of separation from Rāma, wasted by the abduction of the rākṣasa.

5.13.34 Helpless, with eyes like a young deer's, gazing here and there — her dark face with its downcast lashes filled with the water of tears, sighing again and again.

5.13.35 Bearing dirt and grime, wretched, worthy of adornment yet unadorned — like the light of the moon-king veiled by dark clouds.

5.13.36 His mind wavered repeatedly as he gazed upon her — like a sacred science grown slack through disuse.

5.13.37 With difficulty Hanūmān recognized Sītā unadorned — like a word devoid of proper formation that has drifted to another meaning.

5.13.38 Observing that wide-eyed, blameless princess, he concluded it was Sītā, establishing it by means of the signs.

5.13.39 The ornaments on her limbs that Rāma had described one by one — he now recognized those adornments that beautified her body.

5.13.40 The beautifully crafted ear-ornaments, the Śvadaṃṣṭra jewels well set, and the ornaments on her hands variegated with gems and coral.

5.13.41 Darkened now through long wearing, yet retaining their shape — these must be the very ones Rāma described, I believe.

5.13.42 Those which are absent I do not see; those which have not been lost — these are they, without doubt.

5.13.43 That auspicious yellow upper garment, bright as a sheet of gold, slipped off and caught in a tree — the one the monkeys had seen at the time.

5.13.44 And the chief ornaments seen on the ground — cast away by her very self, sounding loud and large.

5.13.45 This garment, more worn from long wearing, is nonetheless still of that color — as splendid as the other one.

5.13.46 This golden-limbed beloved queen of Rāma — even though lost, she does not perish from his mind.

5.13.47 She is the one for whose sake Rāma burns with four fires: compassion, tenderness, grief, and longing.

5.13.48 Compassion because a woman is lost; tenderness because she was his dependent; grief because his wife is gone; longing because she is his beloved.

5.13.49 The beauty of this goddess, the perfection of each of her limbs, and the form of Rāma — she of dark eyes is indeed worthy of him.

5.13.50 This goddess's mind is fixed on him, and his mind is fixed on her — it is for that reason she and that righteous-souled one each live, even for a moment.

5.13.51 Great-armed Rāma does what is difficult indeed — he lives even for a moment without this Sītā whose glance is intoxicating.

5.13.52 Having thus beheld Sītā, the son of Vāyu was overjoyed; in his mind he went to Rāma and praised that lord.

5.14.1 Having praised Sītā who is worthy of all praise, and Rāma who is charming with virtues, that bull among monkeys fell once again into deep reflection.

5.14.2 Having meditated for a moment, his eyes overflowing with tears, the splendid Hanūmān, overcome by his regard for Sītā, lamented aloud.

5.14.3 She who is venerable, dear to the elders, honored even by Lakṣmaṇa who is trained by his elders — if even Sītā suffers such grief, truly time is insurmountable.

5.14.4 The goddess, knowing the resolve of Rāma and the wise Lakṣmaṇa, is not excessively disturbed — like the Gaṅgā at the onset of rains.

5.14.5 Equal in character, age, and conduct, equal in lineage and mark — the Rāghava deserves the daughter of Videha, and this dark-eyed lady deserves him.

5.14.6 Seeing her, resplendent as fresh gold, like Śrī beloved of the world, he went to Rāma in his mind and spoke these words.

5.14.7 For the sake of her, this wide-eyed one, the mighty Vālī was slain and Kabandha — equal to Rāvaṇa in prowess — was struck down.

5.14.8 And Virādha, the rākṣasa of terrible might, was slain in battle — by Rāma striding forward in the forest as great Indra slew Śambara.

5.14.9 Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds were slain at Janasthāna with arrows blazing like tongues of fire.

5.14.10 Khara was slain in battle, Triśiras struck down, and the greatly brilliant Dūṣaṇa — by Rāma, the self-realized one.

5.14.11 The sovereignty of the Vānaras, difficult to obtain, guarded by Vālī — for her sake Sugrīva attained it, honored by all the world.

5.14.12 The illustrious ocean, lord of rivers and streams, was crossed by me, and this city was reconnoitered — all for the sake of her, this wide-eyed one.

5.14.13 Even if Rāma were to overturn the entire earth to its ocean-boundary for her sake, the world too would be right — such is my conviction.

5.14.14 Kingship over the three worlds or Sītā, daughter of Janaka — the whole sovereignty of the three worlds does not match even a fraction of Sītā's worth.

5.14.15 She is the daughter of the virtuous, great-souled king Janaka of Mithilā — Sītā, steadfast in her vow to her husband.

5.14.16 She arose from the earth, from a field furrowed by the plowshare — strewn with auspicious field-dust resembling lotus pollen.

5.14.17 She is the eldest and glorious daughter-in-law of King Daśaratha — who was valiant, noble in character, and never turned back in battle.

5.14.18 She is the beloved wife of Rāma — who knows dharma, is ever grateful, and is self-realized — now fallen into the power of a rākṣasa.

5.14.19 Forsaking all pleasures, driven by the strength of her love for her husband, giving no thought to hardships, she entered the uninhabited forest.

5.14.20 Contented with fruits and roots, devoted to serving her husband — she who found the highest joy even in the forest as if in her own home.

5.14.21 She, this golden-limbed one who always speaks with a sweet smile — now endures this torment, unlucky in suffering these misfortunes.

5.14.22 Rāghava yearns to see this virtuous woman, afflicted by Rāvaṇa — as a thirsty man yearns for a drinking place.

5.14.23 Surely at regaining her, the Rāghava will find joy — like a king fallen from his kingdom who regains the earth.

5.14.24 Abandoned by sensuous pleasures, bereft of her kinsmen, she sustains her body longing for reunion with him.

5.14.25 She does not see these rākṣasī women, she does not see these trees with their flowers and fruits — her heart fixed in one place, she sees only Rāma.

5.14.26 A husband is indeed the supreme ornament of a woman, greater than all ornaments — and deprived of him, she who deserves to shine does not shine.

5.14.27 Rāma, the lord, does what is difficult indeed — bereft of her, he sustains his body and does not sink under grief.

5.14.28 Seeing her — with dark ends to her hair, eyes like a hundred-petalled lotus, deserving only of happiness yet suffering — even my mind is pained.

5.14.29 Patient as the earth, with eyes resembling a blue lotus, she who was once protected by Rāghava and Lakṣmaṇa — is now guarded at the foot of a tree by rākṣasī women with grotesque eyes.

5.14.30 Like a lotus-plant struck by frost, its beauty gone, oppressed by a succession of misfortunes, like a Cakravākī separated from her mate — the daughter of Janaka has fallen into a pitiable state.

5.14.31 Indeed, the Aśoka trees whose tips are bent with blossoms evoke a deep sorrow in her; and with winter's departure the sun has risen, his beams no longer mild but blazing in thousands.

5.14.32 Having pondered the matter thus, the monkey's mind settled into the certainty that this was indeed Sītā; that mighty, swift bull of the monkeys settled himself in that tree.

5.15.1 Then the moon — pure himself, resembling a cluster of Kumuda lotuses — moved through the clear sky, as a swan moves through dark water.

5.15.2 As if rendering assistance, the moon with pure luster, by his cool rays, served the son of Vāyu.

5.15.3 Then he saw Sītā, whose face resembled the full moon, cast down as if by the weight of her grief, like a boat weighed down upon the water.

5.15.4 As Hanūmān, son of Māruta, was eager to behold the daughter of Videha, he saw, not far away, rākṣasī women of terrible aspect.

5.15.5 One-eyed and one-eared, and others whose ears served as coverings; some with no ears, others with ears like pegs; some with nostrils set on top of the head.

5.15.6 Some with enormous bodies and large heads, others with thin and long necks; some with disheveled hair, some bald, others wearing a blanket of hair.

5.15.7 Some with pendulous ears and forehead, pendulous belly and breasts, pendulous lips or chin-like lip, pendulous face and pendulous knees.

5.15.8 Short and tall, hunchbacked and deformed, dwarfish and frightful, crooked in garment, tawny-eyed, with disfigured faces.

5.15.9 Misshapen, tawny, dark-complexioned, wrathful, fond of quarrel — bearing great iron spears, clubs, and maces.

5.15.10 Some with faces of boar, deer, tiger, buffalo, goat, and jackal; others with the feet of elephant, camel, and horse; some with sunken heads.

5.15.11 One-handed and one-footed, some with ears like a donkey's or a horse's, others with ears like a cow's or an elephant's, and yet others with ears like a lion's.

5.15.12 Some noseless, others with oversized noses, some with sideways noses, others entirely without nostrils; some with elephant-like noses, some with nostrils on their foreheads.

5.15.13 Some with elephant's feet, some with great feet, some with cow's feet, some with feet like tufts; some with excessively large heads and necks, others with excessively large breasts and belly.

5.15.14 Some with excessively large mouths and eyes, with long tongues and nails — some with faces of a goat, elephant, cow, or sow.

5.15.15 Rākṣasī women of terrible appearance with faces of horse, camel, and ass — bearing spears and clubs in their hands, wrathful, delighting in strife.

5.15.16 Terrible and smoke-haired rākṣasī women with disfigured faces, constantly drinking, always fond of flesh and wine.

5.15.17 Their bodies smeared with flesh and blood, feeding on flesh and blood — those were the ones that best of monkeys saw, dreadful to behold, causing the hair to stand on end.

5.15.18 Seated around a great shouldering forest tree, encircling it — and beneath it that blameless goddess and princess.

5.15.19 The auspicious Hanūmān fixed his gaze on the daughter of Janaka — lustrous no longer, scorched by grief, her hair matted and filthy.

5.15.20 As if a star fallen to earth with exhausted merit — rich in the renown of her virtue yet reduced to misery by separation from her husband's sight.

5.15.21 Deprived of her finest ornaments, yet adorned by her husband's love — confined by the lord of rākṣasas, separated from all her kin.

5.15.22 Separated from her herd, hemmed in by a lion, like an elephant cow in bondage — like the crescent of the moon veiled at the edge of clouds by autumn clouds.

5.15.23 Her beauty worn away from lack of touch, like a lute neglected and unplayed — Sītā, devoted to her husband's welfare, unfitting to be under the dominion of rākṣasas.

5.15.24 In the midst of the Aśoka grove, plunged in an ocean of grief, surrounded by those rākṣasī women — like Rohiṇī seized by a planet — Hanūmān saw the goddess, like a creeper stripped of its flowers.

5.15.25 Her body smeared with grime, yet adorned by natural beauty — like a lotus-stalk besmeared with mud, she both shines and does not shine.

5.15.26 The monkey Hanūmān saw that radiant one, doe-eyed, wrapped in a soiled and worn garment.

5.15.27 That goddess with a wretched face, yet inwardly undaunted, protected by her husband's glory and by her own virtue — Sītā of dark eyes.

5.15.28 Seeing Sītā, with eyes resembling those of a young deer, frightened like a young doe, gazing in all directions —

5.15.29 — as if scorching with her sighs the trees bearing new shoots, like a mass of sorrows embodied, like a wave of anguish arisen —

5.15.30 — emaciated, yet with well-proportioned limbs, beautiful even without ornaments —

5.15.31 — the son of Māruta felt an incomparable joy on beholding the daughter of Mithilā; and seeing her of intoxicating eyes, Hanūmān shed tears born of joy, and there he bowed to the Rāghava.

5.15.32 And having bowed to Rāma and to Lakṣmaṇa, that mighty Hanūmān, exhilarated at the sight of Sītā, composed himself.

5.16.1 As he gazed about the grove with its flowering trees and searched for Vaidehī, only a small portion of the night remained.

5.16.2 In the deep of night he heard the Vedic chanting of Brahmā-rākṣasas — those versed in the six ancillaries of the Veda and sacrificers at the foremost rites.

5.16.3 Then, with the auspicious sounds of musical instruments pleasing to ear and mind, the mighty-armed, greatly powerful Daśagrīva was awakened.

5.16.4 Awakening at the proper hour, the lord of rākṣasas yawned and stretched; his garlands and garments dishevelled, he turned his mind to Vaidehī.

5.16.5 Mightily goaded by the god of love and overcome with passion for her, that rākṣasa could not conceal the desire within himself.

5.16.6 Adorned with every ornament and bearing an unrivalled splendour, he set out toward that garden frequented by various trees laden with every fruit and flower,

5.16.7 surrounded by lotus-ponds adorned with manifold blossoms, filled with perpetually intoxicated birds — a garden wondrous and supremely marvellous.

5.16.8 Encircled by diverse creatures delightful to the eye, and beholding the avenues with their archways of jewels and gold,

5.16.9 he entered the Aśoka grove — densely wooded, thronged with herds of various animals, and carpeted with fallen fruits.

5.16.10 A full hundred women followed him as he walked — that descendant of Pulastya — just as the women of gods and gandharvas follow great Indra.

5.16.11 Some women there took up golden lamps, others held young fly-whisks in their hands, and yet others carried palm-leaf fans.

5.16.12 Some carried water in golden pitchers and went before him; others took up broad-edged swords and followed behind.

5.16.13 One fair lady then took up with her right hand a jewel-studded bowl filled with drink.

5.16.14 Another took up a parasol resembling a royal swan, bright as the full moon, with a golden staff, and went behind him.

5.16.15 Rāvaṇa's noble wives, their eyes heavy with sleep and intoxication, followed their heroic lord as lightning-creepers follow a storm-cloud.

5.16.16 Then the monkey, son of the Wind, heard the jingling of girdles and the tinkling of anklets of those foremost women.

5.16.17 The monkey Hanūmān saw him — that one of matchless deeds and inconceivable strength and valour — as he reached the gateway.

5.16.18 He was illuminated on all sides by numerous lamps soaked in fragrant oil and held aloft before him.

5.16.19 His eyes oblique, coppery, and wide — suffused with desire, pride, and passion — he appeared like Kāmadeva himself who had cast aside his bow.

5.16.20 His finest garment — white as the foam of churned nectar and free of dust — trailed gracefully behind him, caught loosely on his armlet.

5.16.21 Concealed in the foliage of a branch, hidden by the dense mass of leaves and flowers, Hanūmān began to observe him as he drew near.

5.16.22 As he looked on, that elephant among monkeys saw Rāvaṇa's beautiful women, endowed with beauty and youth.

5.16.23 The king of great renown, encircled by those lovely women, entered the pleasure-grove resounding with the calls of deer and birds.

5.16.24 Intoxicated, adorned with variegated ornaments, with sharp ears, and greatly powerful — this son of Viśravas, the lord of rākṣasas, was thus seen.

5.16.25 Surrounded by those foremost women as the moon is by stars, the greatly resplendent great monkey beheld him — that one of great splendour.

5.16.26 "This is the mighty-armed Rāvaṇa" — thinking thus, the greatly resplendent Hanūmān, son of the Wind, leapt down.

5.16.27 Yet though himself of fierce energy, Hanūmān was overwhelmed by Rāvaṇa's radiance and remained hidden, clinging concealed within the shelter of a leafy hollow.

5.16.28 Rāvaṇa turned and drew near, wishing to behold her — she of dark tresses, beautiful hips, full breasts, and dark-cornered eyes.

5.17.1 At that very moment the blameless princess — she who is endowed with beauty and youth — saw him adorned with the finest of ornaments:

5.17.2 upon seeing Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, Vaidehī — she of noble stature — trembled like a plantain tree in the wind.

5.17.3 Covering her belly with her thighs and her breasts with her arms, the wide-eyed, fair-complexioned woman sat weeping.

5.17.4 Daśagrīva beheld Vaidehī, guarded by the throng of rākṣasī women — wretched, tormented by grief, like a sinking boat upon the ocean.

5.17.5 Seated on the bare ground, firm in her vow, her limbs smeared with dirt in lieu of adornment — she who deserved adornment yet wore none — like a broken branch fallen to the earth from a forest tree.

5.17.6 She seemed to travel on the horses of resolve and longing toward the presence of Rāma — that lion among kings, the knower of the self.

5.17.7 Wasting away, weeping, alone, absorbed in meditation and grief, seeing no end to her sorrow — she who was utterly devoted to Rāma.

5.17.8 Writhing and afflicted — like the wife of the serpent-lord in his coils — tormented as Rohiṇī is by a comet in the grip of a planet.

5.17.9 Born of a family of noble conduct, in a lineage virtuous and righteous — yet brought to such refinement as though born anew in a low family.

5.17.10 Like great fame that has faded, like faith that has been dishonoured, like wisdom that has dwindled, like hope that has been thwarted.

5.17.11 Like a prosperous future destroyed, like a command countermanded, like a direction blazing bright whose time has passed, like an act of worship stolen away.

5.17.12 Like a lotus-pond laid waste, like an army whose heroes have been slain, like a radiance undone by ascetic's curse, like a river running thin.

5.17.13 Like a sacrificial altar defiled, like a flame of fire extinguished, like the full-moon night whose lunar disc is seized by Rāhu.

5.17.14 Like a lotus-pond thrown into confusion — its lotus leaves plucked out, its birds frightened away, disturbed by an elephant's trunk.

5.17.15 Tormented by grief for her husband, withered — like a river drained dry, bereft of all luster, like the night of the dark fortnight.

5.17.16 Delicate, with perfectly formed limbs, fit to dwell in a gem-studded inner chamber — yet scorched as a lotus-stalk only recently uprooted burns in the heat.

5.17.17 Seized and chained to a post, separated from the lord of the herd — sighing, deeply tormented by grief — like the wife of the elephant-king.

5.17.18 Beautiful without effort, adorned by a single long dark braid — like the earth at the passing of the rain-clouds, clothed in a kingdom of forest.

5.17.19 Wasted away by fasting, grief, meditation, and fear — emaciated, wretched, eating little, rich only in austerity.

5.17.20 Afflicted with grief, hands folded like a deity imploring — she prayed with all her being for Rāma, the foremost of the Raghus, to vanquish Daśagrīva.

5.17.21 Gazing and weeping, blameless, her eyes fringed with fine lashes — coppery, wide, and white — utterly devoted to Rāma: Maithilī thus inflamed Rāvaṇa exceedingly, to his own destruction.

5.18.1 Rāvaṇa addressed her — who was surrounded, wretched, joyless, and afflicted — with words that were sweet and full of expressive gestures.

5.18.2 "Upon seeing me, you cover your thighs and belly with your arms, as if wishing out of fear to render yourself invisible."

5.18.3 "I desire you, wide-eyed one; hold me in high regard, my dear — you who are endowed with perfection of every limb, enchanting to all the worlds."

5.18.4 "There are no humans here, nor rākṣasas who take any shape they will. Let the fear that has arisen in you from me depart, O Sītā."

5.18.5 "Among rākṣasas, O timid one, this is in every way their proper law — beyond doubt: either going to the wives of others or carrying them away by force."

5.18.6 "Yet being such, I will not touch you against your will, O Maithilī; let desire play freely in my body as it pleases — but I will not act."

5.18.7 "Lady, there is nothing to fear here; place your trust in me, my dear, and give me your love truly — do not thus languish in sorrow."

5.18.8 "A single braid, a bed upon the ground, meditation, soiled garments, and fasting even without purpose — these are not fitting for you."

5.18.9 "Colourful garlands, sandalwood paste, aloe-wood, garments of many kinds, and divine ornaments —"

5.18.10 "— the most precious drinks, conveyances, beds, song, dance, and music: obtain all these by accepting me, O Maithilī."

5.18.11 "You are a jewel among women — do not be thus; adorn your limbs with ornaments. How could you be unworthy, you of such beauty, having attained me?"

5.18.12 "This your youth — so exquisitely arisen — is passing away; that which is past never returns, like the swift current of waters."

5.18.13 "I believe that having made you, the creator of form — the maker of the universe — rested from his labour; for no other exists equal to you in beauty, O fair to behold."

5.18.14 "Having encountered you, O Vaidehī — resplendent with beauty and youth — what man could remain unmoved? Even the Grandfather himself, Brahmā, could not."

5.18.15 "On each and every part of your body that I behold — O you whose face is like the cool-rayed moon, O broad-hipped one — my gaze becomes fixed."

5.18.16 "Become my wife, O Maithilī — cast aside this folly; become the chief queen among the many foremost women I possess."

5.18.17 "All the jewels that have been seized and brought by me from the worlds — all of these are yours, O timid one; this kingdom is yours, and I am yours."

5.18.18 "Having conquered the entire earth, garlanded with its many cities, I shall give it to Janaka for your sake, O graceful one."

5.18.19 "I see no other in this world who could be my equal in strength; behold my exceedingly great valour — without adversary in battle."

5.18.20 "Again and again in battle, gods and asuras alike have been routed by me, their banners crushed — unable to stand against my forces."

5.18.21 "Desire me; let the finest adornment be done to you today; let the radiant ornaments be fastened upon your limbs — I see your beauty perfectly suited to such adorning."

5.18.22 "Adorned with all manner of adornment, gracious in bearing, O fair-faced one — enjoy pleasures as you wish, drink, take delight, O timid one, and bestow as you please — even the earth and its wealth."

5.18.23 "Revel in me with confidence and boldly command me; and through my power, as you flourish, let your kinsmen also flourish."

5.18.24 "Behold my prosperity, my glory, and my renown, O fortunate one; what will you do with Rāma, O beautiful one — Rāma who wears bark-cloth?"

5.18.25 "Rāma has renounced his victory, his glory is gone, he wanders the forest, bound by a vow, sleeping on the bare ground — I doubt whether he even lives."

5.18.26 "Rāma will neither see you nor obtain you, O Vaidehī — as a swarm of dark cranes before the clouds conceals the moonlight."

5.18.27 "Nor does Rāghava deserve to recover you from my hands — as Hiraṇyakaśipu could not recover the glory that had passed into Indra's hands."

5.18.28 "O you of lovely smile, lovely teeth, lovely eyes — O graceful one — you steal my mind, O timid one, as Garuḍa seizes a serpent."

5.18.29 "Having seen you — slender, unadorned, clad in a soiled silk garment — I find no pleasure in my own wives."

5.18.30 "However many women dwell in my inner apartments, endowed with every virtue — exercise sovereignty over all of them, O Jānakī."

5.18.31 "For among my dark-tressed women are the foremost ladies of the three worlds; they shall wait upon you as the Apsarases attend upon Śrī."

5.18.32 "The jewels and wealth that belong to Vaiśravaṇa — those, and the worlds themselves, and me, O lovely-browed, broad-hipped one — enjoy all at your pleasure."

5.18.33 "Rāma is not my equal, O lady — not in asceticism, not in strength, not in valour, not in wealth, not in energy, nor in glory."

5.18.34 "Drink, roam freely, take delight, enjoy pleasures; I give you wealth in abundance and the earth itself — revel in me at your pleasure, O graceful one, and let your kinsmen gather around you and revel in you."

5.18.35 "Your limbs adorned with necklaces of pure gold, roam with me through the forests along the seashore — forests draped in networks of flowering trees, humming with bees, O timid one."

5.19.1 Having heard the words of that fierce rākṣasa, Sītā, afflicted and with a pitiful voice, softly spoke words of distress in reply.

5.19.2 Sītā, tormented by grief, weeping, trembling, that afflicted woman of noble bearing — devoted wife that she was — thought only of her husband.

5.19.3 Placing a blade of grass between herself and him, she of pure smile replied: "Turn your mind away from me; fix your mind instead upon your own people."

5.19.4 "You are no more fit to desire me than a sinner is fit to attain liberation. I shall not do what must not be done — I am a woman of one husband; having reached a censurable family, born myself in a great and virtuous lineage."

5.19.5 Having spoken thus, Vaidehī — that illustrious woman — turned her back on that rākṣasa Rāvaṇa and spoke again.

5.19.6 "I am another man's wife — I am not a fitting wife for you. Look to righteousness properly; observe the vow of the virtuous properly."

5.19.7 "Just as your own wives are to be protected, so too are the wives of others, O night-wanderer. Taking yourself as the measure, find delight with your own wives."

5.19.8 "The wives of other men bring ruin to one who is unsatisfied with his own wives, who is fickle with unsteady senses, whose understanding is base."

5.19.9 "Either there are no virtuous men here, or you do not heed the virtuous — your soul is led astray, and you do not follow what the wise have declared to be salutary."

5.19.10 "Prosperous kingdoms and cities perish when they obtain a king who has not mastered himself and who delights in unrighteousness."

5.19.11 "So too will this Laṅkā, filled with multitudes of jewels, soon perish because of your single transgression."

5.19.12 "When one of evil deeds is being slain by the fruits of his own actions, O Rāvaṇa of short sight, all creatures rejoice at his destruction."

5.19.13 "Thus will wronged people speak of you, the evil-doer, rejoicing: 'By fate this calamity has come upon the fierce one.'"

5.19.14 "I cannot be tempted by sovereignty or wealth. I am inseparable from Rāghava, as radiance is inseparable from the sun."

5.19.15 "Having rested my head upon the honored arm of that lord of the world, how could I ever rest it upon the arm of any other?"

5.19.16 "I am the fitting wife of that lord of the earth alone — as sacred learning belongs to a brahmin who has bathed at the completion of his vow and who has known the Self."

5.19.17 "Do right, Rāvaṇa: restore me, afflicted as I am, to Rāma, as the lord of elephants returns to his she-elephant calling in the forest."

5.19.18 "That bull among men, Rāma, is one whose friendship is well worth seeking by you who desire your position to endure and who would avoid a terrible death."

5.19.19 "One might escape the thunderbolt once hurled; one might long escape Death itself — but that Rāghava, lord of the world, when enraged, one of your kind could not escape."

5.19.20 "You will hear the great roar of Rāma's bow — like the crash of a thunderbolt released by Indra of a hundred sacrifices."

5.19.21 "Here, soon, arrows bearing the mark of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa — well-jointed, with blazing heads like serpents — will rain down."

5.19.22 "Those arrows, feathered with vulture-plumes, falling everywhere in this city and slaying rākṣasas on all sides, will leave no room for flight."

5.19.23 "That great Garuḍa Rāma will swiftly pluck up the great serpents that are the lords of the rākṣasas, as Vainateya plucks up serpents."

5.19.24 "My husband, the subduer of foes, will swiftly recover me from you, as Viṣṇu recovered the blazing royal splendor from the asuras with his three strides."

5.19.25 "In Janasthāna, that destroyed place, when the host of rākṣasas was slain, this evil deed was done by you who were powerless to face them directly."

5.19.26 "Entering the empty hermitage of those two lion-men while the two brothers had gone to their hunting grounds — thus were you able to carry me off, O vile one."

5.19.27 "You could no more stand in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa — having merely caught their scent — than a dog could stand before two tigers."

5.19.28 "In battle against those two, your wrestling hold would be as unstable as the seizure of Indra's arms by Vṛtra — only to be overcome by a single arm."

5.19.29 "That lord of mine, Rāma, together with Saumitri, will swiftly take your life with his arrows, as the sun dries up a small pool of water."

5.19.30 "Whether you go to Kubera's mountain or to Vālin's realm, or enter the court of King Varuṇa — you will assuredly not escape from the son of Daśaratha, as a great tree struck down by time does not escape the thunderbolt."

5.20.1 Having heard Sītā's harsh words, the lord of rākṣasas then replied to Sītā — that beautiful-looking woman — with words she would not wish to hear.

5.20.2 "The more a man is gentle and yielding to women, the more he is dominated; the more he speaks what is pleasing, the more he is treated with contempt."

5.20.3 "The desire that has arisen for you restrains my anger, as a skilled charioteer controls galloping horses on the road."

5.20.4 "Love is perverse among humans — it is said that toward the very person in whom one is bound by passion, compassion and affection arise."

5.20.5 "For this reason I do not destroy you, O beautiful-faced one — though you deserve death and disgrace, you who delight in a false renunciation."

5.20.6 "For each and every harsh word you speak to me, a terrible death would befit you, O Maithilī."

5.20.7 Having spoken thus to Vaidehī, Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, filled with the fury of anger, spoke further to Sītā.

5.20.8 "Two months — the term I have set for you — are to be preserved by me. After that, O woman of splendid complexion, you must ascend my bed."

5.20.9 "If, after two months have passed, you still refuse to take me as your husband, my cooks will prepare you as my morning meal."

5.20.10 Seeing Jānakī being threatened by the lord of rākṣasas, those large-eyed daughters of gods and gandharvas were deeply distressed.

5.20.11 Some comforted Sītā — thus threatened by that rākṣasa — with gestures of their lips, others with expressions of their eyes and faces.

5.20.12 Comforted by them, Sītā spoke words beneficial to herself to Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, proud of her conduct and virtue.

5.20.13 "Surely there is no one in your company who stands devoted to your highest good — no one who restrains you from this censurable deed."

5.20.14 "Who other than you in all three worlds would even desire me in his mind — the wife of the righteous-souled one, as Śacī belongs to her lord Indra?"

5.20.15 "O vilest of rākṣasas, you have spoken sin against the wife of Rāma of boundless glory — wherever you flee, how will you escape its consequence?"

5.20.16 "As a proud elephant and a hare stand together in the forest, so Rāma is to be reckoned as the elephant and you, O lowly one, as the hare."

5.20.17 "You who revile the lord of the Ikṣvākus here feel no shame — you have not even come within range of his sight."

5.20.18 "These cruel, ugly, dark-reddish eyes of yours — why have they not fallen to the ground, since with them, unworthy as you are, you have gazed at me?"

5.20.19 "O sinner, how does your tongue not crumble as you address me — the wife of that righteous-souled one, the daughter-in-law of Daśaratha?"

5.20.20 "Only because Rāma has given me no such command, and out of preservation of my austerity, do I not reduce you, O ten-necked one, to ashes with my own blazing power."

5.20.21 "I cannot truly be carried off from that wise Rāma. Fate has ordained your destruction — of this there is no doubt."

5.20.22 "You who are the brother of Kubera, endowed with heroism and forces — why did you resort to the theft of a wife by luring Rāma away?"

5.20.23 Having heard Sītā's words, Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, widening his cruel eyes, gazed at Jānakī.

5.20.24 He was dark as a storm-cloud, with mighty arms and neck, moving with the bearing of a lion, resplendent, with a flaming tongue and fierce eyes.

5.20.25 His towering crown swayed; he was tall, adorned with variegated garlands and unguents, wearing red garlands and garments, and ornamented with blazing armlets.

5.20.26 He was well girt with a great waist-cord made with the mekaka-jewel, bound with the serpent that had produced the nectar of immortality, like Mount Mandara encircled by a serpent.

5.20.27 He was adorned with earrings the color of the newly-risen sun, like a mountain adorned with red-tipped blossoms of the aśoka tree.

5.20.28 Gazing at Vaidehī with eyes reddened by anger, Rāvaṇa spoke to Sītā, hissing like a serpent.

5.20.29 "You who are possessed of unrighteousness, bereft of good judgment, following your vow — I shall destroy you this very day, as the sun destroys the twilight with his brilliance."

5.20.30 Having spoken thus to Maithilī, King Rāvaṇa — the destroyer of enemies — then commanded all the rākṣasī guards of terrible appearance.

5.20.31 He commanded the one-eyed one, the one-eared one, and the one whose ears served as a cloak; the cow-eared, the elephant-eared, the pendant-eared, and the earless one.

5.20.32 He commanded the elephant-footed ones, the dog-footed ones, the cow-footed, and the one with feet small as a talon; the one-eyed one, the one-legged, the broad-footed, and the footless.

5.20.33 He commanded those with exceedingly large heads and necks, those with exceedingly large breasts and bellies, those with exceedingly large mouths and eyes; the long-tongued, the tongueless, the noseless, those with lion-faces, cow-faces, and pig-faces.

5.20.34 "Do whatever must be done, all of you rākṣasīs, gathering quickly, so that Jānakī Sītā swiftly comes under my control."

5.20.35 "Turn Vaidehī around by contrary and favorable means, by conciliation, by gifts, and by the threat of punishment."

5.20.36 Having thus commanded them again and again, the lord of rākṣasas, his soul consumed by passion and fury, threatened Jānakī repeatedly.

5.20.37 Then the rākṣasī Dhānyamālinī quickly approached and, embracing the ten-necked one, spoke these words.

5.20.38 "Sport with me, O great king — what use is this Sītā to you? When one who desires courts an unwilling woman, his body is tormented; when one who desires courts a willing woman, joy is fair and full."

5.20.39 Thus addressed by the rākṣasī, that mighty one was lifted up and entered the inner dwelling that blazed with the radiance of the sun.

5.20.40 Then those daughters of gods, gandharvas, and nāgas surrounded the ten-necked one and entered that excellent mansion.

5.20.41 Having threatened Maithilī — who stood firm in her devotion to righteousness, trembling — Rāvaṇa, deluded by passion, abandoned Sītā and entered his own luminous dwelling.

5.21.1 Having spoken thus to Maithilī and having commanded all the rākṣasīs, King Rāvaṇa — the destroyer of enemies — departed.

5.21.2 When the lord of rākṣasas had gone out and returned to the inner apartments, those rākṣasīs of terrible form rushed at Sītā.

5.21.3 Then those rākṣasīs, maddened with rage, approached Sītā and spoke these words to Vaidehī in the harshest of tones.

5.21.4 "Sītā, you do not think highly of becoming the wife of the most excellent Paulastya — the great-souled Rāvaṇa, the ten-necked one."

5.21.5 Then a rākṣasī named Ekajaṭā, red-eyed with anger, addressed Sītā — whose palms were as tender as her belly — and spoke these words.

5.21.6 "Among the six progenitors, the fourth lord of creatures is Pulastya — the mind-born son of Brahmā, renowned by that name."

5.21.7 "And of Pulastya's mind-born son is the illustrious great sage Viśravā by name, equal in splendor to a lord of creatures."

5.21.8 "His son is Rāvaṇa, the destroyer of enemies, O wide-eyed one. You deserve to become the wife of that lord of rākṣasas. The words I have spoken, O beautiful-limbed one — why do you not consent to them?"

5.21.9 Then a rākṣasī named Harijaṭā, with eyes like a cat's, widening them in anger, spoke these words.

5.21.10 "By whom the thirty-three gods and even the king of gods were conquered — you deserve to become the wife of that lord of rākṣasas."

5.21.11 "Of one who is filled with valor, a hero who never retreats from battle, who is powerful and endowed with might — why would you not attain the status of wife?"

5.21.12 "Setting aside his beloved and highly-regarded wives, that king of great might, Rāvaṇa — greatest among all — will come to you."

5.21.13 "Abandoning the inner apartments filled with a thousand women, adorned with jewels of every kind, Rāvaṇa will come to you."

5.21.14 "He who has repeatedly defeated in battle gods, nāgas, gandharvas, and dānavas in combat — he has come to your side."

5.21.15 "Of that great-souled Rāvaṇa, fully prosperous in every way — why do you not desire, O base one, to be the wife of the lord of rākṣasas?"

5.21.16 "The sun does not burn out of fear of him; the wind does not blow in his presence — O woman of lovely glances, why do you not submit to him?"

5.21.17 "Trees out of fear of him let fall a rain of flowers; mountains yield water whenever he wishes; clouds yield rain at his will — O beautiful-browed one."

5.21.18 "Of that king of the nairṛtas, the king of kings, O passionate woman — why do you not turn your mind to becoming the wife of Rāvaṇa?"

5.21.19 "What has been truly told to you, O goddess, is truly well spoken, O passionate one. Accept these words, O sweet-smiling one — otherwise, things will not go well for you."

5.22.1 Then the rākṣasīs, hideous of face, approached Sītā, and those harsh women spoke harsh and unpleasant words to her.

5.22.2 "Sītā, why do you not consent to live in this inner palace — delightful to all beings and furnished with the most worthy couches?"

5.22.3 "You are a mortal woman, and you prize so highly being the wife of a mere mortal. Turn your mind away from Rāma — you will never be his again."

5.22.4 "You are a mortal woman, yet you desire that mortal Rāma — he who has been cast out of his kingdom, whose purpose has not been accomplished, and who is miserable and forlorn, O blameless one."

5.22.5 Having heard the words of the rākṣasīs, Sītā, lotus-eyed, with both eyes brimming with tears, spoke these words.

5.22.6 "What you all say together is hateful to the world; that sinful speech does not take root in my mind."

5.22.7 "A mortal woman does not deserve to be the wife of a rākṣasa. Eat me if you will, all of you — I will not do your bidding. Whether destitute or stripped of his kingdom, whoever is my husband is my lord."

5.22.8 Having heard Sītā's words, the rākṣasīs, overwhelmed with rage and urged on by Rāvaṇa, began to threaten her with harsh words.

5.22.9 Hanūmān, hidden and silent in the śiṃśapā tree, heard those rākṣasīs as they fiercely threatened Sītā.

5.22.10 Rushing at her furiously from all sides as she trembled, they licked their blazing, protruding lips again and again.

5.22.11 And utterly enraged, quickly brandishing their battle-axes, they said: "She does not deserve Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, as her husband."

5.22.12 She — the lovely-faced one — being menaced by those terrible rākṣasīs, wiping away her tears, drew near to that śiṃśapā tree.

5.22.13 Then Sītā, wide-eyed, surrounded by the rākṣasīs, approached that śiṃśapā and stood there, utterly submerged in grief.

5.22.14 Those terrible rākṣasīs fell to threatening her on all sides — her who was thin, wearing a dejected face, and clad in soiled garments.

5.22.15 Then a rākṣasī named Vinatā, fearsome to behold, gaunt-bellied and fierce, with the bearing of one enraged, addressed her.

5.22.16 "Sītā, enough — you have shown your love for your husband sufficiently. O auspicious one, excess in all things leads to ruin."

5.22.17 "I am satisfied; well done, the rites due to your mortal husband have been observed. But heed also my words, O Maithilī, who speak for your benefit."

5.22.18 "Embrace Rāvaṇa as your husband — the lord of all rākṣasas, valiant and handsome, like Vāsava the king of gods."

5.22.19 "Forsake the wretched mortal Rāma — noble, generous, and dear-speaking though he be to all — and seek refuge in Rāvaṇa."

5.22.20 "O Vaidehī, anointed with divine perfumes, adorned with divine ornaments, become from this day the mistress of all the worlds — as Svāhā is to Agni, as Śacī to Indra, O beautiful one."

5.22.21 "What is Rāma to you, O Vaidehī — that wretched man whose lifespan is spent?"

5.22.22 "And if you do not act on the words I have spoken, we will devour you this very instant, all of us together."

5.22.23 Then another, named Vikaṭā, with dangling pendulous breasts, angered and roaring, raised her fist and addressed Sītā.

5.22.24 "Many unseemly words from you, O foolish one, have been endured by us out of compassion and gentleness, O Maithilī — yet you still do not act on our timely, beneficial counsel."

5.22.25 "You have been brought by others across the ocean, which is difficult to traverse; you have entered the terrible inner palace of Rāvaṇa, O Maithilī."

5.22.26 "Confined in Rāvaṇa's house and well-guarded by us, not even Purandara himself in person is capable of rescuing you."

5.22.27 "Do as I say, O Maithilī, for I speak what is beneficial. Enough of these flowing tears — abandon this purposeless grief."

5.22.28 "Embrace joy and delight; give up this perpetual wretchedness. Sītā, sport with the king of the rākṣasas as you please."

5.22.29 "For you know, O timid one, how fleeting is the youth of women. Before it slips away from you, enjoy pleasure."

5.22.30 "Roam the lovely gardens and mountain-groves together with the king of the rākṣasas, O you of intoxicating eyes."

5.22.31 "Seven thousands of women will remain at your command, O beautiful one. Embrace Rāvaṇa as your husband, the lord of all rākṣasas."

5.22.32 "Or I shall tear out your heart and devour it, O Maithilī, if you do not act on the words I have spoken as I have told you."

5.22.33 Then a rākṣasī named Caṇḍodarī, cruel in appearance, whirling a great spear, spoke these words.

5.22.34 "Upon seeing this woman with eyes like those of a doe, her breasts trembling in terror, abducted by Rāvaṇa, a great craving seized me."

5.22.35 "My mind is set on devouring her liver, her spleen, her heart with its vessels, her entrails, and her head too."

5.22.36 Then a rākṣasī named Praghasā spoke: "Why do we wait? Let us squeeze the throat of this cruel woman."

5.22.37 "Then let it be reported to the king that the mortal woman is dead. There is no doubt he will say: 'Eat her then.'"

5.22.38 Then a rākṣasī named Ajāmukhī spoke: "Slaughter her, then make even morsels of everything."

5.22.39 "Then let us all divide the portions — I have no liking for quarreling. Let drink be fetched quickly, and garlands of many kinds in abundance."

5.22.40 Then a rākṣasī named Śūrpaṇakhā spoke: "What Ajāmukhā has said is exactly what pleases me too."

5.22.41 "And let wine be quickly brought — the destroyer of all sorrow. Having obtained this human flesh, let us dance at the Nikumbhilā shrine."

5.22.42 Thus threatened in this manner by those utterly terrible rākṣasīs, Sītā — who resembled the daughter of a god — abandoned her composure and wept.

5.23.1 As those unsightly rākṣasīs spoke many harsh and dreadful words in this way, the daughter of Janaka wept.

5.23.2 But Vaidehī, that high-minded woman, thus addressed by the rākṣasīs, spoke in a voice choked with tears, utterly trembling with fear.

5.23.3 "A mortal woman does not deserve to become the wife of a rākṣasa. Eat me, all of you, if you will — I will not do your bidding."

5.23.4 She, Sītā — who resembled the daughter of a god — standing in the midst of the rākṣasīs, found no peace, afflicted by grief and threatened by Rāvaṇa.

5.23.5 Sītā shuddered violently, as though her own limbs were failing her — like a doe separated from her herd in the forest and harassed by cuckoos.

5.23.6 She, supporting herself on a large flowering branch of the aśoka tree, thought with grief of her husband, her heart broken.

5.23.7 She, bathing her ample breasts with the flow of tears from her eyes, could find no end to her grief even as she reflected.

5.23.8 Trembling like a plantain tree fallen in a gust of wind, stricken with fear of the rākṣasīs, she became pale of face.

5.23.9 Then the long, thick braid of trembling Sītā was seen quivering like a serpent crawling along.

5.23.10 She, sighing deeply, afflicted by suffering, her senses struck down by grief, distressed, shed tears — Maithilī lamented.

5.23.11 "Ah, Rāma!" she cried, afflicted by pain, then again "Ah, Lakṣmaṇa! Ah, my mother-in-law Kausalyā! Ah, Sumitrā, dear to me!"

5.23.12 "This saying repeated by the wise is indeed true: death is hard to come by at the wrong time, whether for a woman or a man."

5.23.13 "For here I am, tormented by these cruel rākṣasīs in this place, living — bereft of Rāma, suffering — even for a single moment."

5.23.14 "I, this one of little merit, wretched, shall perish without a protector, like a fully laden boat struck by the force of wind in the middle of the ocean."

5.23.15 "Not seeing that husband of mine, having fallen under the power of rākṣasīs, I sink in grief like a river-bank undermined by water."

5.23.16 "Blessed are those who see my lord — he of lotus-petal eyes, lion-like gait, grateful, and dear of speech."

5.23.17 "Bereft in every way of that Rāma of high-souled wisdom, my life is as hard to sustain as though I had swallowed sharp poison."

5.23.18 "What sin did I commit in a previous birth, in another body, on account of which I incur this terrible and most dreadful suffering?"

5.23.19 "Enveloped in great grief, I wish to abandon my life — guarded as I am by rākṣasīs, Rāma cannot be reached by me."

5.23.20 "Shame indeed upon being mortal, shame upon being under another's power — that one cannot abandon life of one's own free will."

5.24.1 Speaking thus, with her face streaming with tears, the young daughter of Janaka, her face cast downward, began to lament.

5.24.2 Grieving, like one maddened, like one bewildered, like one whose mind has wandered, she turned about and rolled upon the ground like a young mare.

5.24.3 "I, belonging to the ever-vigilant Rāghava, have been seized and forcibly brought by the rākṣasa Rāvaṇa, who changes his form at will, though I cried out."

5.24.4 "Having fallen under the power of the rākṣasīs, menaced in a most dreadful manner, reflecting on all this and afflicted by the deepest sorrow, I dare not live."

5.24.5 "I have no use for life, nor for riches, nor for ornaments, dwelling in the midst of rākṣasīs without Rāma, the great warrior."

5.24.6 "Shame on me, ignoble and wicked — who preserves her life even for a moment, having been separated from him; living this sinful life."

5.24.7 "What faith do I have in life or in happiness, without that dear husband of mine, beloved of all the earth bounded by the ocean?"

5.24.8 "Let my body be torn apart or devoured — I am giving it up. For I could not long endure this suffering bereft of my beloved."

5.24.9 "I would not touch the night-wanderer Rāvaṇa even with my left foot — how then could I desire that contemptible one?"

5.24.10 "He who is cruel by nature and desires to court me does not know he has been rejected, nor does he know himself or his own lineage."

5.24.11 "Cut to pieces, torn asunder, divided, or cast into blazing fire — I would still not submit to Rāvaṇa. What is the use of this babble to you at length?"

5.24.12 "Rāghava is renowned as wise, grateful, and compassionate, virtuous in conduct. I suspect it is from the exhaustion of my own fortune that he shows no compassion."

5.24.13 "He who alone drove away fourteen thousand rākṣasas at Janasthāna — why does that one not come to me?"

5.24.14 "I am confined by Rāvaṇa, a rākṣasa of little true valor. My husband is indeed capable of slaying Rāvaṇa in battle."

5.24.15 "He by whom Virādha, that bull among rākṣasas, was slain in battle in the Daṇḍaka forest — why does that Rāma not come to me?"

5.24.16 "Indeed this Laṅkā in the midst of the ocean may be difficult to assail, yet there exists no obstacle to the passage of Rāghava's arrows."

5.24.17 "What then is the reason why Rāma, of firm valor, does not come for his beloved wife who has been abducted by a rākṣasa?"

5.24.18 "I suspect that Lakṣmaṇa's elder brother does not know I am here. For knowing it, that fiery hero would not tolerate this violation."

5.24.19 "Even the king of the vultures, Jaṭāyu, who found me and would have reported to Rāghava that I had been taken away, has been struck down in battle by Rāvaṇa."

5.24.20 "A great deed was done by old Jaṭāyu, who at that time came to my aid and stood in single combat against Rāvaṇa."

5.24.21 "If that Rāghava knew I am here in this state, he would today, with his arrows, enraged, rid the world of rākṣasas."

5.24.22 "He would scatter the city of Laṅkā and dry up the great ocean, and he would destroy the name and fame of the vile Rāvaṇa."

5.24.23 "Then, searching out the Laṅkā of the rākṣasas, Rāma together with Lakṣmaṇa would without doubt cause rākṣasī women in every house, their lords slain, to weep just as I weep now."

5.24.24 "For no enemy seen by those two survives even for an instant. Before long, this Laṅkā would become like a cremation ground, its pathways dense with funeral-pyre smoke and circles of vultures."

5.24.25 "Before long I shall attain my heart's desire. These omens of evil portent foretell the reversal of fortune for all of you."

5.24.26 "As for the inauspicious signs that are visible in Laṅkā — before long she will be robbed of her splendor."

5.24.27 "Surely, when the sinful Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, is slain, Laṅkā, formerly invincible, will wither like a widow woman."

5.24.28 "The city of Laṅkā, once prosperous with festivities and celebrations, rākṣasas and all, will become a city whose lord is lost, like a woman whose husband has perished."

5.24.29 "Surely before long I shall hear here the sounds of rākṣasa daughters weeping in grief in every house."

5.24.30 "The city of Laṅkā will be plunged in darkness, stripped of its radiance, its great rākṣasa warriors slain, consumed by Rāma's arrows."

5.24.31 "If only that hero Rāma of red-cornered eyes would come to know that I am dwelling here in Rāvaṇa's abode."

5.24.32 "But the term that was set for me by this cruel and base Rāvaṇa — that time has now arrived."

5.24.33 "These Nairṛtas, doers of evil, who do not know what should not be done — from their unrighteousness a great catastrophe will soon befall."

5.24.34 "These rākṣasas, flesh-eaters, do not know what is right. Surely the rākṣasa will prepare me as his morning meal."

5.24.35 "How shall I, utterly grief-stricken, carry on without him — without seeing that Rāma, lovely to behold, with red-cornered eyes?"

5.24.36 "If there were someone here today who could give me poison, I would quickly behold the god Vaivasvata, separated as I am from my husband."

5.24.37 "That Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa's elder brother, does not know I am alive; for if those two knew, they would not fail to search for me across all the earth."

5.24.38 "Surely that hero, the elder of Lakṣmaṇa, has departed from here to the world of the gods, abandoning his body on the earth, out of grief for me alone."

5.24.39 "Blessed are the gods together with the gandharvas, the siddhas and the great seers, who behold my lord Rāma of lotus eyes."

5.24.40 "Or perhaps for the sake of that wise Rāma, devoted to dharma, that royal sage of the highest spirit — for his sake, as his wife —"

5.24.41 "— when seen, he would rejoice; when unseen, there is no friendship. Ingrates destroy, but Rāma will not destroy."

5.24.42 "Do I then have no virtues whatsoever, or is it the exhaustion of my fortune, that I, Sītā, am separated from Rāma who deserves the best, I who am so passionate?"

5.24.43 "Better for me to die than to live, bereft as I am of that great-souled Rāma of unblemished conduct, that hero who destroys enemies."

5.24.44 "Or perhaps those two best of men, the brothers, have laid down their weapons and roam the forest living on roots and fruits, wandering through the wilderness."

5.24.45 "Or perhaps those two heroes, the brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, have been slain by deception by the evil-souled lord of rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa."

5.24.46 "I, with matters having come to this pass, wish in every way to die — yet death is not ordained for me even as I endure this suffering."

5.24.47 "Truly blessed are those great-souled sages who are honored as truthful, who have conquered the self, the greatly fortunate ones, for whom pleasant and unpleasant do not exist."

5.24.48 "From what is dear, grief does not arise; from what is unpleasant arises fear — greater than grief. Homage to those great souls who are free from both."

5.24.49 "I, abandoned here by my dear Rāma of high wisdom, having fallen under the power of the sinful Rāvaṇa, shall give up my life."

5.25.1 Thus harshly addressed by Sītā, the rākṣasīs, overcome with rage, some of them went swiftly to report this to Rāvaṇa.

5.25.2 Then those dreadful-looking rākṣasīs came back to Sītā and spoke harsh words again, all with one purpose — her ruin.

5.25.3 "Now, O ignoble Sītā, O one resolved upon sin, the rākṣasīs will eat this flesh of yours at their pleasure."

5.25.4 Seeing Sītā then being thus threatened by those ignoble ones, the aged rākṣasī Trijaṭā, lying there, spoke these words.

5.25.5 "Devour yourselves, O ignoble ones! You will not eat Sītā — she who is the beloved daughter of Janaka and the daughter-in-law of Daśaratha."

5.25.6 "For today I have seen a terrible dream that makes the hair stand on end — portending the destruction of the rākṣasas and the welfare of this one's husband."

5.25.7 Thus addressed by Trijaṭā, the rākṣasīs, overcome with anger and yet afraid, all said these words to her.

5.25.8 "Tell us — what kind of dream did you see in the night?"

5.25.9 Hearing the words that had issued from the mouths of the rākṣasīs, Trijaṭā spoke in due time these words concerning her dream.

5.25.10 "Rāghava himself mounted a divine celestial palanquin fashioned of elephant ivory, moving through the sky, yoked to a thousand horses —"

5.25.11 "— and in the dream today I also saw Sītā clad in white garments, standing upon a white mountain encircled by the ocean, united with Rāma, like the radiance joined with the sun."

5.25.12 "And I saw Rāghava mounted on a great four-tusked elephant, mountain-like, roaming together with Lakṣmaṇa."

5.25.13 "Then those two tiger-like men, blazing with their own splendor, clad in white garlands and garments, drew near to Jānakī."

5.25.14 "Then, at the summit of that elephant standing in the sky, with her husband clasping her, Jānakī rested upon his shoulder."

5.25.15 "Then springing up from her husband's lap, the lotus-eyed one — so I saw — caressed the moon and sun with her two hands."

5.25.16 "Then that best of elephants, mounted by those two princes and by the wide-eyed Sītā, stood above Laṅkā."

5.25.17 "Himself clad in white garlands and garments, he came together with Lakṣmaṇa on a chariot drawn by eight white oxen, with his brother Lakṣmaṇa and his wife Sītā."

5.25.18 "Today Rāvaṇa was seen fallen from the Puṣpaka aerial chariot to the ground, dragged by the hands by a woman, shaven-headed and clad in black garments."

5.25.19 "Adorned with red garlands and unguents, he departed on a chariot yoked with asses toward the southern quarter and entered a pool of mire."

5.25.20 "A dark woman clad in red garments, her body smeared with mire, bound the ten-necked one by the neck and dragged him toward the southern quarter."

5.25.21 "Daśagrīva was carried off on a boar, Indrajit on a porpoise, and Kumbhakarṇa on a camel — all proceeding toward the southern quarter."

5.25.22 "A great assembly took place with the sounds of song and musical instruments, of rākṣasas wearing red garlands and red garments, drinking."

5.25.23 "And this lovely city of Laṅkā, filled with horses and chariots, was seen fallen into the ocean with its gateways and arches shattered."

5.25.24 "Having drunk oil and dancing about, laughing loudly, all the rākṣasa women were in Laṅkā made rough with ash."

5.25.25 "And all these foremost rākṣasas, Kumbhakarṇa and the rest, clad in red garments, entered a pool of cow-dung."

5.25.26 "Depart! Be gone! Rāghava will recover Sītā — he of supreme wrath will slay together with all the rākṣasas."

5.25.27 "Rāghava will not tolerate his beloved, his esteemed wife who followed him faithfully into forest exile, being threatened and terrified thus."

5.25.28 "Therefore enough of cruel words from you — let only gentle speech be spoken. Let us supplicate Vaidehī — this is what pleases me."

5.25.29 "For she who, afflicted with sorrow, beholds such a dream will be freed from many sorrows and attain her most beloved one."

5.25.30 "Even though she has been threatened, seek her favor, O rākṣasīs — what good is further harshness? Terrible fear from Rāghava is now imminent for the rākṣasas."

5.25.31 "For Maithilī, the daughter of Janaka, when pleased by obeisance, is capable of protecting the rākṣasīs from great danger."

5.25.32 "And in the limbs of this wide-eyed one I perceive nothing contrary, not even the slightest inauspicious omen."

5.25.33 "Only the dimness of her luster gives me concern — that sorrow has come upon this goddess who does not deserve suffering, this one destined for the sky."

5.25.34 "Indeed I see the attainment of Vaidehī's purpose now at hand — the destruction of the lord of rākṣasas and the victory of Rāghava."

5.25.35 "And this is the omen for her to hear great good news — her eye is seen to quiver, lotus-petal-like and long."

5.25.36 "And there is a slight bristling of the hair of her right side which is inauspicious, and suddenly one arm of Vaidehī trembles."

5.25.37 "And her left thigh, incomparable, resembling an elephant's trunk, quivering, seems to point out Rāghava standing before her."

5.25.38 "And a bird that has entered its branch-nest, speaking excellent soothing words, joyfully seems to urge on again and again the utterance of welcoming words."

5.26.1 Hearing those words of Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas — words that were cruel and whose import was cruelty — Sītā, stricken with misery, trembled as a young elephant princess set upon by a lion at the forest's edge.

5.26.2 Surrounded by rākṣasīs and afraid, severely threatened with words by Rāvaṇa, left alone in the midst of a wilderness — Sītā lamented like a young girl abandoned in a deserted forest.

5.26.3 "Truly do the wise say in this world that untimely death does not come — for here am I, wretched and without merit, living even a moment while being reviled thus."

5.26.4 "Deprived of happiness and filled with much sorrow, my heart is surely firm — for it does not today split asunder in a thousand fragments like the peak of a mountain struck by the thunderbolt."

5.26.5 "Surely there is no fault in me that I should be slain by this one of hateful aspect — nor am I able to yield to his desire, as a twice-born man cannot impart a sacred mantra to one who is not twice-born."

5.26.6 "Surely this ignoble lord of rākṣasas will before long sever my limbs with sharp weapons — cutting like an arrow piercing a creature within the womb — since the lord of the worlds does not come."

5.26.7 "How painful indeed are these two months that lie far ahead for me, afflicted as I am — like the night's end for a prisoner condemned to death, a thief who has offended the king."

5.26.8 "Alas Rāma! Alas Lakṣmaṇa! Alas Sumitrā! Alas Rāma, my mother and my birth-mother both — I, wretched and ill-fated, am perishing like a ship on the great ocean tossed by a wayward wind."

5.26.9 "Those two swift sons of the lord of men, those two lion-bulls, were surely slain on my account by that being that held the form of a deer — like two lightning-struck bulls."

5.26.10 "Surely that Time itself in the form of a deer lured me, wretched and ill-fated, at the moment when, deluded, I sent away my lord's son and also Rāma's younger brother, with Lakṣmaṇa going ahead."

5.26.11 "Alas Rāma, keeper of vows and truth, O long-armed one! Alas, you whose face resembles the full moon! Alas, you who are the benefactor and beloved of all living beings — you do not know that I am being condemned to death by the rākṣasas!"

5.26.12 "This devotion to none other than you, this forbearance, this sleeping on the ground, this adherence to dharma, this faithfulness as a wife — all this of mine has been done in vain, like kindness done to ungrateful men."

5.26.13 "Indeed, the dharma I have practiced is in vain, and this fidelity to one husband is without purpose — I who am emaciated and pale do not see you, deprived of you, and without hope of union with you."

5.26.14 "Having dutifully fulfilled your father's command and having returned from the forest with your vow accomplished, I think you are now sporting with large-eyed women, free of fear, your purpose achieved."

5.26.15 "But I, Rāma, who conceived love for you, have long had my heart bound to destruction. Having practiced austerity and vows in vain, I, ill-fated, will abandon my life — fie upon this existence!"

5.26.16 "I would quickly abandon my life — by poison or by a sharp weapon — but there is none here in the rākṣasa's dwelling to give me poison or a weapon."

5.26.17 "Scorched by grief and having reflected in many ways, Sītā then resolved: taking the cord that binds my braid, I will quickly hang myself with it and go to Yama's abode."

5.26.18 Thus lamenting in many ways, with her whole being remembering Rāma, trembling, her face parched, Sītā approached a great flowering tree.

5.26.19 She who was gentle in all her limbs drew near and grasped a branch of that tree. As she, of auspicious body, was deeply pondering upon Rāma, upon Rāma's younger brother, and upon her own lineage —

5.26.20 — then many auspicious omens, foremost among those recognized in the world as causes of relief from sorrow, omens that had been proven true before as well, appeared to her.

5.27.1 As she stood thus — afflicted, blameless, drained of joy, her mind dejected, auspicious — auspicious omens befell her as dependants approach a man graced with fortune.

5.27.2 Her left eye — auspicious, with curved lashes, striped and reddened, with a large dark iris and white, that of the beautiful-haired one — began to quiver, like a lotus reddened by a fish striking it.

5.27.3 And her left arm — gracefully curved, plump and rounded, worthy of priceless black aloe and sandalwood, long occupied by the most excellent beloved — quickly began to tremble.

5.27.4 And her thigh — plump, resembling an elephant king's trunk, well-proportioned where the two thighs join — trembling again, seemed to point out Rāma standing before her.

5.27.5 And the auspicious garment of the clear-eyed, beautiful-limbed one — golden in color, just slightly dulled with dust — slipped a little as she stood with teeth like the tips of lotus buds.

5.27.6 Awakened by these and other omens — proven true by the virtuous in earlier times as well — she of beautiful brows revived in joy, like a seed long wilted by wind and heat revived by rain.

5.27.7 And her face once more shone forth — with lips like the bimba fruit, lovely eyes, brows and the hair's edge with curved lashes, with gleaming white teeth — like the moon released from Rāhu's mouth.

5.27.8 She, freed of sorrow, her drowsiness dispelled, her fever calmed, her spirit awakened with joy, shone brilliantly with her noble face like a white night brightened by the risen cool-rayed moon.

5.28.1 The valiant Hanūmān heard everything truly — the menacing of Sītā by Trijaṭā and by the demonesses.

5.28.2 Gazing upon that goddess-like lady as if she were a deity in a pleasure-grove, the monkey then turned over in his mind a great variety of thoughts.

5.28.3 She whom many thousands and tens of thousands of monkeys are searching for in all directions — that very one has been reached by me.

5.28.4 By moving in well-devised espionage, I have observed the strength of the enemy; moving covertly, all this has been surveyed by me.

5.28.5 The particulars of the rākṣasas and this city have been observed, as has the power of this lord of the rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa.

5.28.6 It is fitting that I console the wife of that immeasurable one, who is compassionate to all beings — she who longs to behold her husband.

5.28.7 I shall console her whose face resembles the full moon, who has never before known such suffering, and who now finds no end to her grief.

5.28.8 For if I depart without consoling this lady whose mind is overwhelmed with grief, my departure would be blameworthy.

5.28.9 For when I have gone back, this glorious princess, Jānakī, finding no refuge, would abandon her life.

5.28.10 And that great-armed one whose face resembles the full moon, who yearns to behold Sītā — it is right that I console her on his behalf.

5.28.11 Speaking in the presence of these night-wandering demonesses is also not easy — how indeed is this to be accomplished? For I am in a difficult situation.

5.28.12 If I do not console her before the remainder of this night passes, there is no doubt whatsoever that she will abandon her life.

5.28.13 And if Rāma were to ask me, 'What word did Sītā speak to you?' — what could I reply to him, having spoken not at all to the slender-waisted one?

5.28.14 Kākutstha, angry, might even burn me with his fierce gaze, seeing me returned from here in haste, bereft of any message from Sītā.

5.28.15 And if I set her husband Rāma in motion because of this, the coming of him along with his army would be fruitless.

5.28.16 But finding an opportune moment, stationed here among the demonesses, I shall gently console her who is filled with anguish.

5.28.17 Though I am exceedingly small and especially a monkey, I shall speak here in the human tongue, in refined Sanskrit.

5.28.18 If I were to speak in refined Sanskrit as a brahmin would, Sītā, thinking me to be Rāvaṇa, would become frightened.

5.28.19 I must certainly speak a meaningful human word; there is no other way this blameless lady can be soothed.

5.28.20 Jānakī, seeing my form and hearing such speech, already frightened by the rākṣasas, will become frightened once more.

5.28.21 Then the high-minded, large-eyed lady, overcome with terror, knowing Rāvaṇa's ability to assume any form he wishes, would cry out.

5.28.22 And at the cry raised by Sītā, the host of demonesses, terrible and armed with various weapons, resembling Death itself, would suddenly rush together.

5.28.23 Then, surrounding me on all sides with their hideous faces, they would exert their full strength in killing or capturing me.

5.28.24 Seeing me leap about among the branches, sub-branches, and trunks of tall trees, they might become apprehensive with fear.

5.28.25 And the demonesses with their hideous faces, beholding my great form as I roam through the forest, might be convulsed with fear.

5.28.26 Then the demonesses would summon the rākṣasas as well — those posted by the lord of the rākṣasas within the abode of the lord of the rākṣasas.

5.28.27 Those bearing in their hands spears, arrows, swords, and weapons of every kind would rush upon me in this combat, swift and causing alarm.

5.28.28 Though enraged and capable of scattering the forces of the rākṣasas on every side, I could not then reach the far shore of the great ocean.

5.28.29 Or many swift-acting ones might leap upon me and seize me; the purpose would remain unaccomplished, and I would be captured.

5.28.30 Or those who delight in harm might harm Janaka's daughter — then this task of Rāma and Sugrīva would be ruined.

5.28.31 Jānakī resides in this place where the path is lost, surrounded by rākṣasas, enclosed by the ocean, and closely guarded.

5.28.32 Whether I am slain or captured by the rākṣasas in battle, I see no other helper capable of accomplishing Rāma's task.

5.28.33 Reflecting carefully, I see no other monkey who, if I were killed, could leap across the great ocean extending a hundred yojanas.

5.28.34 I am certainly capable of slaying even thousands of rākṣasas, but I would not then be able to reach the far shore of the great ocean.

5.28.35 And battles whose outcome is uncertain do not please me; what wise man would place certain success in jeopardy through a doubtful course of action?

5.28.36 This is indeed a great danger in my speaking to Sītā; yet the abandonment of life by Vaidehī would be the danger in my not speaking.

5.28.37 Even accomplished purposes come to ruin when thwarted by wrong place and time, or when encountering a confused envoy — as darkness at sunrise.

5.28.38 Even a resolute judgment fails to shine when it wavers between the right course and its ruin; for envoys who fancy themselves wise destroy their missions.

5.28.39 How can this mission not be destroyed? How can confusion be avoided? And how may the crossing of the ocean not become in vain?

5.28.40 How indeed can she hear my words and yet not be alarmed? — pondering thus, the wise Hanūmān made up his mind.

5.28.41 Singing the praises of Rāma of tireless deeds, her own kinsman, I shall not disturb this lady whose heart is fixed upon that kinsman.

5.28.42 Offering auspicious words full of righteousness about Rāma, the foremost of the Ikṣvākus, the self-knowing one —

5.28.43 I shall cause her to hear all of them, speaking in a sweet voice; arranging everything in such a way that she may have faith.

5.28.44 Thus having deliberated in many ways, the great-souled Hanūmān, gazing upon the wife of the lord of the world, perched within the foliage of the tree, spoke words that were sweet and true.

5.29.1 Having thus considered his many thoughts, the great monkey spoke a sweet word within earshot of Vaidehī.

5.29.2 There was a king named Daśaratha, foremost of those possessing chariots, elephants, and horses; of virtuous conduct and great fame, upright and of mighty glory, born in the lineage of universal sovereigns, equal in strength to Purandara.

5.29.3 Devoted to non-violence, not petty, compassionate, of true valor, the foremost of the Ikṣvāku lineage, possessed of prosperity and the increaser of prosperity.

5.29.4 Endowed with the marks of royalty, of broad renown, a bull among kings, renowned across the earth with its four quarters, a giver of happiness and himself happy.

5.29.5 His beloved eldest son, whose face resembles the lord of the stars, named Rāma, skilled in discernment, the foremost of all wielders of the bow.

5.29.6 The scorcher of enemies, a guardian of his own conduct, a guardian of his own people, a guardian of the world of the living and of righteousness.

5.29.7 That hero, true to his pledges, at the word of his aged father, went forth with his wife and his brother into the forest.

5.29.8 By him, ranging in that great forest in pursuit of game, was the slaughter at Janasthāna heard; and Khara and Dūṣaṇa were slain. Thereafter Jānakī was carried off by Rāvaṇa, overcome with fury.

5.29.9 As to her form, her complexion, her beauty as described and determined — I heard of her from Rāghava; and that very one has been reached by me here.

5.29.10 Having spoken thus, that bull among monkeys fell silent; and Jānakī, having heard those words, was filled with the utmost amazement.

5.29.11 Then she whose hair-ends were curled, the beautiful-haired one, trembling, raised her face — wrapped about by her hair — and looked up at the aśoka tree.

5.29.12 Looking sideways, upward, and also downward, she beheld the minister of the lord of the tawny ones — that son of the wind — of unimaginable intellect, like the sun at its rising.

5.30.1 Then, her mind stirred, seeing him concealed within the branches, she beheld there the monkey crouching humbly, ready to speak pleasant words.

5.30.2 But she, the passionate Maithilī, seeing the foremost of monkeys standing before her in a humble manner, thought to herself: 'This is a dream.'

5.30.3 Gazing intently at him, Sītā became profoundly overwhelmed, as if bereft of life; and after a time recovering her senses, the wide-eyed one began to reflect.

5.30.4 'Today I have seen a strange dream — a tree-dwelling monkey, which the śāstras declare to be inauspicious. May there be well-being for Rāma, and likewise for Lakṣmaṇa, and for my father, King Janaka.'

5.30.5 'Yet this is not even a dream, for I have no sleep, tormented as I am by grief and sorrow. There is no happiness for me, since I am separated from him whose face is like the orb of the full moon.'

5.30.6 'I am now crushed by longing for him; my entire being is fixed upon him; ever meditating on him alone, I see him thus and I hear him thus.'

5.30.7 'I think it may be a fancy of the mind; and yet I reason with my understanding: what is the cause? For there is no form of his here, yet this one with clearly distinct form speaks to me.'

5.30.8 'Homage to Vācaspati, to the thunderbolt-wielding Indra, to the Self-born Brahmā, and to Fire — what this forest-dweller has spoken here before me, may that be true and not otherwise.'

5.31.1 Then the great-spirited Hanūmān, son of the Wind, addressed her — Sītā — with a sweet voice, placing his joined hands upon his head.

5.31.2 Who are you, O blameless one with lotus-petal eyes, clad in soiled silk, who stands clinging to the branch of a tree?

5.31.3 Why does water born of grief flow from your two eyes — like water scattered from the petals of white lotus flowers?

5.31.4 O fair one, are you of the gods, the asuras, the nāgas, the gandharvas, the rākṣasas, the yakṣas, or the kiṃnaras — which of these do you belong to?

5.31.5 O lovely-faced one, O shapely one — are you of the Rudras, or of the Maruts, or of the Vasus? You appear to me a divine being.

5.31.6 Or could you be Rohiṇī, chief among the asterisms, endowed with every virtue, fallen from the celestial abode, separated from the Moon?

5.31.7 O dark-eyed one, O auspicious one — could you be Arundhatī, who having angered her husband Vasiṣṭha in wrath or delusion, is no longer with him?

5.31.8 O slender-waisted one, which son, father, brother, or husband of yours — gone from this world to the other — do you grieve for?

5.31.9 For the marks and auspicious signs that I observe on you lead me to believe that you are the chief queen or the daughter of a king.

5.31.10 If you are Sītā, forcibly carried away from Janasthāna by Rāvaṇa — good fortune to you — then tell me, for I am asking.

5.31.11 She — Vaidehī — hearing his words, gladdened by the mention of Rāma's name, spoke these words to Hanūmān who sat in the tree.

5.31.12 "I am the daughter of Janaka, the great-souled king of Videha; by name I am called Sītā, and I am the wife of the wise Rāma."

5.31.13 "For twelve years I dwelt in the household of Rāghava, enjoying human pleasures, fulfilled in every desire."

5.31.14 "Then in the thirteenth year, the king, together with his preceptors, began the preparations to consecrate the delight of the Ikṣvākus with the kingdom."

5.31.15 "But while those preparations for Rāghava's consecration were being assembled, the queen named Kaikeyī spoke these words to her husband."

5.31.16 "'I shall neither drink nor eat — this is the end of my life each day — if Rāma is consecrated.'"

5.31.17 "'If that promise spoken by you with affection, O best of kings, is not to be made false, then let Rāghava go to the forest.'"

5.31.18 "That king, ever true to his word, recalling the boon granted to the queen, fainted upon hearing Kaikeyī's cruel and disagreeable words."

5.31.19 "Then that aged king, steadfast in truth and righteousness, weeping, begged his eldest and glorious son to accept the kingdom."

5.31.20 "He — the glorious one — having first accepted in his mind the father's word, which was dearer than the consecration itself, accepted it with his speech."

5.31.21 "Rāma, whose valor lies in truth, would give but never take, and would not say anything disagreeable — even for the sake of his own life."

5.31.22 "He — the greatly renowned — casting off his precious upper garments and renouncing the kingdom in his heart, entrusted me to his mother."

5.31.23 "And I, quickly setting out before him as a wanderer of the forest — for to me, separated from him, even heaven is not pleasing."

5.31.24 "And before us, the greatly fortunate Saumitri, the joy of his friends, had adorned himself with bark-cloth garments to accompany his elder brother."

5.31.25 "We three, honoring the command of the husband and firm in our vows, entered from the city into the forest — vast and deep in appearance."

5.31.26 "While I was dwelling with him — that one of boundless might — in the Daṇḍaka forest, I, his wife, was abducted by the rākṣasa Rāvaṇa, of evil soul."

5.31.27 "By him a term of two months was granted to me as a favor to preserve my life; but beyond those two months, I shall then abandon my life."

5.32.1 Hearing those words of hers — overwhelmed with grief upon grief — Hanūmān, leader of the monkey host, spoke a soothing reply.

5.32.2 "O goddess, I have come to you as a messenger bearing Rāma's tidings. O Vaidehī, Rāma is well, and he has conveyed his welfare to you."

5.32.3 "He who knows the Brahmā-weapon and the Vedas, the foremost among those who know the Vedas — that Rāma, son of Daśaratha, O goddess, has conveyed his welfare to you."

5.32.4 "And Lakṣmaṇa, of great splendor, the beloved attendant of your husband, scorched with grief, has made obeisance to you with his head."

5.32.5 She — the goddess — hearing the welfare of those two lion-like men, with all her limbs thrilling with joy and delight, then spoke to Hanūmān.

5.32.6 "Truly this common saying seems to me auspicious: 'One meets a living man with joy even after a hundred years.'"

5.32.7 In that encounter between the two of them, a wondrous joy arose; and trusting each other, the two began a mutual conversation.

5.32.8 Hearing those words of hers, Hanūmān, leader of the monkey host, drew near to Sītā, who was wasted with grief.

5.32.9 The more Hanūmān crept closer to her, the more Sītā suspected him to be Rāvaṇa.

5.32.10 "Alas, shame, shame — what I have done! For what I told him about myself — having assumed a different form, this is surely Rāvaṇa himself."

5.32.11 She — the flawless-limbed one, wasted with grief — releasing that branch of the aśoka tree, sat down upon the very ground beneath it.

5.32.12 Then the long-armed one bowed down to that daughter of Janaka; but she, trembling with fear, did not look up at him again.

5.32.13 Seeing him bowing, Sītā — whose face was like the moon — having drawn a long breath, spoke to that monkey in a sweet voice.

5.32.14 "If you are Rāvaṇa himself, a master of illusion who has entered into illusion, you are again creating anguish for me — that is not right."

5.32.15 "You who abandoned your own form and took the guise of an ascetic wanderer — you are that very Rāvaṇa I saw in Janasthāna."

5.32.16 "O night-roaming shapeshifter, you torment me again — thin from fasting and wretched as I am. That is not right."

5.32.17 "But if you have truly come as Rāma's messenger — good fortune to you! I ask you, O foremost of monkeys, for the story of Rāma is dear to me."

5.32.18 "Tell me the virtues of Rāma, my beloved, O monkey. You steal away my heart, O gentle one, as a current steals away a riverbank."

5.32.19 "Ah, how sweet is a dream! — I who have been carried away for so long, now seem to see a forest-dweller sent by Rāghava."

5.32.20 "Even if I were to see the heroic Rāghava along with Lakṣmaṇa only in a dream, I would not sink into despair — even a dream begrudges me this."

5.32.21 "But I do not think this is a dream — for in a dream one cannot attain good fortune by seeing a monkey; and yet good fortune has come to me."

5.32.22 "Could this be a confusion of the mind? Or is this a phantom of the wind? Or could this be a disorder arising from madness? Or is this a mirage?"

5.32.23 "Or else, this is not madness, nor is this confusion bearing the marks of madness — for I am fully conscious of myself and of this forest-dweller as well."

5.32.24 Thus reflecting in many ways upon the pros and cons, Sītā, because of the rākṣasas' power of taking any form at will, took him to be the lord of rākṣasas.

5.32.25 Having arrived at this conclusion then, that slender-waisted Sītā, daughter of Janaka, did not reply to the monkey.

5.32.26 Knowing what Sītā was thinking, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, then delighted her with words pleasing to the ears.

5.32.27 "Rāma is radiant as the sun, beloved of the world as the moon, the king of all the world, like the god Vaiśravaṇa —

5.32.28 endowed with valor like the greatly glorious Viṣṇu, a speaker of truth with sweet speech like the god Bṛhaspati —

5.32.29 handsome, fortunate, glorious, like Kandarpa in embodied form, skilled in striking anger at the right place, the foremost great chariot-warrior in the world — the world rests within the shelter of the arms of that great-souled one.

5.32.30 "You shall see the fruit that awaits him by whom Rāghava was lured away from the hermitage in the guise of a deer, and you were carried off in the empty forest."

5.32.31 "He of great valor will, before long, slay Rāvaṇa in battle with blazing arrows released in fury, burning like fire."

5.32.32 "By him I have been sent as a messenger and have come here to your side; he, afflicted with grief from separation from you, has conveyed his welfare to you."

5.32.33 "And Lakṣmaṇa of great splendor, the increaser of Sumitrā's joy, the long-armed one — he too, having paid his respects, has conveyed his welfare to you."

5.32.34 "And the friend of Rāma, O goddess — a monkey named Sugrīva, king of the foremost monkeys — he too has conveyed his welfare to you."

5.32.35 "Rāma constantly remembers you, together with Sugrīva and Lakṣmaṇa. By good fortune you live, O Vaidehī, though fallen into the power of the rākṣasī."

5.32.36 "Before long you will see Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa the great chariot-warrior, in the midst of tens of millions of monkeys, and Sugrīva of boundless might."

5.32.37 "I am a monkey named Hanūmān, minister of Sugrīva. Having leapt across the great ocean, I have entered the city of Laṅkā."

5.32.38 "Placing my foot upon the head of the evil-souled Rāvaṇa, I have come to see you, relying upon my own valor."

5.32.39 "O goddess, I am not what you take me to be. Let this suspicion be abandoned; trust the words I speak to you."

5.33.1 But Vaidehī, having heard those words about Rāma from that bull among monkeys, spoke this soothing speech in a sweet voice.

5.33.2 "What is your connection with Rāma? How do you know Lakṣmaṇa? How did the meeting of monkeys and men come about?"

5.33.3 "O monkey, describe once more the distinguishing marks of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, so that grief may not overwhelm me."

5.33.4 "What is his bearing, what is Rāma's form? What are his thighs like, what are his arms like? Tell me also of Lakṣmaṇa."

5.33.5 Thus addressed by Vaidehī, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, then proceeded to describe Rāma truthfully and accurately.

5.33.6 "By good fortune, O Vaidehī, O lotus-eyed one, though knowing me, you yet ask me — about the description of your husband and of Lakṣmaṇa."

5.33.7 "O wide-eyed one, hear from me as I speak of those identifying marks of Rāma and of Lakṣmaṇa as they have been observed."

5.33.8 "Rāma is lotus-petal-eyed, captivating the hearts of all beings, endowed with beauty and grace, O daughter of Janaka."

5.33.9 "In brilliance he is like the sun, in forbearance equal to the earth, in wisdom equal to Bṛhaspati, in glory comparable to Vāsava."

5.33.10 "He is the protector of the living world, the protector of his own people, the protector of his own conduct and of dharma — the scorcher of foes."

5.33.11 "O passionate one, Rāma is the protector of the four social orders of the world, and the maker and enforcer of the boundaries of the world."

5.33.12 "Radiant and greatly honored, established in the vow of brahmacarya, he knows how to assist the virtuous and knows the conduct of duties."

5.33.13 "Trained in the science of kingship, a devoted attendant upon brāhmaṇas, learned in scripture, endowed with good character, and disciplined — he is a scorcher of foes."

5.33.14 "Learned in the Yajurveda, greatly honored by those who know the Vedas, he is established in the science of archery, in the Vedas, and in the Vedāṅgas."

5.33.15 "Broad-shouldered, long-armed, with a neck like a conch-shell, of auspicious countenance, with well-concealed collar-bones, reddish-brown eyes — thus is Rāma celebrated among the people, O goddess."

5.33.16 "His voice resounds like a kettledrum, his complexion is lustrous, he is of great majesty, his limbs are even and well-proportioned, and his color is dark (śyāma)."

5.33.17 "He has three prominences, three extensions, three levels; he is elevated in three places; he bears three folds, is bent down in three; has four outer limbs well-developed and three crown-points."

5.33.18 "He has four sections, four lines, four cubits' measure; he is fourfold equal; fourteen pairs of limbs proportionate; four types of teeth; four gaits."

5.33.19 "Great in lips, cheeks, and nose; smooth in five places; eight-ribbed; bearing ten lotus-marks; ten great qualities; pervaded by three; doubly bright; elevated in six places; slender in nine — thus Rāghava extends through three dimensions."

5.33.20 "Supreme in truth and dharma, glorious, devoted to gathering allies and showing grace, knowing the distinctions of place and time, speaking pleasingly to all the world."

5.33.21 "And his brother of different mother, the unvanquished Saumitri — in affection, in form, and in virtues he is of the same kind."

5.33.22 "Those two, wandering the earth in search of you alone, encountered the lord of beasts who had been cast down by his elder brother."

5.33.23 "On the slopes of Ṛśyamūka, dense with many trees, they found Sugrīva of pleasing appearance, seated, bereft of his brother's wife."

5.33.24 "And we served that king of monkeys, Sugrīva, true to his pledges, who had been expelled from the kingdom by his elder brother."

5.33.25 "Then those two, clad in bark-cloth garments, holding excellent bows in hand, came to a beautiful region of the Ṛśyamūka mountain."

5.33.26 "Seeing those two tiger-like men with bows, that bull among monkeys leapt up to the peak of that mountain, bewildered with fear."

5.33.27 "Then that lord of monkeys, stationed on that peak, hastily sent me alone to those two."

5.33.28 "I, by the word of Sugrīva, with joined hands approached those two tiger-like lords of men, endowed with fine form and auspicious marks."

5.33.29 "Those two bull-like men, whose true purpose I had come to know, being filled with joy, I brought to that place, having set them upon my back."

5.33.30 "And having introduced them truly to the great-souled Sugrīva, from their mutual conversation intense joy arose between them."

5.33.31 "There those two — endowed with glory, the lord of monkeys and the lord of men — each reassuring the other, spoke of past events."

5.33.32 "Then the elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa comforted Sugrīva, who had been expelled by his brother Vālin — of immense energy — on account of a woman."

5.33.33 "Then Lakṣmaṇa reported to Sugrīva, the lord of monkeys, the grief born of your disappearance — the grief of Rāma of untiring deeds."

5.33.34 "That lord of monkeys, hearing the words spoken by Lakṣmaṇa, became utterly lustrous-less then, like the sun seized by a planet."

5.33.35 "Then the masses of ornaments that adorned your body, which had fallen to the earth as you were being carried off by the rākṣasa —"

5.33.36 "— all of those the monkey troop leaders brought to Rāma and joyfully showed him, but they did not know the direction you had gone."

5.33.37 "Those ornaments given to Rāma, brought by me and placed before him — they were sounding and strewn about upon that one whose mind was shattered."

5.33.38 "Having placed those beautiful ornaments in his lap, that god-like one then lamented in many ways."

5.33.39 "Looking at them, weeping, fainting again and again — those ornaments fed the fire of grief of that son of Daśaratha."

5.33.40 "That great-souled one, tormented with grief, lay prostrate for a long time; and even I with difficulty raised him up again with various words."

5.33.41 "Having seen those precious ornaments and shown them again and again, Rāghava, together with Saumitri, reported to Sugrīva."

5.33.42 "He — Rāghava — burns constantly from not seeing you, O noble one, with a great blazing fire, like a fire-mountain with fire."

5.33.43 "On your account, sleeplessness, grief, and anxiety torment that great-souled Rāghava, as fires torment a fire-chamber."

5.33.44 "From grief at not seeing you, Rāghava is shaken, as a great mountain of rock is shaken by a great earthquake."

5.33.45 "Wandering through lovely forest groves and river springs, he finds no delight, not seeing you, O daughter of a king."

5.33.46 "He — Rāghava, that tiger among men — will come to you quickly, O daughter of Janaka, having slain Rāvaṇa together with his allies and kinsmen."

5.33.47 "Together, Rāma and Sugrīva both then made a compact — to slay Vālin and likewise to search for you."

5.33.48 "Then Rāma, having swiftly slain Vālin in battle, made Sugrīva lord of all the hosts of bears and monkeys."

5.33.49 "O goddess, thus was the union of Rāma and Sugrīva brought about. And know me, Hanūmān, to have come here as the messenger of those two."

5.33.50 "Having obtained his own kingdom, Sugrīva assembled the great monkeys and dispatched them, the greatly powerful ones, in all ten directions in search of you."

5.33.51 "Commanded by Sugrīva, lord of monkeys, of immense energy, those monkeys — resembling kings of mountains — set out in all directions across the earth."

5.33.52 "A glorious monkey named Aṅgada, son of Vālin, of great strength — that tiger among monkeys — set out accompanied by a third of the army."

5.33.53 "For us, having strayed and lost our way on the great mountain Vindhya, deeply overcome with grief, days and nights passed by."

5.33.54 "We were resolved to abandon our lives — out of despair over our mission, from the lapse of time, and from fear of the monkey king."

5.33.55 "Having searched through forest fastnesses and mountain streams, and not finding the track of the goddess, we were resolved to abandon our lives."

5.33.56 "Deeply plunged in an ocean of grief, Aṅgada lamented — your disappearance, O Vaidehī, the death of Vālin, our own penance-fast unto death, and the death of Jaṭāyu."

5.33.57 "For us who had lost hope and were ready to die, a great and powerful bird came, as if for the sake of our mission — as if summoned by our lord's command."

5.33.58 "The full brother of the king of vultures, a king of vultures named Saṃpāti, hearing of his brother's death, spoke these words in anger."

5.33.59 "'By whom was my younger brother slain? Where was he destroyed? I wish you, O best of monkeys, to tell me this.'"

5.33.60 "Aṅgada told him accurately about the great slaughter in Janasthāna, done by a rākṣasa of terrible form, directed at you."

5.33.61 "That son of Aruṇa, grieved upon hearing of Jaṭāyu's death, told them — O shapely one — that you were dwelling in Rāvaṇa's palace."

5.33.62 "Hearing those joy-increasing words of Saṃpāti, all of us — with Aṅgada at our head — then set forth, we the leaping ones, thrilled and glad, with enthusiasm born of the desire to see you."

5.33.63 "Then I, seeing the monkey army sinking in despair before the ocean, shaking off intense fear, leapt a hundred yojanas."

5.33.64 "And Laṅkā, teeming with rākṣasas, was entered by me at night; and Rāvaṇa was seen by me, and you — oppressed with grief."

5.33.65 "All this has been told to you as it occurred, O blameless one. Speak to me, O goddess — I am the messenger of the son of Daśaratha."

5.33.66 "Know me, O goddess, to be the Wind-god's son, the minister of Sugrīva — who has exerted himself on Rāma's behalf, and who has come here on your account."

5.33.67 "Your Kākutstha — foremost among all bearers of weapons — is well, and Lakṣmaṇa of auspicious marks, devoted to honoring his elder as a guru, is well."

5.33.68 "O goddess, I alone have arrived here by the command of Sugrīva, devoted to the welfare of your husband — that valorous one."

5.33.69 "By me — wandering alone, able to take any form at will, searching for your trail — this southern quarter has been traversed."

5.33.70 "By good fortune, I shall remove the anguish of the monkey army grieving over your loss — by the announcement of my having reached you."

5.33.71 "By good fortune, my crossing of the ocean has not been in vain, O goddess; and by good fortune I shall gain this glory earned by having seen you."

5.33.72 "And Rāghava of great valor will come to you quickly, having slain Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, together with his allies and kinsmen."

5.33.73 "O Vaidehī, there is a mountain called Kauraja, the best of mountains; from there the monkey Kesarī went to the mountain Gokarṇa."

5.33.74 "And that great monkey — my father — was seen by divine sages, as he destroyed the abode of Sāmba at a sacred ford of the lord of rivers."

5.33.75 "I was born in the field of that monkey by the Wind-god, O Maithilī; and I am known in the world as Hanūmān by my own deeds. And O Vaidehī, the virtues of your husband have been spoken by me for the sake of establishing trust."

5.33.76 Thus Sītā — wasted with grief — being thus reassured with apt proofs of recognition, acknowledged him as the true messenger.

5.33.77 And Jānakī, filled with unmatched joy, from that delight shed tears of happiness from her two eyes with their curling lashes.

5.33.78 That beautiful face of hers — with long eyes of reddish-white hue — shone, that wide-eyed one's face, like the moon freed from Rāhu; and she clearly understood him, that monkey Hanūmān, to be none other than what he said.

5.33.79 Then Hanūmān spoke a further word to that fair-visaged one.

5.33.80 "When that demon was slain in battle — Sāmba's abode destroyed by the foremost monkey at the urging of the great sages — then was I born of the Wind-god's power, O Maithilī; and a monkey equal to him in might am I."

5.34.1 Then that great-spirited Hanūmān, son of the wind-god, spoke again with humble words, for the sake of convincing Sītā.

5.34.2 "I am a monkey, O most fortunate lady, the envoy of the wise Rāma. Look, O goddess, at this ring inscribed with Rāma's name. Take heart; all will be well — your suffering is nearing its end."

5.34.3 Taking it and gazing at that ring which had adorned her husband's hand, Jānakī rejoiced as though she had recovered her lord himself.

5.34.4 Her lovely face — with eyes large, flushed and white — blazed with intense joy, like the moon king freed from Rāhu.

5.34.5 Then that modest, young woman, gladdened by her husband's message and fully satisfied on hearing the welcome news, praised the great monkey.

5.34.6 "You are brave, you are capable, you are wise, O best of monkeys — you alone have dared to enter this realm of rākṣasas."

5.34.7 "The ocean, a hundred yojanas wide, the abode of sea-monsters, was made a mere cow's hoof-print by your praiseworthy stride."

5.34.8 "I do not think you an ordinary monkey, O bull among monkeys, for you feel no terror or agitation before Rāvaṇa."

5.34.9 "You deserve to be addressed by me, O best of monkeys, if you are truly sent by that Rāma who knows the self."

5.34.10 "The invincible Rāma would not send one whose valor is untested and unknown, especially to come to me."

5.34.11 "By good fortune, Rāma the righteous-souled, devoted to dharma, is well; and the great-spirited Lakṣmaṇa, who increases the joy of Sumitrā, is well."

5.34.12 "If Kākutstha is well, why then does he not burn the ocean-girdled earth with his wrath, blazing like the fire at the world's end?"

5.34.13 "Or perhaps those two are capable even of subduing the gods, yet I think there is no reversal of my own sorrows."

5.34.14 "Does Rāma grieve? Does he not wander distracted? Does that best of men attend to the tasks that lie ahead?"

5.34.15 "Is he not wretched, not bewildered? Does he not lose himself amid his duties? Does that son of a king perform the deeds a man must do?"

5.34.16 "Does that scorcher of foes, desiring victory, employ the two-fold and three-fold strategies, and maintain bonds of friendship?"

5.34.17 "Does he secure allies and are his allies approaching him? Does he keep good company and is he honored by his friends?"

5.34.18 "Does that son of a king seek the grace of the gods? Does he rely on both human effort and divine fate?"

5.34.19 "Has Rāghava's love for me not faded on account of my absence? Will the monkey-hero deliver me from this calamity?"

5.34.20 "Ever accustomed to happiness and unaccustomed to misery, has Rāma, encountering this great sorrow, not fallen into despair?"

5.34.21 "And what of Kausalyā? What of Sumitrā likewise? Is tidings of Bharata's welfare regularly heard?"

5.34.22 "Is Rāghava, who deserves all honor, consumed by grief on my account? Is Rāma's mind not elsewhere? Will he save me?"

5.34.23 "Will Bharata, devoted to his brothers, send a terrible army with its banners, protected by ministers, for my sake?"

5.34.24 "Will Sugrīva, the glorious lord of the monkeys, come for my sake, surrounded by brave monkeys armed with teeth and claws?"

5.34.25 "Will the heroic Lakṣmaṇa, who increases the joy of Sumitrā, the knower of weapons, scatter the rākṣasas with his net of arrows?"

5.34.26 "Will I see, before long, Rāvaṇa and all his kinsmen slain in battle by Rāma with his terrible weapon?"

5.34.27 "Does not that face of his, golden in hue, fragrant as a lotus, wither with grief in my absence, like a lotus withered by the sun when the water dries?"

5.34.28 "He who felt no anguish, no fear, no grief when he renounced his kingdom under pretext of duty and led me on foot into the forest — does that one hold steadiness in his heart?"

5.34.29 "Neither his mother, nor his father, nor any other holds a love surpassing or equal to mine for him. I shall live only so long, like a messenger, as I can hear tidings of my beloved."

5.34.30 Having thus spoken to that lord of monkeys words weighty and sweet in meaning, Rāmā — Sītā — fell silent, longing to hear again his delightful words full of tidings about Rāma.

5.34.31 Having heard Sītā's words, the son of the wind-god, of fearsome prowess, placed his joined palms upon his head and spoke in reply.

5.34.32 "Lotus-eyed Rāma does not know that you are here. But upon hearing my report, Rāghava will come swiftly."

5.34.33 "Leading his great army swarming with monkeys and bears, Kākutstha will pin down the ocean — the abode of Varuṇa, that which cannot be disturbed — with torrents of arrows, and will make this city of Laṅkā free of rākṣasas."

5.34.34 "If Death itself, if the gods together with the asuras, should stand in Rāma's path, he will slay them too."

5.34.35 "Flooded with the grief born of not seeing you, O noble lady, Rāma finds no peace, like an elephant tormented by a lion."

5.34.36 "By the Dardara mountain, O goddess, I swear to you, and by roots and fruits, by Malaya, Vindhya, Meru, and Mandara."

5.34.37 "As surely as you shall behold Rāma's face — beautiful-eyed, lovely, with lips red as the bimba fruit, adorned with fair earrings, risen like the full moon."

5.34.38 "You will soon see Rāma, O Vaidehī, on Mount Prasravaṇa, seated like Indra of a hundred sacrifices on the summit of heaven."

5.34.39 "Rāghava eats no meat and takes no honey; he eats only forest food, properly prepared, at the fifth hour."

5.34.40 "Rāghava does not remove from his body the biting flies, the mosquitoes, the insects, or the crawling creatures, his inmost self entirely absorbed in you."

5.34.41 "Rāma is ever given to meditation, ever overwhelmed with grief; he thinks of nothing else — he is utterly subject to his longing."

5.34.42 "Rāma is ever sleepless; even that best of men, when he does sleep, wakes uttering the sweet syllables 'Sītā'."

5.34.43 "On seeing a fruit or a flower or anything else that would delight a woman, he sighs again and again and speaks as if to you: 'Ah, my beloved!'"

5.34.44 "He, O goddess, ever burning in anguish, ever calling out your name 'Sītā', that great-souled prince firm in his vow, makes every effort solely for the sake of winning you back."

5.34.45 She, the daughter of Videha, her grief dispersed by the recounting of Rāma's virtues yet equal to Rāma's own grief in sorrow, became like the night at the close of autumn with its moon breaking through the last of the clouds.

5.35.1 Sītā, her face like the full moon, having heard those words, spoke thus to Hanūmān — words joined with righteousness and meaning.

5.35.2 "What you, O monkey, have spoken is nectar mixed with poison: that Rāma's mind is not elsewhere — and yet that he is sunk in grief."

5.35.3 "Whether in the vastness of prosperity or in the most terrible adversity, fate drags a man about like one bound by a rope."

5.35.4 "Fate for living beings is surely irresistible, O best of monkeys — behold Saumitri, and me, and Rāma, all bewildered by calamities."

5.35.5 "When will Rāghava reach the far shore of this sorrow, like one exhausted from swimming, whose boat has been wrecked in the ocean?"

5.35.6 "When will my lord, having destroyed the rākṣasas, having slain Rāvaṇa, having uprooted Laṅkā, come to see me?"

5.35.7 "He is to be told: 'Make haste' — for as long as this year is not completed, only so long is my life."

5.35.8 "The tenth month has come; two remain, O monkey. Such was the term set for me by the cruel Rāvaṇa."

5.35.9 "His brother Vibhīṣaṇa has earnestly beseeched him to restore me, yet Rāvaṇa will not set his mind to it."

5.35.10 "Returning me does not please Rāvaṇa — death, subject to time, seeks Rāvaṇa in battle."

5.35.11 "The eldest daughter of Vibhīṣaṇa, named Analā, O monkey, was sent by her own mother, and it is she who disclosed this to me."

5.35.12 "There is a wise and learned bull among rākṣasas named Avindhya, steadfast and virtuous, aged, and greatly honored by Rāvaṇa."

5.35.13 "He urged Rāvaṇa that the destruction of the rākṣasas would come from Rāma, yet that corrupt-souled one does not listen to even his beneficial counsel."

5.35.14 "I have hope, O best of monkeys: my lord will reach me soon. My inner self is pure, and in him there are many virtues."

5.35.15 "Energy, manhood, valor, compassion, gratitude, heroism, and might — these dwell in the monkey-lord and in Rāghava."

5.35.16 "He who slew fourteen thousand rākṣasas at Janasthāna without a brother at his side — what enemy would not tremble before him?"

5.35.17 "That bull among men cannot be measured by calamities. I know his glory, as Pulomā's daughter knows that of Indra."

5.35.18 "The heroic sun that is Rāma, O monkey, with its rays of arrow-nets, will dry up the water that is filled with the filth of enemies and rākṣasas."

5.35.19 As she thus spoke on, emaciated by grief for Rāma's sake, her face filled with tears, the monkey Hanūmān addressed her.

5.35.20 "Upon hearing my report, Rāghava will come swiftly, leading his great army swarming with troops of monkeys and bears."

5.35.21 "Or else I will free you this very day from the rākṣasa and from this sorrow. Climb upon my back, O blameless one."

5.35.22 "With you seated on my back I shall cross the ocean; I have the strength to carry even all of Laṅkā with Rāvaṇa."

5.35.23 "I shall deliver you today, O Maithilī, to Rāghava dwelling on Mount Prasravaṇa, as fire delivers the oblation to Indra."

5.35.24 "You will see this very day, O Vaidehī, Rāghava together with Lakṣmaṇa, fully resolved for action, like Viṣṇu set upon the slaying of the daityas."

5.35.25 "Fired with zeal by the sight of you, mighty, stationed at the hermitage, seated like Purandara upon the head of the king of serpents."

5.35.26 "Mount my back, O goddess; do not hesitate, O beautiful one. Seek your union with Rāma as Rohiṇī seeks the moon."

5.35.27 "Like one who speaks with the moon, like Suvarcalā with the sun — mounting my back, you shall cross the great sky-ocean of stars."

5.35.28 "For when I set forth taking you away from here, O lady, not all the inhabitants of Laṅkā are capable of following my course."

5.35.29 "Just as I arrived here, so without doubt shall I depart — see, O Vaidehī, I will lift you and go through the sky."

5.35.30 Maithilī, having heard from that best of monkeys these astonishing words, her every limb thrilled with wonder and joy, then spoke to Hanūmān.

5.35.31 "Hanūmān, how do you wish to carry me on the long journey? That, I think, is indeed your monkey-nature, O leader of monkey-troops."

5.35.32 "How can you, with so small a body, wish to take me from here to the presence of the lord of the monkey-host, my husband, O bull among monkeys?"

5.35.33 Hearing Sītā's words, the glorious Hanūmān, son of the wind-god, reflected — a fresh slight had been given to him.

5.35.34 "The dark-eyed one does not know my strength or my power; therefore let Vaidehī see whatever form of mine I choose."

5.35.35 Having reflected thus, that best of monkeys, the crusher of foes Hanūmān, thereupon revealed his true form to Vaidehī.

5.35.36 That wise bull among monkeys leaped down from that tree and then began to grow in size, for the sake of convincing Sītā.

5.35.37 Like Meru or Mandara in appearance, blazing with the radiance of a bright fire, that bull among monkeys stood before Sītā.

5.35.38 That monkey, mountain-like, with a copper-red face, of great strength, his teeth and claws hard as thunderbolts, terrible, spoke these words to Vaidehī.

5.35.39 "I have the power to carry away this very Laṅkā, with its tracts of forest and mountains, with its towers and walls and gateways, together with its lord."

5.35.40 "Therefore abandon that thought; enough of doubt, O goddess. Make Rāghava and Lakṣmaṇa free from sorrow, O Vaidehī."

5.35.41 Seeing him, mountain-like, Janaka's daughter, she of wide lotus-petal eyes, spoke to the true-born son of the wind-god.

5.35.42 "I know your valor and your strength, O great monkey; your speed is like the wind's, your energy wonderful as fire's."

5.35.43 "How could any ordinary being deserve to cross to the far shore of this immeasurable ocean and come to this land, O bull among monkeys?"

5.35.44 "I know your power in going and in bringing me; the success of our enterprise here must be quickly considered."

5.35.45 "Yet it would be improper for me to go with you, O best of monkeys; the speed of your speed — swift as the wind — would bewilder me."

5.35.46 "Suspended in the sky, above the ocean, I would fall from your back out of fear as you go with speed."

5.35.47 "Fallen into the ocean, teeming with timi-fish, sharks, and great sea-creatures, helpless, I would quickly become the choicest meal of the denizens of the deep."

5.35.48 "And I cannot go together with you, O destroyer of foes; even in you, who have a wife, doubt would arise, without question."

5.35.49 "Seeing me being carried away, the rākṣasas of fearsome prowess, dispatched by the evil-souled Rāvaṇa, would pursue us."

5.35.50 "Surrounded by those warriors brandishing spears in their hands, you — a hero with a wife to protect — would be placed in peril on my account."

5.35.51 "The many rākṣasas are armed, in the sky, while you are without weapons — how will you be able to fight and protect me at the same time?"

5.35.52 "While you fight those cruel-acting rākṣasas, I, overcome with fear, would fall from your back, O best of monkeys."

5.35.53 "Or if those fearsome, great, and powerful rākṣasas should by some chance overcome you in combat, O best of monkeys —"

5.35.54 "— or as you fight, your back turned away, I might fall; and having seized me fallen, the wicked rākṣasas would carry me off."

5.35.55 "They might snatch me from your grasp or even kill me — for victory and defeat in battle are seen to be inconstant."

5.35.56 "Or I might perish, terrorized by the rākṣasas; your effort, O best of monkeys, would then be entirely fruitless."

5.35.57 "You may well be capable of slaying all the rākṣasas, but Rāghava's glory would be diminished if the rākṣasas were slain by you."

5.35.58 "Or the rākṣasas might take me away and conceal me in a hidden place where neither the monkeys nor Rāghava could find me."

5.35.59 "This undertaking on my behalf would thus be rendered meaningless for you; but great is the merit in Rāma himself coming with you."

5.35.60 "On my survival depends the life of the great-souled Rāghava, of his brothers, O mighty-armed one, of you, and of the royal lineage."

5.35.61 "Those two, despairing of me, emaciated by the burning of grief, together with all the bears and monkeys, would give up their hold on life."

5.35.62 "Putting my devotion to my husband foremost, O monkey, I would not wish the touch of any man's body but Rāma's, O best of monkeys."

5.35.63 "As for Rāvaṇa's touch of my body — that was by force; what could I do, being powerless, without a protector, helpless?"

5.35.64 "If Rāma were to slay the ten-headed one here, together with all the rākṣasas, and then take me from this place — that would be fitting for him."

5.35.65 "I have heard of and seen the feats of valor of that great-souled crusher of foes — neither gods, gandharvas, serpents, nor rākṣasas are equal to Rāma in battle."

5.35.66 "Who, seeing in battle that Rāghava of great strength, wielder of the beautiful bow, equal in valor to Vāsava, together with Lakṣmaṇa — who could endure him, blazing like fire fanned by wind?"

5.35.67 "Who could endure in battle, O chief of monkeys, Rāghava with Lakṣmaṇa, the crusher of foes, standing like a maddened elephant of the quarters, his arrows blazing like the sun at the world's end?"

5.35.68 "Therefore, O best of monkeys, bring my lord here quickly, together with Lakṣmaṇa and the monkey-chiefs; O chief of monkeys, make me who have long been emaciated by grief rejoice."

5.36.1 Then that tiger among monkeys, gladdened by those words, having heard them, spoke to Sītā — he who was skilled in speech.

5.36.2 "What you have spoken, O goddess of auspicious appearance, is fitting — befitting the nature of women and the modesty of virtuous women."

5.36.3 "Womankind is indeed not capable of crossing the vast ocean, a hundred yojanas in extent, riding upon me."

5.36.4 "And the second reason you give, O lady endowed with modesty — 'I do not deserve the touch of any man but Rāma' — this is indeed true, O Jānakī."

5.36.5 "This is fitting, O goddess, for the wife of that great-souled one. For who other than you, O goddess, would speak such words?"

5.36.6 "And Kākutstha shall hear everything without remainder — all that you have done, O goddess, and all that you have spoken before me."

5.36.7 "For many reasons, O goddess, out of my desire to do what is dear to Rāma, with a heart overflowing with affection, I spoke this to you."

5.36.8 "Because of the difficulty of entering Laṅkā, the uncrossability of the great ocean, and my own ability — this is why I proposed it."

5.36.9 "I wish to bring you to the kinsman of Raghu's line this very day, out of deep affection and devotion — not otherwise was that proposed."

5.36.10 "But if you are not willing to go with me, O blameless one, then give me a token of recognition by which Rāghava may know."

5.36.11 Addressed thus by Hanūmān, Sītā — equal to a daughter of the gods — spoke slowly, her syllables strung with tears.

5.36.12 "This is the best token of recognition; speak it to my beloved: at the northeastern foot of Mount Citrakūṭa —

5.36.13 "— where one who dwells in the ascetic hermitage is provided with abundant roots, fruits, and water, in that place of accomplished sages, not far from the Mandākinī river —

5.36.14 "— in the groves of that place, fragrant with manifold flowers, having bathed and played in the water, wet with water I sat in your lap."

5.36.15 "And the elder brother of Bharata — you — fell asleep in my lap in turn."

5.36.16 "Then a crow, eager for flesh, pecked at me with its beak; I took up a clod of earth to drive away that crow."

5.36.17 "The crow wounded me and hid in that very place, and even so did not cease from the flesh — that eater of offerings, craving food."

5.36.18 "As I was pulling at the cord of my garment, angry at the bird, my robe slipping off — you saw me in that state."

5.36.19 "You laughed at me; I was angry, ashamed; wounded by that crow greedy for flesh, I approached you."

5.36.20 "Exhausted, I entered your lap again as you sat there; even as I was still angry, you consoled me with delight."

5.36.21 "My face filled with tears, slowly wiping my eyes, I was noticed by you, my lord, provoked by the crow."

5.36.22 "Hissing like an angry serpent, you spoke: 'Who has wounded the space between your breasts, O you of elephant-trunk-shaped thighs? Who plays with a five-hooded, wrathful serpent?'"

5.36.23 "Then looking about, you beheld that crow — its sharp talons bloodied — standing right before me."

5.36.24 "That crow is said to be the son of Indra, the best of birds, a rover of the earth's interior, equal in speed to the wind."

5.36.25 "Then upon that crow, O best among the wise, the mighty-armed one — his eyes rolling with anger — set a cruel intent."

5.36.26 "Taking a blade of darbha grass from the mat and charging it with Brahmā's weapon, he blazed like the time-fire aimed at the bird."

5.36.27 "You hurled that blazing reed at the crow; pursued, that bird moved through various courses in its desire for protection, ranging through all the worlds."

5.36.28 "Abandoned by its father, by all the gods, and by the great sages, having traversed the three worlds, it came to you alone for refuge."

5.36.29 "That one fallen to the ground, a refugee seeking shelter, though deserving of death, O Kākutstha, you protected out of compassion — for finding no safety in any of the worlds, it came to you alone for refuge."

5.36.30 "To that one coming before you, dejected and despondent, you said: 'Brahmā's weapon cannot be made fruitless; let it be directed somewhere.'"

5.36.31 "Then he struck out the right eye of that crow."

5.36.32 "He bowed to you then, and to King Daśaratha, and being released by you, O hero, returned to his own abode."

5.36.33 "For my sake Brahmā's weapon was invoked even for a mere crow; O lord of the earth, why do you tolerate him who robs me from you?"

5.36.34 "Show great energy, show compassion toward me, O bull among men — I have heard from you yourself that compassion is the highest dharma."

5.36.35 "I know you as one of great heroism, great energy, great strength, unfathomable in depth and unshakeable as the ocean, lord of the ocean-girdled earth, equal to Vāsava."

5.36.36 "Being thus the best knower of weapons, endowed with fortitude, and strong — why do you not employ your weapon against the rākṣasas, O Rāghava?"

5.36.37 "Neither the nāgas, nor the gandharvas, neither the asuras nor the hosts of Maruts are capable of withstanding Rāma's swiftness in battle."

5.36.38 "If there is any concern for me in that valorous one, why does he not bring the rākṣasas to their end with sharp arrows?"

5.36.39 "Or Lakṣmaṇa the scorcher of foes — taking his brother's command, that hero of great strength — for what reason does he not rescue me?"

5.36.40 "If those two tigers among men are equal in energy to the wind and Indra, invincible even to the gods — why do they disregard me?"

5.36.41 "There must be some great misdeed of mine, without doubt, since those two scorchers of foes, though capable, do not look to me."

5.36.42 "The noble Kausalyā who bore him, the lord of the world — ask after his welfare on my behalf and salute him with a bow of the head."

5.36.43 "Garlands, all gems, beloved noble women, and lordship over the broad earth, rare even for the great —"

5.36.44 "— Sumitrā, mother of fine sons, having honored and propitiated both father and mother, and accompanied Rāma in going forth, through her dharmic-souled son who set aside unparalleled comfort —"

5.36.45 "— that lion-shouldered, mighty-armed, resolute, and handsome one follows Kākutstha his brother, protecting him in the forest."

5.36.46 "He behaves toward Rāma as a father, toward me as a mother; yet that hero Lakṣmaṇa did not know I was being carried off at that time."

5.36.47 "A servant of elders, glorious, capable, not one for many words, that prince is most dear, worthy of my father-in-law."

5.36.48 "Rāma's brother Lakṣmaṇa is always dearer to him than I; whatever burden he is charged with, that valorous one carries it."

5.36.49 "Rāma, upon seeing him, never thinks even of the venerable and noble — tell him welfare on my behalf, at my word: gentle always, pure, skilled, dear to Rāma is Lakṣmaṇa."

5.36.50 "And say this to my heroic lord Rāma again and again: 'I will sustain my life for one month, O son of Daśaratha; beyond that month I cannot live — I tell you this truthfully.'"

5.36.51 "Me, hemmed in by that evil-acting Rāvaṇa by cunning — you, O hero, should rescue as Kauśikī from the netherworld."

5.36.52 Then Sītā, loosening from her garment the divine, beautiful cūḍāmaṇi crest-jewel, saying 'This is to be given to Rāghava,' gave it to Hanūmān.

5.36.53 The hero, having received that peerless jewel-gem, placed it on his finger — for his arm could not match her form.

5.36.54 The best of monkeys, having received the jewel-gem, paid his respects to Sītā, circumambulated her, and stood bowing at her side.

5.36.55 Filled with great joy born of the sight of Sītā, in his heart he had already gone to Rāma, though his body stood still.

5.36.56 Having taken up that supreme, most worthy jewel held by the daughter of King Janaka, freed by his power as one released by the wind stirring the king of mountains, with a joyful mind he set forth on his return journey.

5.37.1 Having given the jewel, Sītā then spoke to Hanūmān: "This token, truly known, is a recognized sign of Rāma."

5.37.2 "The hero Rāma, upon seeing this jewel, will surely remember three persons: his mother, me, and King Daśaratha."

5.37.3 "And you, O best of monkeys, urged on with renewed energy, reflect upon what is best to be done in the undertaking of this task."

5.37.4 "You are the authority in the execution of this task, O best of monkeys; consider that effort which would bring an end to this suffering."

5.37.5 Māruti, of fearsome prowess, having agreed with "So be it," bowed his head to the daughter of Videha and prepared to depart.

5.37.6 Knowing the son of the Wind to be ready to depart, the goddess Maithilī spoke these words in a voice choked with tears.

5.37.7 "O Hanūmān, convey my good wishes to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa together, to Sugrīva with his ministers, and to all the elder monkeys."

5.37.8 "And you ought to arrange that Rāghava, that mighty-armed one, may rescue me from this flood of suffering that surrounds me."

5.37.9 "That the illustrious Rāma may know me to be alive—this must be told by you, O Hanūmān; speak the word and you shall attain righteousness."

5.37.10 "Hearing these words of mine, always full of urgency, the valor of the son of Daśaratha will grow mightily for the purpose of winning me back."

5.37.11 "Hearing words bearing my message from you, the heroic Rāghava will duly arrange the manner of his prowess."

5.37.12 Having heard those words of Sītā, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, placing his joined palms upon his head, spoke in reply.

5.37.13 "Kākutstha will come swiftly, surrounded by the foremost of monkeys and bears, and having conquered your enemies in battle, will remove your sorrow."

5.37.14 "I see none among mortals, nor among the gods, nor among the asuras, who would dare to stand before him in the face of his discharged arrows."

5.37.15 "He is capable of withstanding even the Sun, even Parjanya, even Yama the son of Vivasvat in battle—and especially so for your sake."

5.37.16 "He desires to rule the earth to the ocean's border; the victory of Rāma has you as its occasion, O daughter of Janaka."

5.37.17 Having heard those words of his—perfectly true and well-spoken—Jānakī held them in high regard and then spoke these words.

5.37.18 Then Sītā, gazing again and again at the one who was about to depart, out of deep affection surmised the loving words he would carry to her husband.

5.37.19 "Or if you think fit, O hero, O subduer of foes, remain one day in some secluded spot; rested, you may depart tomorrow."

5.37.20 "For through the company of you, O mighty one, even I, of little fortune, might find momentary relief from this great sorrow."

5.37.21 "For when you are gone, O tiger among monkeys, even the continuance of my life until your return will be in doubt—of this there is no question."

5.37.22 "The grief born of not seeing you will afflict me further, O monkey, inflaming me who am already tormented by sorrow upon sorrow."

5.37.23 "And this very great doubt stands before me, O hero, O lord of monkeys, concerning the monkey and bear troops who are your allies."

5.37.24 "How indeed shall those armies of monkeys and bears cross the great, impassable ocean? Or how shall those two sons of the noblest of men?"

5.37.25 "Among living beings, only three have the power to leap over this ocean: Vainateya, you yourself, or the Wind."

5.37.26 "So in the execution of this task, O hero, so hard to accomplish, what solution do you see? You are the foremost among those who understand what must be done."

5.37.27 "Certainly you alone are sufficient for the accomplishment of this task, O slayer of enemy heroes; your growth in power is glorious."

5.37.28 "But if the victorious Rāghava were to conquer Rāvaṇa in battle with his full forces and then return to his own city with me—that would bring him glory."

5.37.29 "If Kākutstha, the crusher of enemy armies, were to fill Laṅkā with troops and then lead me away—that would be befitting of him."

5.37.30 "Therefore arrange it so that the valor of that great-souled hero in battle may be in keeping with his nature as a warrior."

5.37.31 Having heard those words—purposeful, coherent, and supported by reasoning—Hanūmān spoke further in reply.

5.37.32 "O goddess, Sugrīva, lord of the armies of monkeys and bears, the best among those who leap, endowed with true strength, is firmly resolved for your sake."

5.37.33 "Surrounded by tens of millions of thousands of monkeys, that destroyer of rākṣasas will come swiftly, O Vaidehī."

5.37.34 "His monkeys, endowed with prowess, full of courage, of great strength, who fly as swift as thought's resolve, stand ready at his command."

5.37.35 "Their motion is not obstructed above, below, or sideways; of unlimited splendor, they do not falter in great deeds."

5.37.36 "By those ones of vast energy, who travel the path of the wind, the earth together with its ocean and mountains has been circumambulated more than once."

5.37.37 "There are forest-dwellers there who are both superior to me and equal to me; there is none inferior to me in Sugrīva's presence."

5.37.38 "I, who am merely the least, have arrived here—how much more so those of great strength! For it is not the foremost who are sent as messengers; it is the lesser ones who are sent."

5.37.39 "Therefore enough of this anguish, O goddess; let your sorrow depart. With a single bound the leaders of monkey troops will come to Laṅkā."

5.37.40 "And those two, like the risen sun and moon, those two beings of great nature, those two lion-men, riding upon my back, will come to your presence."

5.37.41 "For those two heroes, those best of men, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa together, coming to the city of Laṅkā, will scatter it with their arrows."

5.37.42 "Having slain Rāvaṇa together with his followers, the joy of the Raghu clan, Rāghava, will return to his own city taking you with him, O lady of beautiful thighs."

5.37.43 "So take heart, may good fortune be yours; be patient, waiting for the right moment. Before long you will see Rāma blazing like fire in the wind."

5.37.44 "When the lord of rākṣasas has been slain along with his sons, ministers, and kinsmen, you will be united with Rāma as Rohiṇī with the moon."

5.37.45 "O goddess, O Maithilī, you will quickly reach the far shore of sorrow, and before long you will see Rāvaṇa slain by Rāma."

5.37.46 Having thus reassured Vaidehī, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, having resolved to depart, spoke to Vaidehī once more.

5.37.47 "You will soon see that slayer of enemies, the self-mastered Rāghava, and Lakṣmaṇa bow in hand, standing at the gate of Laṅkā."

5.37.48 "You will quickly see those heroic monkeys assembled—armed with claws and fangs, striding like lions and tigers, resembling lordly elephants."

5.37.49 "O noble lady, you will see the many troops of the chief monkeys—resembling mountains and rain-clouds—roaring upon the slopes of Laṅkā's Malaya peaks."

5.37.50 "And Rāma, struck to the vitals by the terrible arrow of the god of love, finds no peace—like an elephant tormented by a lion."

5.37.51 "Do not weep, O goddess, from grief; let there be nothing displeasing to your heart. Like Śacī blessed with Śakra, you have a lord and protector as your husband."

5.37.52 "Who else is superior to Rāma? Who is equal to the son of Sumitrā? Those two brothers, equal to fire and wind, are your refuge."

5.37.53 "You will not dwell long in this place, O goddess, this dreadful one inhabited by hordes of rākṣasas. The coming of your beloved will not be long delayed. Endure only the duration of the time until we meet again."

5.38.1 Having heard those words of the great-souled son of the Wind, Sītā, who resembles the daughter of a god, spoke words conducive to her own welfare.

5.38.2 "Upon seeing you, O monkey, who speak such dear words, I rejoice greatly—like the earth receiving rain when the crop is half-grown."

5.38.3 "Arrange it, out of compassion for me, that I may embrace that tiger among men with these limbs emaciated by grief—this is my desire."

5.38.4 "And a token of recognition from Rāma has been given to me, O foremost of monkey troops: the blade of grass thrown in anger at the crow that gouged out one of its eyes."

5.38.5 "A mark of red mineral dye was placed on my cheek; he should indeed remember that mark, which has now faded, O monkey."

5.38.6 "How can that mighty one, equal to Mahendra and Varuṇa, tolerate Sītā, who has been abducted, dwelling in the midst of rākṣasas?"

5.38.7 "This divine crest-jewel has been carefully guarded by me. Upon seeing it I rejoice—as I rejoice at seeing you, O sinless one, in my misfortune."

5.38.8 "This auspicious jewel, born of water, is hereby surrendered by me to you. Beyond this I shall not be able to live, consumed with longing in my grief."

5.38.9 "I endure unbearable sufferings and words that pierce the heart from those terrifying rākṣasī women—all for your sake."

5.38.10 "I shall sustain my life, O slayer of enemies, for one month; beyond one month I shall not live, O son of a king, separated from you."

5.38.11 "This rākṣasa king is terrible, and his gaze upon me brings no ease; and if I were to hear of your falling into misfortune, I could not live another moment."

5.38.12 Having heard the compassion-stirring words of Vaidehī, spoken amid tears, then the greatly resplendent Hanūmān, son of the Wind, spoke.

5.38.13 "Rāma is free of sorrow for none but you, O goddess—I swear to you in truth. And when Rāma is overwhelmed with grief, Lakṣmaṇa too burns with anguish."

5.38.14 "You have been found, somehow. This is not the time for lamenting. In this very moment you will see the end of your sorrows, O passionate lady."

5.38.15 "Those two tigers among men, those two blameless princes, their enthusiasm kindled by the sight of you, will reduce Laṅkā to ashes."

5.38.16 "Having slain the cruel Rāvaṇa together with his kinsmen in battle, both Rāghavas will bring you to your own city, O wide-eyed one."

5.38.17 "But whatever token Rāma might recognize, O blameless one, that which will generate delight in him—you ought to give yet another such."

5.38.18 She said: "The finest token has already been given by me here. For upon seeing this hair ornament of mine, O Hanūmān, your words, O hero, will be held credible by Rāma."

5.38.19 Taking that finest of jewels, the auspicious best of leapers bowed his head to the goddess and prepared to depart.

5.38.20 Beholding that bull among monkeys whose enthusiasm had risen for the leap, who was growing in his great velocity, the daughter of Janaka, wretched, her face filled with tears, spoke in a voice choked with sobs.

5.38.21 "Hanūmān, convey my good health to the two brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who resemble lions, and to Sugrīva with his ministers—to all of them."

5.38.22 "And you must arrange that Rāghava, that mighty-armed one, may rescue me from this flood of sorrow that engulfs me."

5.38.23 "And this fierce surge of my sorrow, and the threats made by these rākṣasas—convey all this when you have come into Rāma's presence. May your path be auspicious, O hero among monkeys."

5.38.24 That monkey, informed of the princess's wishes, his task accomplished, his heart overjoyed, surveying the little that remained to be done, turned his mind northward.

5.39.1 Honored by her with words of praise as he was about to depart, the monkey withdrew from that place and began to reflect.

5.39.2 "This task is little short of complete; the dark-eyed lady has been seen. Passing over three of the four means of policy, a fourth presents itself here."

5.39.3 "Conciliation avails nothing with rākṣasas; gifts do not apply among those who dwell in accumulated wealth; those intoxicated with the power of their army cannot be won over by sowing dissension. But valor—this is what pleases me here."

5.39.4 "No resolution of this task is possible here without valor. For the rākṣasas, their champions slain in battle, might perhaps somehow come to a state of softness."

5.39.5 "One who is appointed to a specific task but who might accomplish many things without obstructing the primary task—he may indeed perform those things."

5.39.6 "For no single means alone accomplishes even the slightest task here. One who knows a purpose from many angles is capable of its accomplishment."

5.39.7 "Having resolved here and now—if I were to go back to the abode of the lord of monkeys, I, who know the essence of the crushing contest between self and enemy, then my master's command would be considered fulfilled."

5.39.8 "How then might a battle forced upon me today with the rākṣasas come about pleasingly? And in the same way, might the ten-faced one measure up in combat to my own essential strength?"

5.39.9 "This finest grove of that cruel one, comparable to the garden of the gods, pleasing to the eye and heart, filled with many kinds of trees and creepers—"

5.39.10 "—this I will destroy, as fire destroys a dry forest. When this is destroyed, Rāvaṇa will then be moved to anger."

5.39.11 "Then the lord of rākṣasas will dispatch a great force complete with horses, great chariots, and elephants, armed with tridents, iron bars, and battle-axes—and then this great battle will ensue."

5.39.12 "But I, meeting those rākṣasas of fierce valor in combat, of unimpeded prowess, having slain that army dispatched by Rāvaṇa, will depart gladly to the abode of the lord of monkeys."

5.39.13 Then Māruti, angry as the wind itself, of fearsome prowess, with the great force of his thighs, began to hurl down the trees.

5.39.14 Then the heroic Hanūmān broke apart that pleasure grove, resounding with the calls of intoxicated birds, filled with many kinds of trees and creepers.

5.39.15 That grove, with its trees torn up and its pools broken apart and its hilltops pulverized, became a sight unpleasant to behold.

5.39.16 With its bower-houses of creepers and its painted houses destroyed, its great serpents and wild beasts driven out, its stone-houses overturned and its buildings shattered, that great grove lost all semblance of its former form.

5.39.17 That great monkey, having done great offense to the heart of that wealthy lord, blazing with splendor, desiring single combat with many of great strength, took his stand at the gateway.

5.40.1 Then, at the clamour of birds and the crashing of fallen trees, all the inhabitants of Laṅkā were seized with terror and confusion.

5.40.2 Beasts and birds fled shrieking in fear, and terrible omens befell the rākṣasas.

5.40.3 Then, when sleep had left them, the rākṣasī guards — their faces grotesque — beheld the grove in ruin and that great heroic monkey standing there.

5.40.4 When the long-armed, mighty-spirited, immensely powerful one saw them, he assumed a form so tremendous as to strike fear into the rākṣasīs.

5.40.5 Having seen that vānara — colossal as a mountain, immeasurably powerful — the rākṣasīs then questioned the daughter of Janaka.

5.40.6 "Who is this, whose is he, where does he come from, and for what purpose has he arrived here? And how did conversation come to pass between him and you?"

5.40.7 "Tell us, wide-eyed one — have no fear, fortunate lady, dark-cornered eyes — what did this one do, conversing with you?"

5.40.8 Then spoke the virtuous Sītā, beautiful in every limb: "What capacity have I to know rākṣasas who assume any form at will?"

5.40.9 "You yourselves know who he is and what he intends to do. A serpent alone truly knows a serpent's ways — there is no doubt of this."

5.40.10 "I too am afraid of him; I do not know his lineage. I take him to be a rākṣasa who has come here having assumed any form he wished."

5.40.11 Having heard the words of the Vaidehī, some rākṣasīs remained hurriedly where they stood, while others went off swiftly to report to Rāvaṇa.

5.40.12 The rākṣasīs with their grotesque faces drew near to Rāvaṇa and began to describe the dreadful, mis-shapen monkey.

5.40.13 "O king, within the Aśoka grove a monkey of terrifying form stands there, of boundless prowess, having held converse with Sītā."

5.40.14 "And fawn-eyed Jānakī Sītā, though questioned by us repeatedly, is unwilling to reveal who that monkey is."

5.40.15 "He may be a messenger of Vāsava, or a messenger of Vaiśravaṇa, or one sent by Rāma with desire to search out Sītā."

5.40.16 "By him, assuming a form suited to his power, your charming pleasure-grove thronged with various herds of animals has been entirely laid waste."

5.40.17 "There is not a single spot he has not destroyed — save only that spot where Jānakī Sītā sits, that alone he left unharmed."

5.40.18 "Whether out of intent to protect Jānakī, or out of weariness — weariness is unimaginable in such a one — she alone was guarded by him."

5.40.19 "Even the tall Śiṃśapā tree, adorned with lovely shoots and leaves, beneath which Sītā herself had taken her seat — that too he left protected."

5.40.20 "For this one of terrible aspect, you should ordain a terrible punishment: he it was who spoke with Sītā and who laid waste your grove."

5.40.21 "O lord of the host of rākṣasas, who would dare address your Sītā — she who is held in your heart — unless he were one who has already abandoned regard for his life?"

5.40.22 Hearing the words of the rākṣasīs, Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, blazed with fury like a sacrificial fire, his eyes whirling with wrath.

5.40.23 The mighty-splendoured one commanded a troop of rākṣasas called kiṃkaras — heroes fit to match himself — to seize Hanūmān.

5.40.24 From that palace there issued forth eighty thousand of those swift kiṃkaras, iron maces and hammers in hand.

5.40.25 Huge-bellied, with great fangs, terrible in form, immensely powerful, all were eager for battle, intent on capturing Hanūmān.

5.40.26 They rushed upon that monkey where he stood at the gateway arch, charging with great speed like moths hurling themselves into a flame.

5.40.27 They struck the foremost of vānaras with ornate maces, with iron bars with golden armlets, and with arrows blazing like the sun.

5.40.28 The splendid, glorious Hanūmān, like a mountain in form, slapped his tail upon the ground and let out a great roar.

5.40.29 At the sound of his roar they were seized with terror, and they beheld Hanūmān towering like a rain-cloud at the horizon.

5.40.30 Yet undeterred by their master's command, those rākṣasas fell upon the monkey from every side with diverse and terrible weapons.

5.40.31 Surrounded on all sides by those warriors, the immensely powerful one seized a dreadful iron bar that lay propped against the gateway.

5.40.32 Taking up that iron bar, he struck down the night-roaming rākṣasas.

5.40.33 As Garuḍa, son of Vinatā, might seize a writhing serpent, so that hero, the son of the wind-god, grasping that bar, ranged through the air.

5.40.34 Having slain those rākṣasa kiṃkaras, the heroic son of the wind-god, still eager for battle, returned and stood again at the gateway.

5.40.35 Then those few rākṣasas who had escaped from that terror reported to Rāvaṇa that all the kiṃkaras had been slain.

5.40.36 On hearing that his mighty host of rākṣasas had been slain, the king's eyes rolled in fury, and he commanded Prahastas's son — unmatched in valour, most difficult to overcome in battle.

5.41.1 Then Hanūmān, having slain the kiṃkaras, fell into reflection: "The grove has been destroyed by me, but the shrine-palace has not been demolished. I shall therefore demolish this palace too."

5.41.2 Having thus resolved, Hanūmān — displaying his power in his very bearing — leapt to the shrine-palace that rose lofty as the peak of Meru, and the foremost of monkeys, son of the wind-god, scaled it.

5.41.3 And having subdued it, the irresistible Hanūmān, blazing with splendour atop the towering shrine-palace, resembled the Pāriyātra mountain.

5.41.4 Then Hanūmān, son of the wind-god, assuming his vast body, boldly struck his arms together, filling Laṅkā with the sound.

5.41.5 By that great ear-shattering clap, birds were hurled from the sky, and from on high he proclaimed aloud:

5.41.6 "Victorious is the supremely powerful Rāma! Victorious is the greatly powerful Lakṣmaṇa! Victorious is King Sugrīva, protected by Rāghava!"

5.41.7 "I am Hanūmān, son of the wind-god, servant of Rāma lord of the Kosalas — he of unwearied deeds — the slayer of enemy armies!"

5.41.8 "A thousand Rāvaṇas would be no match for me in battle, as I strike with thousands of rocks and trees!"

5.41.9 "Having ravaged the city of Laṅkā and paid homage to the Maithilī, my mission accomplished, I shall depart before the eyes of all the rākṣasas!"

5.41.10 Having thus spoken, that bull among monkeys, stationed atop the aerial palace on the shrine-terrace, let out a fearsome roar, spreading terror among the rākṣasas.

5.41.11 At that great sound, a hundred shrine-guards advanced, bearing various missiles, javelins, swords, and battle-axes; hurling them in deadly volleys they surrounded the son of the wind-god.

5.41.12 That host of rākṣasas, encircling the foremost of monkeys, appeared like the wide, mighty swirling eddy of the Gaṅgā's waters.

5.41.13 Then the son of the wind-god, furious, assumed a terrible form.

5.41.14 With great speed Hanūmān, the mighty son of the wind-god, wrenched out a great pillar of that palace, adorned with gold, and whirled it, that weapon of a hundred edges.

5.41.15 Having slain a hundred rākṣasas as Indra slays demons with his thunderbolt, the glorious one, stationed in the sky, spoke these words:

5.41.16 "Thousands like me — mighty monkey-lords, powerful, all under Sugrīva's command — have been dispatched by the great-souled one."

5.41.17 "Sugrīva will come with hundreds, with hundreds of thousands, with crores, with tens of thousands — to exterminate every one of you!"

5.41.18 "This city of Laṅkā will cease to exist, and you will be no more, and Rāvaṇa no more — because the great-souled lord of the Ikṣvāku line has sworn enmity against you!"

5.42.1 Commanded by the lord of rākṣasas, the powerful son of Prahastas — Jambumālī of the great fangs — marched out, bearing his bow.

5.42.2 He wore red garlands and red garments, was garlanded with flowers, wore bright earrings; large, with rolling eyes, fierce, unconquerable in battle.

5.42.3 He twanged his great bow — rivalling Indra's own bow — with its beautiful arrows, speedily, with a sound equal to the thunderbolt and the lightning.

5.42.4 By the twanging report of that great bow, the cardinal directions, the intermediate quarters, and the sky itself were suddenly filled.

5.42.5 Beholding him approach in a chariot yoked to mules, the swift Hanūmān both rejoiced and roared.

5.42.6 Jambumālī of the mighty arms pierced Hanūmān, that great monkey standing on the gateway arch, with sharp arrows.

5.42.7 He struck the lord of monkeys with a crescent-headed shaft in the face, with a single barbed arrow on the head, and pierced his two arms with ten iron-headed arrows.

5.42.8 His copper-red face, struck by the arrow, shone beautifully — like a full-blown lotus in autumn pierced by the rays of the sun.

5.42.9 The great monkey, struck by the rākṣasa's arrows, grew enraged; then he noticed nearby an enormous great boulder.

5.42.10 The powerful one wrenched it up swiftly and hurled it mightily; but the furious rākṣasa shattered it with ten arrows.

5.42.11 Seeing that effort come to nothing, Hanūmān of fierce valour, mighty in energy, uprooted a vast śāla tree and whirled it.

5.42.12 Seeing the immensely powerful monkey whirling that śāla tree, the mighty Jambumālī let fly a great many arrows.

5.42.13 He cut the śāla tree with four arrows, struck the monkey with five on each arm, with one arrow in the chest, and with ten in the broad expanse of his breast.

5.42.14 His body pierced full of arrows, seized by immense rage, Hanūmān snatched up that very iron bar and whirled it swiftly.

5.42.15 The exceedingly swift one, of overwhelming power, whirled and then drove that iron bar down upon the broad chest of Jambumālī.

5.42.16 Of him thereafter — no head remained, nor arms, nor knees; no bow, no chariot, no horses were to be seen there, nor his arrows.

5.42.17 Thus swiftly slain by him, Jambumālī the great warrior fell dead to the ground, his ornaments and limbs crushed to powder.

5.42.18 Hearing that Jambumālī and the mighty kiṃkaras had been slain, Rāvaṇa blazed with fury, his eyes reddened with wrath.

5.42.19 His eyes copper-red with swelling rage at the slaying of the mighty son of Prahastas, the lord of night-roaming rākṣasas swiftly commanded the sons of his ministers — men of exceeding valour and prowess.

5.43.1 Then those seven sons of the ministers, impelled by the lord of rākṣasas, went forth from that palace, each blazing with the radiance of the seven flames of fire.

5.43.2 Attended by great armies, bearing bows, mighty in strength, foremost among those versed in weapons and warfare, each eager to surpass the others in victory.

5.43.3 They rode in great chariots covered with a lattice of gold, bearing standards and banners, with a roar like the sound of thunderclouds, yoked with swift horses.

5.43.4 Those warriors of immeasurable valor drew their bows adorned with refined gold, and, exulting, they shone like clouds charged with lightning.

5.43.5 Then the mothers of those warriors, learning that the kiṃkara guards had been slain, were overwhelmed with grief and anguish, together with their kinsmen and friends.

5.43.6 They, clashing against one another, adorned with ornaments of refined gold, rushed upon Hanūmān as he stood stationed at the gateway.

5.43.7 Pouring forth showers of arrows, with a sound like the roar of chariots, those foremost among the rākṣasas moved about like rain-laden clouds.

5.43.8 Then Hanūmān, pelted by those showers of arrows, became covered in form, like the king of mountains enveloped by rain.

5.43.9 That swift monkey evaded their arrows and the charging speed of those heroes' chariots as he moved through the clear sky.

5.43.10 That hero, sporting against those bow-bearing warriors in the sky, shone forth as the mighty wind sports among bow-shaped clouds in the heavens.

5.43.11 Uttering a terrible roar and terrifying that great army, Hanūmān, full of valor, charged with speed against those rākṣasas.

5.43.12 That scorcher of foes smote some with his palm, some with his feet; he struck some with his fist and tore others apart with his nails.

5.43.13 The monkey crushed some with his chest, others with his thighs; and some fell to the ground right there from the mere sound of his roar.

5.43.14 Then, when those warriors had been felled and fallen to the ground, that entire army fled in all ten directions, overwhelmed with fear.

5.43.15 The elephants trumpeted discordantly, the horses fell to the ground, and the earth was strewn with chariots whose housings, standards, and canopies were shattered.

5.43.16 That mighty monkey of fierce valor, having slain those formidable rākṣasas, eager to fight still more rākṣasas, returned once again to that very gateway as a hero.

5.44.1 Rāvaṇa, concealing his inner state, upon learning that the sons of his ministers had been slain by the great-souled monkey, formed a supreme resolve.

5.44.2 He summoned Virūpākṣa, Yūpākṣa, the rākṣasa Durdhara, Praghasa, and Bhāsakarṇa — five leading commanders of his army.

5.44.3 The ten-necked one commanded those heroes, skilled in statecraft, eager for the capture of Hanūmān, who were equal to the wind in battle-speed.

5.44.4 "Go, all of you, at the vanguard of the army, attended by mighty forces, with horses, chariots, and elephants — let that monkey be subdued."

5.44.5 "And whatever outcome befalls them — upon engaging that forest-dweller — an action must be taken that does not contradict the demands of place and time."

5.44.6 "For I do not regard that monkey as merely a monkey when I reason from his deeds — in every way he is a great being attended by great power; he may have been created against us by Indra through the force of his austerities."

5.44.7 "The nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, gods, asuras, and great sages have all been vanquished by me together with all of you."

5.44.8 "By them some offense must certainly be carried out against us — of that there is no doubt; therefore seize him by force."

5.44.9 "Nor should you underestimate this monkey of fierce prowess — I have indeed seen monkeys who are swift and of vast valor."

5.44.10 "Vālin and Sugrīva, and Jāmbavān of great might, and Nīla the general, and others beginning with Dvivida —"

5.44.11 "— none of them possess a terrifying speed, nor radiance, nor valor, nor intelligence, nor exuberance of strength, nor a form conceived like this one's."

5.44.12 "This being in the form of a monkey must be known as a great entity — therefore, making great effort, let his capture be accomplished."

5.44.13 "Truly, the three worlds together with Indra, the gods, asuras, and men are not capable of standing before you on the battlefield."

5.44.14 "Nevertheless, by one who is versed in wise counsel and who desires victory in battle, the self must be protected with care — for the outcome of war is uncertain."

5.44.15 All those of great energy received their master's command and rushed forth with great speed, blazing like consecrated fire.

5.44.16 With chariots, with frenzied elephants, with horses of great swiftness, with various sharp weapons, and attended by their full forces.

5.44.17 Then those heroes saw the great monkey blazing, rising like the sun with its rays, crowned with the garland of his own radiant beams.

5.44.18 Standing at the gateway — of great speed, great spirit, great strength, great intelligence, great enthusiasm, great body, great might.

5.44.19 Beholding him, all of them took their positions in every direction and attacked from all sides with their respective terrible weapons.

5.44.20 Five iron arrows, keen and white with golden tips, resembling lotus petals, were shot by Durdhara into his head.

5.44.21 Struck in the head by those five arrows, the monkey leaped up roaring into the sky, making the ten directions resound with his cry.

5.44.22 Then the mighty hero Durdhara, in his chariot with bow readied, raining hundreds upon hundreds of arrows, pressed his attack with great force.

5.44.23 That monkey repelled him in the sky as he poured his rain of arrows, as the wind repels a rain-laden cloud at the end of the monsoon.

5.44.24 Harassed by Durdhara, the son of the wind god uttered another great roar, and increased his own swiftness.

5.44.25 That monkey of great velocity suddenly leaped from a distance and descended upon Durdhara's chariot, like a bolt of lightning upon a mountain.

5.44.26 Then Durdhara, with his eight horses crushed and the axle and yoke of his chariot broken, abandoned it and fell to the ground, his life relinquished.

5.44.27 Virūpākṣa and Yūpākṣa, seeing him fallen to the ground, their wrath kindled, those two irresistible crushers of enemies leaped into the air.

5.44.28 That long-armed monkey, suddenly leaping upward and standing in the clear sky, was struck in the chest by those two with their war-clubs.

5.44.29 The mighty monkey, equal to Garuḍa in valor, repelled the speed of those two swift warriors and descended again to the ground.

5.44.30 Reaching a śāla tree and uprooting it, that monkey, son of the wind god, slew both those rākṣasa warriors.

5.44.31 Then, learning that those three had been slain by the swift monkey, Praghasa of great speed forcibly charged at the monkey.

5.44.32 And the valiant Bhāsakarṇa, enraged, taking up his trident, both of them stood on one side against that tiger among monkeys, that glorious one.

5.44.33 Praghasa struck that best of monkeys with a paṭṭiśa of sharp edge, and the rākṣasa Bhāsakarṇa struck him with his trident.

5.44.34 With his limbs wounded by those two and his body hair smeared with blood, the monkey became furious and blazed with the radiance of the newly risen sun.

5.44.35 Wrenching off a mountain peak together with its deer, serpents, and trees, the heroic Hanūmān, that elephant among monkeys, slew the two rākṣasas.

5.44.36 Then, when those five commanders had fallen, the monkey annihilated the remaining army.

5.44.37 The monkey destroyed horses with horses, elephants with elephants, warriors with warriors, chariots with chariots, as the thousand-eyed Indra destroys asuras.

5.44.38 With the elephants and horses slain, the great chariots with broken axles, and the rākṣasas killed, the earth was blocked in all directions.

5.44.39 Then that monkey, having slain in battle those leaders of the bannered army together with their forces and their vehicles, returned and held that very gateway, a hero who had seized his moment, like Death at the time of the destruction of living beings.

5.45.1 The king, beholding those five commanders slain by Hanūmān together with their retinues and vehicles, looked upon the prince Akṣa — who was eager and ready to rise up into battle — as one unscathed.

5.45.2 Urged on by his father's glance, that prince of great glory, with his bow adorned with gold, sprang forth — as fire is kindled in an assembly by the oblations of foremost twice-born.

5.45.3 Then that bull among rākṣasas, full of valor, mounted a great chariot blazing like the young sun, covered with a network of refined gold, and advanced toward that great monkey.

5.45.4 That chariot earned through accumulated stores of ascetic power, adorned with a network of refined gold, bearing a banner, with its standard jewel-adorned, well-yoked with eight excellent horses swift as thought —

5.45.5 — unconquerable by gods and asuras, moving without obstruction, radiant as the sun, moving through the sky, well-equipped with quivers, furnished with eight attached swords, fitted in order with spears and javelins —

5.45.6 — shining, filled with every equipment, adorned with golden strings, resplendent as the moon and sun, bright as the day-maker — mounting this chariot, he who was equal to the gods in valor went forth.

5.45.7 Filling both the sky and the earth with its mountains with the sounds of horses, elephants, and great chariots, he approached with his assembled forces the capable monkey seated at the gateway.

5.45.8 Approaching that tawny monkey, the tawny-eyed Akṣa, struck with wonder and agitation at the sight of him stationed there like the fire of end-of-age at the time of the annihilation of creatures, regarded him with eyes of deep respect.

5.45.9 That son of a king, mighty himself, pondering the speed and valor of that great-souled monkey among his enemies, and his power in the sky, blazed forth like the sun at the end of winter.

5.45.10 His wrath aroused, beholding that valor which is impossible to restrain in battle, he stood firm and collected in spirit, and provoked Hanūmān in combat with three sharp arrows.

5.45.11 Then Akṣa, his spirit deeply stirred, arrow in hand and bow raised, gazed upon that monkey who was proud, unwearied by exertion, and who had conquered both enemies and exhaustion.

5.45.12 He, adorned with gold necklace, armlets, and beautiful earrings, swiftly advanced in valor toward the monkey — and the encounter between those two was incomparable and caused awe even among gods and asuras.

5.45.13 The earth rumbled, the sun did not blaze, the wind did not blow, the mountain quaked — beholding the combat of the monkey and the prince, the sky roared and the ocean heaved.

5.45.14 Then that hero, a knower of the true principles of concentration, aim, and release, shot three feathered arrows with beautiful faces, gold-plumed, like venomous serpents, and brought them down upon the monkey's head.

5.45.15 Struck on the head simultaneously by those arrows, his eyes wide open and smeared with flowing blood, shining like the newly risen sun, resplendent with arrow-rays, he blazed like the sun with its garland of rays.

5.45.16 Then that foremost among the ministers of the lord of tawny-eyed monkeys, beholding in battle that son of the best of kings, bearing his excellent variegated weapons and adorned bow, was filled with joy and swelled with eagerness for combat.

5.45.17 Like the sun stationed atop Mount Mandara, his wrath fully kindled and united with strength and valor, he then scorched the prince Akṣa together with his forces and his vehicle with the burning rays of the fire of his eyes.

5.45.18 Then he, whose bow was like Indra's bow, who was a cloud of rākṣasas raining arrows in battle, swiftly released his shafts upon that mountain-like lord of monkeys, as a cloud-bank pours rain upon the highest mountain.

5.45.19 Then the monkey, equal to a cloud in valor, beholding in battle the prince Akṣa with his fierce valor in combat and his arrows charged with increasing radiance, strength, and might, roared with joy.

5.45.20 He, proud in his valor despite his youth, his wrath grown great, with eyes like blood, the peerless one approached the monkey in battle like an elephant approaching a great well covered over with grass.

5.45.21 Struck forcibly by those arrows, he whose sound was like the sound of a thundercloud uttered a roar; the son of the wind swiftly leaped into the sky, terrible to behold as he swung his arms and thighs.

5.45.22 That mighty foremost of rākṣasas, full of glory, the chariot-warrior on the best of chariots, charged at him as he leaped upward, raining arrows upon him as a cloud pelts a mountain with a shower of stones.

5.45.23 That heroic monkey, eluding those arrows as they were released, moved along the path frequented by the wind, darting between the arrows like the wind itself, swift as thought, of fierce valor in battle.

5.45.24 The son of the wind god regarded Akṣa — who had seized his bow and was eager for battle, carpeting the sky with various excellent arrows — with eyes of deep regard, and fell into contemplation.

5.45.25 Then the long-armed monkey, his chest pierced by the arrows of that great-souled prince, roaring, being a knower of the true particulars of action, pondered his course of valor in battle.

5.45.26 "This mighty one, radiant as the young sun, performs great deeds as if not young at all — yet my mind does not incline toward slaying him who is illustrious in every feat of battle."

5.45.27 "This one is great-souled and vast in valor, composed and most enduring in battle — without doubt, owing to the excellence of his deeds, he is honored by the nāgas, yakṣas, and sages."

5.45.28 "With a spirit swelling with valor and enthusiasm he faces me and stands watching — for his valor would shake the minds even of gods and asuras who act swiftly."

5.45.29 "Certainly this one would not fail to overcome if he were left alone — for his valor grows in battle; therefore slaying him pleases me, for a growing fire cannot safely be neglected."

5.45.30 Reflecting thus upon the other's surging force and arranging his own course of action, the valiant and mighty great monkey then gathered his speed and resolved upon slaying him.

5.45.31 The hero, son of the wind god, slew those eight horses of his — of great speed, steady, capable of bearing great burdens in wheeling — with slaps of his palm along the path traversed by the wind.

5.45.32 Then that great chariot, defeated by the minister of the lord of tawny-eyed monkeys and struck by his palm, with its housing shattered and its yoke-pole broken, fell to the ground from the sky with its horses slain.

5.45.33 He, that great chariot-warrior, abandoning his chariot, with bow and sword, leaped into the sky — that one of fierce valor who by devoted austerity was like a sage — as if leaving his body to enter the abode of the wind-gods.

5.45.34 Then the monkey, equal to the wind in speed and valor, approaching him as he moved in the sky — that sky traversed by Garuḍa, the wind, and the siddhas — seized him firmly by the feet, step by step.

5.45.35 That best of monkeys, whirling him a thousand times as Garuḍa seizes a great serpent, released him with force onto the earth in battle — equal in valor to his father, Vāyu.

5.45.36 That rākṣasa, with arms, thighs, waist, and head broken, streaming blood, his bones and eyes crushed, his joints severed and his sinews scattered, lay slain on the earth by the son of the wind.

5.45.37 The great monkey, having crushed him to the ground, wrought great terror upon the lord of rākṣasas.

5.45.38 With the great sages of great vows who move in circles, and the beings together with the yakṣas and serpents, and the gods with Indra, all greatly stricken with wonder — with the prince slain, the monkey was gazed upon by them all.

5.45.39 Having slain that prince Akṣa, whose radiance was like the son of the Thunderbolt-wielder, his own eyes like blood, that hero returned to that very gateway having seized his moment, like Death at the time of the destruction of living beings.

5.46.1 Then the great-souled lord of rākṣasas, having steadied his mind on learning that young Akṣa had been slain by Hanūmān, in wrath dispatched Indrajit, who resembled Indra himself.

5.46.2 "You are the foremost among those who bear weapons, the master of missile-lore, who has brought grief to gods and asuras alike; your valor is proven against the gods along with Indra, and your arsenal of weapons has been accumulated through worship of the Grandsire."

5.46.3 "When confronted with the force of your missiles, neither asuras nor the Marut hosts — indeed no one in the three worlds — has ever come away unwearied in battle."

5.46.4 "Protected by the might of your arms and shielded by your austerities, knowing the distinction of time and place — you alone are the best in wisdom."

5.46.5 "There is no feat impossible for you in battle, no counsel beyond your deliberate wisdom; there is no one in the three conflicts who does not know your missile-strength and your prowess."

5.46.6 "Your austerity, strength, valor, and missile-might in battle are a fitting match for mine; the mind of one who faces you in the press of war finds no room for fatigue — this is certain."

5.46.7 "Slain are all the commanders, the rākṣasa Jambumālī, and the five heroic sons of ministers who led the vanguard of the army."

5.46.8 "Your beloved younger brother, the prince Akṣa, has also been killed; yet I place no great stock in those losses, O slayer of enemies — for you remain."

5.46.9 "Having now seen this great might of the monkey, his power and valor, and having also measured your own essential strength, O wise one, marshal your speed in keeping with your own force."

5.46.10 "As the trampling of one's force subsides when you draw near, just as it ceases when the foe is quelled — weighing your own power against the enemy's, engage now, O foremost among masters of missiles."

5.46.11 "This is certainly not the highest counsel — that I send you forth; yet this is the considered course recognized for kingly duty and for the Kṣatriya code."

5.46.12 "The proficiency in battle with manifold weapons must certainly be employed, O subduer of enemies, and victory in war is to be desired."

5.46.13 Then, having heard his father's words, that hero of unwaning spirit — possessing the prowess of Dakṣa's son — circumambulated his lord, resolved in mind for battle.

5.46.14 Then Indrajit, duly honored by his own dear companions, his martial enthusiasm roused for combat, set out for the battlefield.

5.46.15 The glorious son of the lord of rākṣasas, lotus-petal-eyed, of great splendor, sallied forth like the ocean at the full moon.

5.46.16 Indrajit, resembling Indra, mounted a chariot harnessed with four serpents whose speed equaled that of the king of birds, whose fangs were white and sharp, and whose swiftness was unimpeded.

5.46.17 That chariot-warrior, foremost of archers, expert in weapons, and best among masters of missiles, swiftly rode in his chariot to where Hanūmān stood.

5.46.18 That hero of the monkeys, hearing the rumble of his chariot and the twang of his bow, became all the more elated.

5.46.19 Taking up his great bow and sharp-pointed arrows, the expert in battle advanced toward Hanūmān with clear intent.

5.46.20 As he, arrow in hand, set forth for battle with heightened exultation, all the directions turned turbid and fearsome beasts cried out in many voices.

5.46.21 Nāgas and Yakṣas, great sages, and Siddhas moving in circles gathered there; flocks of birds filled the sky and cried out aloud, supremely excited.

5.46.22 Seeing Indrajit approaching swiftly with his chariot, the swift monkey let out a mighty roar and grew in stature.

5.46.23 Indrajit, mounted on his divine chariot with his variegated bow, twanged his bow with a sound as mighty as a thunderbolt.

5.46.24 Then those two, of exceedingly sharp speed and great strength, fearless in battle — the monkey and the son of the rākṣasa lord — came together, like the kings of gods and asuras locked in enmity.

5.46.25 The immeasurable monkey, grown mighty, deflected the swift rush of arrows of that heroic great-chariot warrior renowned on the battlefield, and ranged about in the path of combat — himself beyond measure, surpassing his father's expectations.

5.46.26 Then that hero, slayer of enemy champions, released arrows with long, sharp heads, well-feathered, with gilded colorful nocks, shot in rapid succession with the speed of a falling thunderbolt.

5.46.27 Hearing the rumble of his chariot, the sound of kettledrums, war-drums, and battle-drums, and the twang of the straining bow, he leapt into the air again.

5.46.28 The great monkey swiftly dodged between the arrows, eluding that adversary's targeting, foiling his aim's concentration.

5.46.29 Spreading out his hands, Hanūmān, son of the Wind, again darted forward in front of those arrows and leapt aloft.

5.46.30 Those two, both endowed with speed and skilled in the arts of war, waged an incomparable battle that captivated the minds of all living beings.

5.46.31 The rākṣasa could find no opening in Hanūmān, nor could Māruti find an opening in that great-souled one; coming together, those two of valor equal to the gods found each other mutually irresistible.

5.46.32 Then, as his mark was missed and his arrows fell in vain, that great-souled one fell into deep deliberation, his mind composed in contemplative concentration.

5.46.33 Then the son of the rākṣasa king formed a resolve regarding that foremost monkey hero — recognizing the monkey's invincibility, how might he be restrained — for the purpose of his capture.

5.46.34 Then that hero of immense splendor, best among masters of missiles, trained the Paitāmaha weapon — the missile of the Grandsire — upon that foremost of monkeys.

5.46.35 Knowing this one to be inviolable, the long-armed Indrajit, conversant with the true nature of missiles, bound the son of the Wind-god with that weapon.

5.46.36 Bound by that weapon of the rākṣasa, the monkey became motionless and fell to the ground.

5.46.37 Then that foremost monkey hero, having recognized the missile's binding through the power of its master, his lesser speed having departed, reflected on the Grandsire's boon and on his own situation.

5.46.38 Then Hanūmān contemplated the Brahmā-weapon enchanted with the spells of Svāyaṃbhuva, and the boon he had received from the Grandsire.

5.46.39 "I have no power to release myself from this missile-bondage, for it comes from the power of the world's preceptor; thus this missile-bondage, being of such a nature, must be honored by me, the son born of the self-existent."

5.46.40 The monkey, having considered the power of the missile and his own capacity for release, and having reflected on the Grandsire's grace, abided by the Grandsire's command.

5.46.41 "Even bound by the missile, no fear arises in me, for I am protected by the Grandsire, by Mahendra, and by the Wind-god."

5.46.42 "Moreover, in being captured by the rākṣasas I see a great advantage — a conversation with the king of rākṣasas; let the enemies therefore take me."

5.46.43 His purpose settled — that slayer of enemy heroes — having considered it like a wise elephant, ceased his efforts; restrained by enemies who pressed upon him by force, he roared while being reviled by them with various insults.

5.46.44 Then the rākṣasas, seeing that subduer of enemies motionless, bound him with cords of hemp and with strips of bark from trees twisted together.

5.46.45 He approved of this binding and forcible capture by the enemy warriors, his purpose resolved, out of curiosity — thinking, "If only the lord of rākṣasas might decide to see me."

5.46.46 Bound by that bark cord, he was in fact released by the missile — for the powerful missile-bond does not accompany any other bond.

5.46.47 Then Indrajit the hero, reflecting on that bark-cord binding of that foremost monkey who had been freed from the missile-bond, fell into worry — for one bound by another bond does not remain under the missile's hold.

5.46.48 "Alas, a great deed has been done to no purpose! The rākṣasas did not reflect on the lore of missiles; moreover, when one missile is deployed, no other missile can operate — we are all in doubt."

5.46.49 Hanūmān, freed by the missile, did not realize his own liberation, being dragged by the rākṣasas and oppressed by those bonds.

5.46.50 Then the monkey, beaten by the cruel rākṣasas with fists and wooden clubs, was dragged to the presence of the lord of rākṣasas.

5.46.51 Then Indrajit, closely observing him freed from the missile but bound with bark-cord ropes, presented that immensely powerful monkey hero to the king before his assembled retinue.

5.46.52 The rākṣasas presented that bound foremost-of-monkeys, like a maddened elephant in bonds, to Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas.

5.46.53 "Who is this? Whose is he? Where does he come from? What is his purpose? What is his recourse?" — such discussions arose among the rākṣasa warriors there.

5.46.54 "Let him be slain!" "Let him be burned!" "Let him be eaten!" — so the enraged rākṣasas there said to one another.

5.46.55 Swiftly traversing the path, that great-souled one arrived before the feet of the lord of rākṣasas and beheld there the senior attendants of the king and the palace adorned with great jewels.

5.46.56 The immensely resplendent Rāvaṇa saw that foremost of monkeys being dragged hither and thither by rākṣasas of hideous forms.

5.46.57 And that foremost of monkeys also beheld the lord of rākṣasas, endowed with blazing power and strength, blazing like the sun.

5.46.58 Ten-faced Rāvaṇa, his gaze reddened with swelling wrath, scrutinized the monkey and then directed the chief counselors seated there — elders distinguished by lineage, conduct, and age — regarding him.

5.46.59 Questioned by them in due order as to the purpose of his business and the root cause of the matter, the monkey announced at the outset: "I have come from the presence of Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, as his messenger."

5.47.1 Then Hanūmān of terrible valor, astonished by his deeds, his eyes reddened with wrath, gazed upon the lord of rākṣasas.

5.47.2 He beheld him resplendent with a magnificent golden diadem wrapped in a net of pearls, of surpassing brilliance —

5.47.3 — adorned with golden ornaments of manifold kinds inset with highly precious gems set with diamonds, fashioned as if by the mind itself;

5.47.4 — clad in the most costly silk, smeared with red sandal paste, self-anointed, with varied and diverse decorative patterns;

5.47.5 — with broad, striking rākṣasa eyes terrible to behold, with blazing, sharp, and great fangs, and with hanging lips over the teeth;

5.47.6 — that hero gleaming with great splendor, with his ten heads, like Mount Mandara covered with various serpents at its peaks;

5.47.7 — dark as a heap of collyrium, his necklace gleaming on his chest, his face like the full moon, like a cloud attended by cranes;

5.47.8 — his arms bound with armlets and smeared with the finest sandal paste, adorned with gleaming bracelets, massive, like five-headed serpents;

5.47.9 — seated on a great, jeweled, variegated crystal throne adorned with the finest gems, spread with the best of cushions;

5.47.10 — attended on all sides by exceedingly adorned ladies who held fly-whisks of yak-tail hair and served him from nearby;

5.47.11 — accompanied by Durdhara, Prahasta, and the rākṣasa Mahāpārśva, by counselors versed in the true principles of counsel, and by the minister Nikumbha;

5.47.12 — flanked by four rākṣasas intoxicated with their strength, surrounding the entire world like the four oceans;

5.47.13 — attended by counselors expert in the principles of statecraft and by others of auspicious intelligence, like the lord of gods attended by the gods;

5.47.14 Hanūmān beheld the lord of rākṣasas of immeasurable splendor, stationed there like a rain-laden cloud resting on the peak of Meru.

5.47.15 Though being pressed upon by those rākṣasas of terrible valor, he was filled with supreme amazement and gazed upon the lord of rākṣasas.

5.47.16 Then Hanūmān, seeing the lord of rākṣasas blazing in splendor, reflected in his mind, overwhelmed by his brilliance.

5.47.17 "Ah, what form! Ah, what steadiness! Ah, what vigor! Ah, what radiance! Ah, how the king of rākṣasas is endowed with every auspicious mark!"

5.47.18 "Were adharma not so powerful in him, this lord of rākṣasas would be the protector of the world of gods together with Indra himself."

5.47.19 "It is indeed from this one that the worlds tremble — gods, asuras, and all — for this one, when enraged, has the capacity to reduce the world to a single ocean."

5.47.20 Thus the wise monkey turned over many such thoughts in his mind, having seen the power of the king of rākṣasas of immeasurable might.

5.48.1 Gazing up at him — that tawny-eyed one standing before him — Rāvaṇa the terror of the world, the long-armed one, was seized with great wrath.

5.48.2 That king, his eyes reddened with anger, spoke this extensive and meaningful speech to Prahasta, the best of ministers, in words suited to the moment.

5.48.3 "Let this wicked-souled one be questioned: where does he come from? What is his motive? What was his purpose in destroying the grove and in threatening the rākṣasī women?"

5.48.4 Hearing Rāvaṇa's words, Prahasta spoke: "Take courage, all good to you; you need have no fear, O monkey."

5.48.5 "If you have been sent by Indra to the abode of Rāvaṇa, tell the truth; let there be no fear for you, O monkey — you shall be released."

5.48.6 "Or if you belong to Vaiśravaṇa, or to Yama, or to Varuṇa — having assumed this lovely form on behalf of Yama or Varuṇa —"

5.48.7 "— or if you have been sent as a messenger by Viṣṇu, who desires victory — for your brilliance is not that of a mere monkey; the form alone is a monkey's —"

5.48.8 "— tell the truth now, and then, O monkey, you shall be released; but if you speak falsely, your life will be hard to preserve."

5.48.9 "Or else — whatever the cause of your entry into the abode of Rāvaṇa —"

5.48.10 Thus addressed, that best of monkeys then spoke to the lord of the rākṣasa host: "I am not of Śakra, nor of Yama, nor of Varuṇa —"

5.48.11 "— I have no alliance with Dhanada, nor was I dispatched by Viṣṇu; this is simply my birth-nature — I am a monkey, and I have come here thus."

5.48.12 "Since an audience with the lord of rākṣasas is difficult to obtain, I destroyed this grove of the rākṣasa king for the purpose of obtaining that audience."

5.48.13 "Then those powerful rākṣasas came, eager for battle; and for the protection of my body I fought back against them in combat."

5.48.14 "I cannot be bound by missile-fetters even by gods or asuras — this very boon has come to me as well from the Grandsire."

5.48.15 "Desiring to see the king, I allowed the missile to have its effect; I was indeed freed from the missile, yet I was greatly tormented by the rākṣasas."

5.48.16 "I am to be understood as a messenger of Rāghava of immeasurable might; let this salutary message of mine be heard, O lord."

5.49.1 Beholding that being of immense power, the foremost of monkeys, himself of great courage, composed and unperturbed, spoke words full of meaning to the Ten-faced one.

5.49.2 "I have come to your abode, O lord of rākṣasas, bearing a message from Sugrīva. The lord of monkeys, your brother, has sent you his greetings.

5.49.3 Hear the counsel of your brother, the great-souled Sugrīva — words grounded in righteousness and prudence, beneficial both in this world and the next.

5.49.4 There was a king named Daśaratha, possessor of chariots, elephants, and horses, a kinsman to the world like a father, equal in splendour to the lord of the gods.

5.49.5 His eldest son, a mighty-armed lord, beloved and pleasing, departed at his father's command and entered the Daṇḍaka forest.

5.49.6 That one of great splendour, named Rāma, accompanied by his brother Lakṣmaṇa and his wife Sītā, followed the path of righteousness.

5.49.7 His wife Sītā, devoted to her husband, the daughter of the great-souled King Janaka of Videha, was lost in the forest.

5.49.8 That prince, searching for the goddess, together with his younger brother, reached Ṛśyamūka and met with Sugrīva.

5.49.9 By him was the search for Sītā pledged, and Rāma in turn granted Sugrīva the kingdom of the monkeys.

5.49.10 Then, having slain Vālin in battle, that prince established Sugrīva as king, lord of the hosts of monkeys and bears.

5.49.11 That lord of monkeys, Sugrīva, true to his pledge and intent on the search for Sītā, dispatched monkeys in all directions.

5.49.12 Thousands, hundreds, and tens of thousands of those monkeys search in all directions, below and above in the sky.

5.49.13 Some are equal to Garuḍa, son of Vinatā; others are comparable to the wind; those heroic monkeys move without obstruction, swift and of great might.

5.49.14 And I am Hanūmān by name, the own-born son of the Wind-god. For Sītā's sake, crossing in an instant the ocean stretching a hundred yojanas, I came here desiring to find her.

5.49.15 Therefore you, who have seen the value of righteousness and profit, who have embraced austerities, O greatly wise one — you ought not to obstruct the wife of another.

5.49.16 For the wise, such as you, do not engage in acts opposed to righteousness, fraught with many perils, and destructive to the very root.

5.49.17 And who is capable of standing before the arrows released by Lakṣmaṇa, following in the wake of Rāma's wrath — even among gods and asuras?

5.49.18 Nor in the three worlds, O king, is there anyone who, having wronged Rāghava, might attain happiness.

5.49.19 Therefore consider this counsel, beneficial in all three times, righteous, and attended by profit: let Jānakī be restored to the lord among men.

5.49.20 For I have seen the goddess — that which was hard to find here has been found. Whatever remaining action follows from this, for that Rāghava is the instrument.

5.49.21 I have marked this Sītā, so wholly given over to grief — she whom you hold without recognising her, as one might grasp a five-hooded serpentess.

5.49.22 She cannot be overcome even by gods together with asuras, like food mixed with poison consumed to excess is fatal to one's vital energy.

5.49.23 This store of righteousness that you have gained through the heat of austerities — it is not proper to destroy it, together with your own life's refuge.

5.49.24 The invulnerability that you perceive for yourself through your austerities — from gods together with asuras — even that is greatly undermined by this very act.

5.49.25 For Sugrīva is neither a god, nor an asura, nor a human, nor a rākṣasa, nor a gandharva, nor a yakṣa, nor a serpent.

5.49.26 Rāghava is a man, O king, and Sugrīva is the lord of monkeys — how then, O king, will you save your life?

5.49.27 Righteousness does not follow the approach of unrighteousness attended by its fruits; rather, righteousness destroys unrighteousness, and each act bears its own consequence.

5.49.28 You have already reaped the fruit of your righteous deeds — of that there is no doubt; but you shall swiftly obtain the fruit of this unrighteous act as well.

5.49.29 Having understood the slaughter at Janasthāna and the slaying of Vālin, and understanding the alliance of Rāma and Sugrīva — recognise what is beneficial for yourself.

5.49.30 Indeed I alone am capable of destroying Laṅkā with its horses, chariots, and elephants — but that is his resolve.

5.49.31 For Rāma has pledged, in the presence of the hosts of monkeys and bears, the annihilation of enemies — those by whom Sītā has been violated.

5.49.32 For even Purandara himself, should he wrong Rāma, would not attain happiness — what then of a person like you?

5.49.33 She whom you know as Sītā, who stands in your power — know her as the night of death, the destroyer of all Laṅkā.

5.49.34 Enough — Sītā is the very noose of death embodied, clinging of her own accord to your neck; consider well what is fitting for yourself.

5.49.35 Behold this city with its towers and royal highways, scorched by Sītā's blazing power, oppressed by Rāma's wrath, burning even now.

5.49.36 Having heard the unpleasant yet eloquent words of the monkey who spoke without timidity — words elegant and well-composed — the Ten-faced one, his eyes wide with rage, commanded the slaying of that great monkey.

5.50.1 Having heard those words of the great-souled monkey, Rāvaṇa, overcome with fury, commanded his execution.

5.50.2 When the wicked-souled Rāvaṇa had commanded his killing, Vibhīṣaṇa — who had duly announced his embassy — did not approve.

5.50.3 Knowing the lord of rākṣasas to be enraged and the matter at hand to be critical, he reflected on the right course of action, firm in the conduct of duty.

5.50.4 Having resolved his purpose, and reverently addressing with gentle words his elder brother the conqueror of enemies, that master of speech spoke words of great benefit.

5.50.5 "O king, the killing of this monkey is contrary to righteousness, censured by the conduct of the world, and unworthy of you, O hero.

5.50.6 Without doubt this enemy is grown mighty and has done an immeasurable wrong; yet the righteous do not prescribe death for an envoy — many punishments have been seen for an envoy, but not death.

5.50.7 Disfigurement of the limbs, flogging with a whip, shaving of the head, and the application of Lakṣmaṇa's brand — these are the punishments prescribed for an envoy; but the slaying of an envoy we have not even heard of.

5.50.8 And how could one such as you, whose mind is schooled in righteousness and prudence, who is firm in discerning what is high and low, remain in the power of anger? For those of firm character restrain their anger.

5.50.9 In discourse on righteousness, in the ways of the world, and in the mastery of the intellect through the śāstras, none equals you, O hero — for you are the supreme one among all gods and asuras.

5.50.10 Nor do I see any benefit in killing this monkey; let this punishment fall upon those by whom this monkey was sent.

5.50.11 Whether righteous or unrighteous, this one has been dispatched by others; speaking on another's behalf, acting under another's authority, an envoy does not deserve death.

5.50.12 Moreover, should this one be killed, O king, I see no other sky-traveller who could come again across the great ocean.

5.50.13 Therefore no effort should be made to kill him, O conqueror of enemy cities; you ought to direct your effort against the gods with Indra at their head.

5.50.14 If this one perishes, I see no other envoy who could rouse those two sons of a human king to battle — those two who love battle, who are proud, and who are kept away by the long path.

5.50.15 It is not fitting, O delight of the mind, for you who are difficult to conquer even by the valiant, spirited, and courageous gods and asuras, to destroy the war-enterprise of the rākṣasas.

5.50.16 Well-disposed, heroic, composed, born into illustrious lineages, high-minded, foremost among weapon-bearers, sharp at the blade's edge, and well-maintained — such are your warriors.

5.50.17 Let some portion of your forces set out at your command and subdue those two foolish princes, so as to demonstrate your power over your enemies."

5.51.1 Having heard those words, the mighty Ten-necked one spoke in reply to his brother's excellent counsel, fitting to time and place.

5.51.2 "What you have said is correct: the slaying of an envoy is censured. Yet some punishment other than death must certainly be inflicted upon him.

5.51.3 It is said that the tail is dear to monkeys as their ornament — let it be set ablaze at once, and let him depart with it burned.

5.51.4 Then let his allies, kinsmen, relatives, and all his friends behold him wretched, afflicted with the disfigurement of his limbs."

5.51.5 The lord of rākṣasas commanded: "Let him be led by the rākṣasas through the entire city together with its squares, with his tail set ablaze."

5.51.6 Having heard that command, the rākṣasas, hardened with rage, began wrapping his tail in old cotton cloths.

5.51.7 As his tail was being wrapped, the great monkey grew larger, like fire in the forests when it reaches dry fuel.

5.51.8 Then, having drenched it with oil, they set fire to it.

5.51.9 With his tail ablaze, his spirit filled with fury and indignation, his face like the rising sun, he flung those rākṣasas down.

5.51.10 Bound again by the cruel rākṣasas who gathered around him, that foremost of monkeys, that hero, formed a resolve suited to the moment.

5.51.11 "Indeed, these rākṣasas are not capable of binding me; even now, bound as I am, I could cut the bonds, leap up, and slay them.

5.51.12 I am fully capable of defeating all rākṣasas in battle; yet for Rāma's pleasure I shall endure this circumstance."

5.51.13 "It would be well if I were to survey Laṅkā once more — for at night I did not see it clearly enough in terms of its fortifications and their arrangement; I must certainly examine Laṅkā before night is spent."

5.51.14 "Let the rākṣasas torment me further with bonds and the burning of my tail — my mind feels no weariness."

5.51.15 Then those rākṣasas, joyful, seized that mighty monkey who concealed his feelings — that elephant among monkeys, of great courage — and led him away.

5.51.16 Those rākṣasas of cruel deeds, proclaiming their own acts with the sounds of conch-shells and kettledrums, led him through the city.

5.51.17 Hanūmān was led through the great city of the rākṣasas, and the great monkey observed its wonderful aerial palaces.

5.51.18 The monkey observed the enclosed ground areas, the well-laid-out squares, the streets dense with houses, and the crossroads.

5.51.19 In the public squares, at the crossroads, and along the royal highway, all the rākṣasas proclaimed the monkey a spy.

5.51.20 Then, as the tip of Hanūmān's tail was blazing, those rākṣasa women of distorted eyes reported that unpleasant news to the goddess.

5.51.21 "That copper-faced monkey with whom you conversed, O Sītā — this very one is being led about with his tail set on fire."

5.51.22 Hearing those cruel words, like a seizure of her own self, Vaidehī, burning with grief, approached the fire-god.

5.51.23 With wide eyes, pure and auspiciously disposed, she turned toward the great monkey's well-being and propitiated the bearer of oblations.

5.51.24 "If there is service rendered to my husband, if there is austerity performed, if there is fidelity to one husband — be cool for Hanūmān."

5.51.25 "If that wise one has any compassion for me, if there remains any residue of my fortune — be cool for Hanūmān."

5.51.26 "If that righteous-souled one knows me to be of virtuous conduct and longing for union with him — be cool for Hanūmān."

5.51.27 "If the noble, long-armed Sugrīva, true to his pledge, will rescue me from this suffering — be cool for Hanūmān."

5.51.28 Then the fire, with its sharp flames, undisturbed, with its crest turning rightward, blazed — as though proclaiming auspiciousness for the monkey to the doe-eyed one.

5.51.29 And as his tail burned, the monkey reflected: "This fire is fully kindled — why does it not burn me everywhere?"

5.51.30 "It is seen to have great flames, yet it causes me no pain; it is stationed at the tip of my tail like a touch of cool snow."

5.51.31 "Or rather, this is clearly the same wonder that I witnessed as I flew — through Rāma's power — when Maināka appeared in the ocean, lord of rivers."

5.51.32 "If the ocean and the wise Maināka showed such solicitude for Rāma's purpose, why would fire not do the same?"

5.51.33 "By reason of Sītā's compassion, by the power of Rāghava, and by my father's friendship with him — Pāvaka does not burn me."

5.51.34 Again that elephant among monkeys reflected for a moment, then leaped up with great speed, and the great monkey roared.

5.51.35 Then the glorious son of the Wind-god reached the city gate, lofty as a mountain peak, thronged with rākṣasa guards stationed at their posts.

5.51.36 Becoming mountain-like in an instant, then again self-composed and reduced to the smallest size, he shook off his bonds.

5.51.37 And freed, the glorious one again became like a mountain; looking about, he spied an iron bar resting against the gatehouse arch.

5.51.38 Seizing it, long-armed Māruti — that bar fitted with black iron — slaughtered all those guards once more.

5.51.39 Having slain them, he of fierce prowess in battle, surveying Laṅkā once more, shone resplendent — his tail ablaze making a garland of flames — like the sun with its garland of rays.

5.52.1 Then the monkey, his desire fulfilled, his enthusiasm growing, gazed upon Laṅkā and reflected on what remained yet to be done.

5.52.2 "What indeed remains for me to do here at present, by which further pain may be inflicted upon these rākṣasas?"

5.52.3 "The grove has been ravaged, distinguished rākṣasas have been slain, a portion of the army has been destroyed — what remains is the destruction of the fortress."

5.52.4 "Once the fortress is destroyed, the task will become one of pleasant effort; with little exertion in this undertaking my labour will bear fruit."

5.52.5 "This fire, the carrier of oblations, blazing on my tail — it is fitting to give it satisfaction with these finest dwellings."

5.52.6 Then, with his tail ablaze, the great monkey moved about the rooftops of Laṅkā's mansions like a thundercloud lit by lightning.

5.52.7 Hanūmān released fire whose flames were like those of the fire of universal dissolution.

5.52.8 Fanned by the wind, that fire blazed with tremendous speed and great force, spreading and growing like the fire of cosmic time.

5.52.9 The wind drove the blazing fire through those dwellings.

5.52.10 Those great mansions adorned with lattices of gold and set with pearls and gems collapsed and fell.

5.52.11 Those shattered palaces fell to the ground like the celestial abodes of Siddhas falling from the sky at the exhaustion of their merit.

5.52.12 He beheld brilliant mineral streams flowing from the mansions — diamond, coral, vaidūrya gem, pearl, and silver, all mingled together.

5.52.13 Just as fire is never sated with wood and grass, so too Hanūmān was not in the least sated with the slaying of those lords of the rākṣasas.

5.52.14 That Laṅkā, enveloped in the flames of fire, her champions slain, her warriors routed, overcome by the furious power of Hanūmān, appeared like a city struck down by a curse.

5.52.15 The great-spirited Hanūmān beheld Laṅkā, her rākṣasas terrified and distraught, blazing with the flames of fire, like the earth struck by the wrath of the Self-born Brahmā.

5.52.16 Having slain those many rākṣasas, having broken that grove with its many trees, having set fire to the dwellings of the rākṣasas, that great-souled one turned his mind to Rāma.

5.52.17 Having set all of Laṅkā ablaze, that foremost of monkeys, the best of the vānaras, then extinguished the fire of his tail in the ocean.

5.53.1 Gazing upon the burning, devastated city of Laṅkā, her bands of rākṣasas terrified, the monkey Hanūmān fell into thought.

5.53.2 A great fear arose in him, and self-reproach was born within: "What act have I committed by burning Laṅkā?"

5.53.3 "Blessed are those foremost men, those great souls who restrain anger that has arisen in the mind with intelligence, as water restrains a blazing fire."

5.53.4 "If this Laṅkā has been burned, then surely noble Jānakī too has been burned. By me, not knowing it, the task of my lord has been destroyed."

5.53.5 "The very purpose for which this undertaking was begun has been ruined — for in burning Laṅkā, I did not protect Sītā."

5.53.6 "This was a small matter that needed to be done — of that there is no doubt. But overcome by anger, I have brought about its utter ruin."

5.53.7 "Jānakī is clearly destroyed — not a single spot of Laṅkā is seen unburned; the entire city has been reduced to ashes."

5.53.8 "If indeed this task has been ruined by my perversion of judgment, then laying down my life right here seems most fitting to me."

5.53.9 "Shall I fall into the fire today, or into the submarine fire? Or shall I give my body to the creatures that dwell in the ocean?"

5.53.10 "How can I, who have destroyed the entirety of the task, ever look upon the lord of monkeys, or those two tiger-like men, while still alive?"

5.53.11 "By me, due to the fault of rage, has been displayed what is already renowned in the three worlds — the fickleness and instability of monkeys."

5.53.12 "Shame upon this rājasic nature, uncontrolled and unstable, by which even I, capable of mastery, failed through passion to protect Sītā."

5.53.13 "With Sītā destroyed, those two will perish as well; with their destruction Sugrīva together with his kinsmen will perish."

5.53.14 "Hearing this very news, how will the righteous-souled Bharata, ever devoted to his brothers, along with Śatrughna, be able to survive?"

5.53.15 "With the most righteous Ikṣvāku lineage gone to destruction without doubt, all the subjects will be tormented by grief and anguish."

5.53.16 "Thus I, devoid of fortune, stripped of the accumulation of dharma and artha, my soul overcome by the fault of rage, am clearly the destroyer of the world."

5.53.17 As he was reflecting thus, favorable omens presented themselves — those he had perceived earlier — and he reconsidered.

5.53.18 "Or rather — she of beautiful limbs, that auspicious one, is protected by her own radiance and will not perish; fire does not function within fire."

5.53.19 "Indeed fire cannot rightfully touch, by the law of dharma, the wife of that one of boundless splendor — her who is protected by her own chastity of conduct."

5.53.20 "Surely by the power of Rāma and by the merit of the princess of Videha, this fire — whose very work is burning — did not burn me."

5.53.21 "She who is the deity of the three brothers beginning with Bharata, and who is beloved of Rāma's heart — how could she perish?"

5.53.22 "Or since this imperishable fire, the lord everywhere whose very work is burning, did not burn my tail — how could it scorch that noble lady?"

5.53.23 "By her ascetic practice, by her truthful speech, and by her singular devotion to her husband, she could herself extinguish fire — fire will not burn her."

5.53.24 As he thus reflected upon the queen's embrace of dharma, the great-souled Hanūmān heard the words of the Cāraṇas.

5.53.25 "Ah, truly a deed nearly beyond endurance has been performed by Hanūmān, who again and again unleashed fearsome fire upon the dwellings of the rākṣasas!"

5.53.26 "This city of Laṅkā with its watch-towers, ramparts, and gateways has been burned — yet Jānakī has not been burned. This is a wonder and marvel to us!"

5.53.27 By these omens of manifest import, by reasons of great virtue, and by the words of the seers, Hanūmān's heart became glad.

5.53.28 Then the monkey, his desired object attained, knowing the princess to be unharmed, and having seen her again in person, resolved to set out on his return journey.

5.54.1 Then, going to Jānakī who was seated at the foot of the śiṃśapā tree, he saluted her and said: "By good fortune I see you here unharmed."

5.54.2 Then Sītā, gazing again and again upon Hanūmān as he prepared to depart, spoke to him words filled with affection for her husband.

5.54.3 "Truly, you alone are sufficient to accomplish this task. O slayer of enemy heroes, your rise of power is glorious."

5.54.4 "Yet if Kākutstha, the crusher of enemy armies, were to fill Laṅkā with his forces and then lead me away, that would be befitting of him."

5.54.5 "Bring about therefore what is truly befitting of that great-souled hero in battle — cause his valor to manifest as it rightly should."

5.54.6 Having heard those words of hers — purposeful, modest, and supported by reasons — Hanūmān spoke this reply to her.

5.54.7 "Kākutstha will come swiftly, surrounded by the foremost of monkeys and bears, and having conquered your enemies in battle, he will remove your sorrow."

5.54.8 Having thus reassured the princess of Videha, Hanūmān, the son of the wind-god, made up his mind to depart and took leave of Vaidehī.

5.54.9 Then that tiger among monkeys, that crusher of enemies, eager to see his lord, ascended the finest of mountains, Ariṣṭa.

5.54.10 It was adorned with lofty rows of blue padmaka trees, and thickly set with sāla, tāla, āśvakarṇa, and many bamboo groves.

5.54.11 It was ornamented with spreading canopies of flowering creepers, filled with herds of various beasts, and adorned with the flowing streams of mineral ores.

5.54.12 It was endowed with many waterfalls, made difficult by accumulations of rock, and frequented by great seers, yakṣas, gandharvas, kiṃnaras, and serpents.

5.54.13 Its caverns were dense with creepers and trees and troubled by lions; its slopes were crowded with packs of tigers; its trees bore sweet roots and fruits.

5.54.14 That foremost of leaping beings, of surpassing strength, ascended that mountain, spurred on by the joy that was quickened by his eagerness to see Rāma.

5.54.15 Trodden by the soles of his feet on the beautiful mountain ridges, the rocks split apart with a loud crash and were pulverized.

5.54.16 Having climbed that king of mountains, the great monkey grew in size, seeking to leap from the southern to the northern shore of the salt-sea.

5.54.17 Then that hero, son of the wind-god, having mounted the mountain, beheld the fearsome ocean frequented by fish and serpents.

5.54.18 That tiger among monkeys, born of the wind-god, sprang through the sky like the wind itself, traversing from south to north.

5.54.19 That finest of mountains, pressed by that monkey, roared along with the beings dwelling within it and sank into the earth, its peaks trembling and its trees falling.

5.54.20 Churned by the speed of his thighs, flower-bearing trees were uprooted and fell to the ground, as if struck down by Indra's weapon.

5.54.21 The terrifying roar of mighty lions dwelling in the hollows of the caves, disturbed and afflicted, was heard splitting the sky.

5.54.22 Vidyādharī women, their garments loosened and disheveled, their ornaments thrown into disarray, leapt suddenly from the mountain.

5.54.23 Enormous, powerful, blazing-tongued serpents of great venom, their heads and necks pressed down, writhed and coiled about.

5.54.24 Kiṃnaras, serpents, gandharvas, yakṣas, and vidyādharas likewise, abandoning that finest of mountains as it was being crushed, took to the sky.

5.54.25 And that glorious upholder of the earth, pressed by that mighty one, sank into the netherworld, its lofty peaks and trees intact.

5.54.26 That mountain, ten yojanas in breadth and thirty yojanas in height, became level with the earth.

5.55.1 The sky, lovely with the moon and water-lilies, auspicious with the sun and ruddy geese, clustered with the Tiṣya and Śravaṇa stars like kadamba blossoms, its meadows of grass like clouds and river-moss —

5.55.2 — with Punarvasu as its great fish, Mars as its great crocodile, the Airāvata constellation as its great island, stirred by the Svātī star and its swans —

5.55.3 — its waves born of clashing winds, its waters cooled by the moon's rays, its lotuses and water-lilies awakened among serpents, yakṣas, and gandharvas —

5.55.4 — as though swallowing the sky, as though painting the lord of stars, as though sweeping away the firmament together with the stellar hosts and the orb of the sun —

5.55.5 the glorious great monkey Hanūmān, dweller in wind, traveller through the sky, moved as though dragging apart the masses of clouds — the abode of the wind-god.

5.55.6 The great clouds gleamed — some pale and reddish, some dark blue and madder-red, others green and orange-hued.

5.55.7 Entering into the masses of cloud and emerging again and again, now hidden and now revealed, he appeared like the moon.

5.55.8 Roaring with a mighty roar whose sound rivalled the thunder of clouds, the great-spirited one came again across the middle of the ocean.

5.55.9 Having touched the lord of mountains Sunābha, the valiant one of great speed approached like a steel arrow loosed from a bowstring.

5.55.10 Having arrived a little way off and beholding the great mountain that resembled Mahendra and a thundercloud, that bull among monkeys let out a roar.

5.55.11 Hearing the roar of the roaring one, all those monkeys on every side became eager with longing to behold their companion.

5.55.12 Jāmbavān, that foremost of monkeys, his heart thrilled with delight, summoning all the monkeys spoke these words:

5.55.13 "In every respect that Hanūmān has accomplished his task — there is no doubt of this. For one who had not accomplished his task could not produce a roar of this kind."

5.55.14 Hearing the speed of his arms and thighs and the roar of that great-souled one, the monkeys, overjoyed, leapt up from here and there.

5.55.15 Exhilarated, longing to see Hanūmān, they moved from treetop to treetop, from peak to peak.

5.55.16 Delighted, those monkeys grasped the well-flowering branches at the treetops and waved them about like gleaming garments.

5.55.17 Beholding that great monkey descending, resembling a dense mass of cloud, all those monkeys stood with palms joined in reverence.

5.55.18 Then that swift monkey, himself mountain-like, descended upon the tree-covered summit of mount Mahendra.

5.55.19 Then all those bulls among monkeys, their hearts full of joy, gathered around and attended upon the great-souled Hanūmān.

5.55.20 Surrounding him, they all experienced the highest delight, all with gleaming faces, seeing him returned safe and well.

5.55.21 Bringing offerings, roots, and fruits, the monkeys honoured that foremost of monkeys, the son of the wind-god.

5.55.22 Some roared with joy, others made the kila-kila cry; exhilarated, those bulls among monkeys brought down branches of trees.

5.55.23 Then Hanūmān, that great monkey, reverently saluted his elders and seniors headed by Jāmbavān, and also the prince Aṅgada.

5.55.24 Honoured by those two, himself worthy of honour, and gratified by the monkeys, that valiant one reported briefly: "The queen has been found."

5.55.25 Taking the son of Vālin by the hand, he sat down in a pleasant wooded place on mount Mahendra.

5.55.26 Then Hanūmān, joyful, spoke to those bulls among monkeys: "The daughter of Janaka has been seen — she is dwelling in the Aśoka grove."

5.55.27 "Guarded by dreadful rākṣasīs, the blameless young woman, wearing her hair in a single braid, longs to behold Rāma; she is exhausted by fasting, soiled, matted-haired, and emaciated."

5.55.28 Then, hearing that great and nectar-like word "she has been seen" from the son of the wind-god, all the monkeys became joyful.

5.55.29 Some hissed, some roared, some of great strength bellowed; others made the kila-kila cry, and still others roared in response.

5.55.30 Some, those elephant-like monkeys, raised their tails in joy; they curled and waved their long, outstretched tails.

5.55.31 And others, those monkeys elephant-like in might, leapt from the mountain peaks and touched Hanūmān with delight.

5.55.32 Then Aṅgada, in the midst of all the monkey heroes, spoke these excellent words to Hanūmān who had just finished speaking:

5.55.33 "In courage and valour there is no monkey equal to you — you who have leapt across the vast ocean and returned again."

5.55.34 "By good fortune you have seen the queen, the glorious wife of Rāma. By good fortune Kākutstha will abandon the grief born of separation from Sītā."

5.55.35 Then the monkeys, surrounding Aṅgada, Hanūmān, and Jāmbavān, joyful, took their places on the broad rocks.

5.55.36 Those foremost of monkeys, eager to hear of the crossing of the ocean, the seeing of Laṅkā, of Sītā, and of Rāvaṇa, all stood with palms joined, their faces turned toward Hanūmān's countenance.

5.55.37 The glorious Aṅgada sat there, surrounded by many monkeys, attended upon like the lord of gods in heaven attended by the celestials.

5.55.38 The lofty, great summit of the mountain, occupied with joy by the renowned and illustrious Hanūmān and by Aṅgada with Aṅgada's arm clasped about him, blazed with splendour.

5.56.1 Then on the summit of that mountain Mahendra, the mighty monkeys with Hanūmān at their head experienced the highest joy.

5.56.2 Then Jāmbavān, himself overjoyed, questioned that joyful great monkey, the son of the wind-god, about what had transpired in the mission.

5.56.3 "How did you see the queen? And how does she fare there? And how has the cruel-actioned Daśānana behaved toward her?"

5.56.4 "Tell us all of this truthfully, O great monkey. Having heard the matter, we shall deliberate further upon the final determination of the course of action."

5.56.5 "And what is the matter that must be told by us when we go there, and what must be protected there — let your honour explain all that to us."

5.56.6 Assigned by him, his body hair standing on end with joy, bowing his head in reverence to the queen Sītā, he replied:

5.56.7 "As you yourselves witnessed, I leapt into the sky from the summit of Mahendra, composed and intent, desiring to reach the southern shore of the ocean.

5.56.8 "As I was going, something that seemed like a dreadful obstacle appeared: I saw a golden peak, divine and exceedingly lovely,

5.56.9 "standing blocking my path — I considered that mountain an obstacle.

5.56.10 "Approaching that divine, golden, foremost of mountains, my mind formed the thought: 'I must break through this.'

5.56.11 "And when struck by my tail, the peak of that great mountain, sun-like in brilliance, was shattered into a thousand fragments.

5.56.12 "And understanding my resolve, that great mountain spoke, as though gladdening my heart, a sweet word: 'Son!'

5.56.13 "'Know me also as your uncle, a friend of Mātariśvan — the one known as Maināka, dwelling in the great ocean.'

5.56.14 "'In former times, O son, the foremost mountains had wings and roamed the earth at will, troubling it on all sides.'

5.56.15 "'Hearing of the conduct of the mountains, the blessed Mahendra, the slayer of Pāka, cut off their wings with his thunderbolt by the thousands.'

5.56.16 "'But I was saved from that by your father, the great-souled Māruta — at that time, O child, I was hurled into the great ocean.'

5.56.17 "'And I must render assistance in the cause of Rāma, O subduer of foes — Rāma, the foremost of upholders of dharma, equal in valour to Mahendra.'

5.56.18 "Hearing this from the great-souled Maināka, having communicated my mission to the mountain, my mind was roused.

5.56.19 "And being given leave by the great-souled Maināka, adopting my utmost speed, I covered the remaining journey.

5.56.20 "Then for a long time I was advancing rapidly along the path; then I saw the goddess Surasā, mother of serpents.

5.56.21 "That goddess in the midst of the ocean addressed me: 'You, O foremost of monkeys, have been appointed as my prey by the immortals — therefore I shall devour you; you have been ordained for me after a long time.'

5.56.22 "Addressed thus by Surasā, I stood with palms joined, bowing, and with a changed countenance I spoke these words:

5.56.23 "'The glorious Rāma, son of Daśaratha, the scorcher of foes, has entered the Daṇḍaka forest together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa and with Sītā.'

5.56.24 "'His wife Sītā has been abducted by the evil-souled Rāvaṇa — by Rāma's command I shall go to her.'

5.56.25 "'You who dwell in this domain, you ought to render assistance to Rāma.'

5.56.26 "'Or else, having seen Maithilī and Rāma the effortless worker, I shall return into your mouth — I promise you truly.'

5.56.27 "Addressed thus by me, that Surasā, who takes any form at will, declared: 'No one may pass beyond me — this is my boon.'

5.56.28 "Addressed thus by Surasā, I became ten yojanas in length; and in an instant I became half that measure in breadth.

5.56.29 "And her mouth was opened wide in proportion to my size. Seeing that gaping mouth, I made my body small.

5.56.30 "And in that moment I became thumb-sized again; swiftly plunging into that mouth, I emerged from it in an instant.

5.56.31 "The goddess Surasā, resuming her own form, said to me again: 'Go, gentle one, O foremost of monkeys, at your ease — may your purpose be accomplished!'

5.56.32 "'And bring together the Vaidehī with the great-souled Rāghava. Be happy, O mighty-armed one — I am pleased with you, monkey.'

5.56.33 "Then praised by all beings with 'Excellent! Excellent!', I soared up into the vast sky like Garuḍa.

5.56.34 "And my shadow was seized, and I could see nothing. With my speed arrested, looking in all ten directions, I could see nothing there by which my movement had been stolen.

5.56.35 "Then a thought arose in me: why has such an obstacle arisen in my passage — one whose form is not visible?

5.56.36 "With sorrowing gaze I cast my sight downward, and then I saw a dreadful rākṣasī lying in the water.

5.56.37 "Laughing a great laugh, I was addressed by that dreadful one — standing unperturbed she spoke these ungracious words:

5.56.38 "'Where are you going, O great-bodied one? You are the coveted prey of me who am hungry — satisfy my body long deprived of food.'

5.56.39 "With the word 'Very well!' I accepted her challenge; then I enlarged my body beyond the measure of her mouth.

5.56.40 "Her great and dreadful mouth grew wide in order to devour me; but she did not perceive me or the transformation I had wrought.

5.56.41 "Then in the twinkling of an eye I contracted my vast form and, tearing out her heart, I soared into the sky.

5.56.42 "That dreadful one, mountain-sized, her heart wrenched out by me, her arms released, fell into the salt ocean.

5.56.43 "And I heard the sky-going beings and siddhas together with cāraṇas: 'The dreadful rākṣasī Siṃhikā has been swiftly destroyed by Hanūmān.'

5.56.44 "Having slain her and remembering my urgent task, I traversed a great distance and saw the southern shore of the ocean adorned with mountains — where that city of Laṅkā lies.

5.56.45 "When the sun had set, I entered the city, the abode of the rākṣasas, unrecognised by the rākṣasas of dreadful might.

5.56.46 "There I searched the entire night for the daughter of Janaka, entering Rāvaṇa's inner apartments, but did not see the slender-waisted one.

5.56.47 "Then, not seeing Sītā in Rāvaṇa's dwelling, I reached a sea of grief and could discern no farther shore.

5.56.48 "And while grieving, I saw, enclosed by a wall stretched with gold, an excellent garden adjoining the palace.

5.56.49 "Leaping over the wall, I saw it filled with many trees.

5.56.50 "In the middle of the Aśoka grove stood a great śiṃśapā tree. Climbing it, I saw a golden grove of banana trees.

5.56.51 "Not far from the śiṃśapā tree I saw a forest-dweller — dark-complexioned, with lotus-petal eyes, her face emaciated by fasting.

5.56.52 "She was surrounded by misshapen and cruel rākṣasīs who subsist on flesh and blood — like a doe surrounded by tigresses.

5.56.53 "Seeing that woman, the blameless wife of Rāma, in such a state, I remained there on that very śiṃśapā tree, watching.

5.56.54 "Then I heard an extremely deep uproar of noise, mingled with the sounds of waist-ornaments and ankle-bells, in Rāvaṇa's dwelling.

5.56.55 "Then I, greatly agitated, contracted my form and sat in the śiṃśapā tree like a bird in the dense foliage.

5.56.56 "Then Rāvaṇa's wives and the mighty Rāvaṇa himself arrived at that place where Sītā stood.

5.56.57 "Seeing the lord of the rākṣasa hosts, the shapely Sītā drew her thighs together and clasped her full breasts with her arms.

5.56.58 "Daśagrīva addressed the deeply sorrowful Sītā, having prostrated with bowed head: 'Think highly of me!'

5.56.59 "'If in your pride and arrogance you do not accept me gladly, O Sītā, then after two months I shall drink your blood.'

5.56.60 "Hearing those words of the evil-souled Rāvaṇa, Sītā, most wrathful, spoke these excellent words:

5.56.61 "'O lowest of rākṣasas, how has your tongue not fallen out while speaking unspeakable words to the wife of Rāma of immeasurable splendour, lord of the Ikṣvāku line, and daughter-in-law of Daśaratha?'

5.56.62 "'What indeed is your valour, O ignoble one, O wicked one — you who abducted me in my husband's absence and came here, unseen by that great-souled one?'

5.56.63 "'You are not the equal of Rāma — you are not even fit to be his slave, nor mine. The Rāghava is worthy of sacrifice, truthful in speech, and renowned in battle.'

5.56.64 "Addressed thus with harsh words by the daughter of Janaka, Daśānana blazed up suddenly with anger, like fire blazing amid funeral-pyre bones.

5.56.65 "Rolling his cruel eyes and raising his right fist, he began to strike Maithilī — at which the women cried out in alarm.

5.56.66 "Leaping out from among the women, that wicked one's foremost wife, named Mandodarī, restrained him.

5.56.67 "And she, tormented by desire, spoke sweet words to him: 'What business do you have with Sītā, O one equal in valour to Mahendra? Sport with me today — Jānakī is not superior to me.'

5.56.68 "'Sport here, my lord, with the daughters of gods and gandharvas, with the daughters of yakṣas as well — what will you do with Sītā?'

5.56.69 "Then that mighty night-wanderer was suddenly lifted up and led to his own palace by those assembled women.

5.56.70 "When Daśagrīva had departed, the misshapen-faced rākṣasīs threatened Sītā with cruel and dreadful words.

5.56.71 "The daughter of Janaka counted their speech as mere straw, and their threats against Sītā were then utterly fruitless.

5.56.72 "Their roaring and efforts in vain, those flesh-eating rākṣasīs reported to Rāvaṇa Sītā's great resolve.

5.56.73 "Then all of them together, their hopes dashed and their efforts spent, having surrounded her on all sides, fell under the power of sleep.

5.56.74 "And when they had fallen asleep, Sītā, devoted to her husband's welfare, wailing piteously in her misery, grieved deeply, afflicted with sorrow.

5.56.75 "And seeing her in such a state, seeing Sītā's dreadful plight, I rested but my mind found no peace.

5.56.76 "And for the purpose of speaking with the daughter of Janaka, I thought about the method; then the lineage of the Ikṣvāku clan was placed by me in the foreground.

5.56.77 "Having heard the speech I spoke, honoured by the company of royal seers, the queen replied to me with eyes brimming with tears.

5.56.78 "'Who are you? By whom and how have you come here, O bull among monkeys? And what is your bond of affection with Rāma? Please tell me that.'

5.56.79 "Hearing those words of hers, I too spoke words: 'O queen, your husband Rāma has an ally of dreadful valour — the heroic king of monkeys of great might, named Sugrīva.'

5.56.80 "'Know me as his servant Hanūmān, come here — I have been sent to you by your husband, Rāma the effortless worker.'

5.56.81 "'And this — the glorious Rāma, that tiger among men, son of Daśaratha, has himself given this ring as a token of recognition to you, O illustrious one.'

5.56.82 "'That being so, I wish to be instructed by you, O queen — what shall I do? Shall I carry you to the side of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa? Or is there some other resolution?'

5.56.83 "Hearing and understanding this, Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, said: 'Let the Rāghava come and, having vanquished Rāvaṇa, take me away.'

5.56.84 "Bowing my head in reverence to the noble, blameless queen, I asked for a token of recognition to delight Rāma's heart.

5.56.85 "Addressed thus, the shapely one, most greatly agitated, gave me the foremost, excellent jewel, and instructed me in words.

5.56.86 "Then, bowing reverently to that princess, composed in mind, I performed a clockwise circumambulation, my heart set on returning here.

5.56.87 "She spoke again a further word, having resolved upon it in her mind: 'Hanūmān, you must relate my situation to the Rāghava.'

5.56.88 "'Act in such a way that those two heroes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, together with Sugrīva, come here speedily upon hearing.'

5.56.89 "'If this should be otherwise, my life shall be but two months. Kākutstha will not see me — I shall die here like one without a protector.'

5.56.90 "Hearing that pitiful speech, anger overtook me, and I looked upon the remaining task that must be done next.

5.56.91 "Then my body grew, becoming like a mountain; eager for battle, I began to destroy that grove.

5.56.92 "When the grove was broken and the animals and birds were confused and frightened, the misshapen-faced rākṣasīs woke up and looked about.

5.56.93 "And seeing me in that grove, gathering together from here and there, they quickly went to Rāvaṇa and reported.

5.56.94 "'O king, this formidable grove of yours has been destroyed by that wicked monkey, not knowing your valour, O mighty one.'

5.56.95 "'O lord of kings, command quickly the slaying of that evildoer of wicked intellect who has acted against your pleasure, so that he may come to destruction.'

5.56.96 "Hearing this, the lord of rākṣasas dispatched the rākṣasas called the Kiṃkaras, exceedingly difficult to overcome, who follow Rāvaṇa's will.

5.56.97 "Eighty thousand of them, bearing spears and clubs in their hands, were slain by me in that wooded place with a mace.

5.56.98 "Those remaining survivors among them, swift in their movement, went and reported to Rāvaṇa the army I had slain.

5.56.99 "Then a thought arose in me and I ascended the caitya tower.

5.56.100 "And having slain a hundred rākṣasas there with a pillar, I, who had become the ornament of Laṅkā, destroyed it in anger.

5.56.101 "Then he dispatched Jambumālin, the son of Prahasta.

5.56.102 "That rākṣasa, powerful and skilled in battle, together with his followers I slew with an exceedingly dreadful mace.

5.56.103 "Hearing this, the lord of rākṣasas Rāvaṇa sent the minister's sons, of great might, equipped with infantry forces — I sent all of them to Yama's abode with the very same mace.

5.56.104 "Hearing that the minister's sons, swift in battle, had been slain, Rāvaṇa sent five generals of armies, warriors — all of them together with their armies I slew entirely.

5.56.105 "Then again Daśagrīva sent his son Akṣa of great might together with many rākṣasas into battle.

5.56.106 "But that prince, son of Mandodarī, skilled in battle, who suddenly leapt into the sky — I seized him by the feet and, whirling him around a hundredfold together with his shield and sword, I crushed him.

5.56.107 "Hearing that Akṣa had come and been destroyed, Daśānana Rāvaṇa, most furious, directed his second son named Indrajit, the mighty one, wild with battle-frenzy.

5.56.108 "His entire army and he himself, that bull among rākṣasas — having rendered them powerless in battle, I experienced supreme joy.

5.56.109 "For it was with great confidence that this mighty-armed, mighty one had been sent by Rāvaṇa with heroes intoxicated with pride.

5.56.110 "But he bound me with a Brahmā weapon with great speed; then the rākṣasas there bound me with ropes.

5.56.111 "And taking hold of me, they led me to the presence of Rāvaṇa; being seen, I was addressed by the evil-souled Rāvaṇa.

5.56.112 "And questioned about my coming to Laṅkā and the slaying of those rākṣasas, I declared all of it there: 'It was for the sake of Sītā.'

5.56.113 "'Desirous of seeing her, I came to your abode, O lord — I am the monkey Hanūmān, the direct son of Māruta.'

5.56.114 "'Know me as Rāma's messenger, a monkey, the minister of Sugrīva — I have come here to your presence on Rāma's embassy.'

5.56.115 "'And hear also the message I convey to you — the lord of monkeys speaks to you, O lord of rākṣasas, a composed word, wholesome in dharma, artha, and kāma, beneficial as beneficial food.'

5.56.116 "'While I was dwelling on mount Ṛśyamūka abounding in trees, Rāma the warrior, valiant in battle, came to friendship with me.'

5.56.117 "'He told me, O king: My wife has been abducted by a rākṣasa — for that reason you should make a compact with me for assistance.'

5.56.118 "'The Rāghava along with Lakṣmaṇa made a fire-witnessed alliance of friendship with Sugrīva who had been deprived of his kingdom by Vālin.'

5.56.119 "'By him, having felled Vālin in battle with a single arrow, Sugrīva was made the great king of monkeys, lord of those who leap.'

5.56.120 "'His assistance must be rendered by us here with our entire being — by him I have been sent rightfully to your presence here.'

5.56.121 "'Let Sītā be brought swiftly and given to the Rāghava, before the heroic monkeys scatter your forces.'

5.56.122 "'For the origin of the monkeys has not been known to anyone before — they are those who go to the presence of the gods when invited.'

5.56.123 "'Thus the king of monkeys speaks to you' — so I addressed him. Then he looked at me with a burning gaze, enraged, as though setting me on fire.

5.56.124 "By that rākṣasa of dreadful deeds I was condemned to death.

5.56.125 "Then his brother, named Vibhīṣaṇa, of great wisdom, petitioned that king of rākṣasas on my account.

5.56.126 "'The killing of a messenger is not found in the treatises on kingship, O rākṣasa; and a messenger must speak truly, as a well-wisher.'

5.56.127 "'Even in the case of a very great offence by a messenger, O one of incomparable might, mutilation is found — but not killing — according to the treatises.'

5.56.128 "Addressed thus by Vibhīṣaṇa, Rāvaṇa commanded those rākṣasas: 'Let this tail of his be set on fire today.'

5.56.129 "Then, hearing his word, my tail was wrapped all around with hemp bark and cotton cloth.

5.56.130 "Then those rākṣasas, ready-armed, of fierce valour, set my tail alight, striking it with wooden clubs.

5.56.131 "Bound as I was with many nooses and controlled by the rākṣasas, I felt no pain whatsoever — I who desired to see the city in daylight.

5.56.132 "Then those heroic rākṣasas, making loud proclamation, led me bound, enveloped in fire, along the royal road to the city gate.

5.56.133 "Then I contracted my very large body once more, freed myself from that bondage, and stood restored to my natural state.

5.56.134 "Seizing an iron club, I slew those guards; then I leapt swiftly to that city gate.

5.56.135 "And with my blazing tail, unperturbed, I burned that city with its towers and gateways, like the fire at the end of an age burning living beings.

5.56.136 "Having burned Laṅkā, again a fear overtook me: while burning Laṅkā, surely Sītā too has been burned — there is no doubt.

5.56.137 "Then I heard the auspicious speech of the cāraṇas who spoke a wondrous message: 'Jānakī has not been burned.'

5.56.138 "Then a thought arose in me after hearing that wondrous speech; the Vaidehī was seen again and I was sent off again by her.

5.56.139 "By the power of the Rāghava, and by your splendour, and for the purpose of Sugrīva's mission, all has been accomplished by me.

5.56.140 "All of this has been duly accomplished by me there — whatever remaining task has not been done here, let all of that now be carried out."

5.57.1 Having narrated all of that account, Hanūmān, son of the wind-god, proceeded to speak a further word:

5.57.2 "The effort of the Rāghava is fruitful, and the diligence of Sugrīva, having encountered the character of Sītā — as is my great leap.

5.57.3 "The character of the noble Sītā is worthy of her, O bulls among leapers — by her ascetic power she could sustain the worlds, or if angered she could burn them utterly.

5.57.4 "In every respect that Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, has grown excessively powerful — the body of one who has touched her has not been destroyed by her ascetic power.

5.57.5 "What a flame of fire touched by hand could not do, the daughter of Janaka, stirred to the turbulence of extreme anger, could do.

5.57.6 "In the middle of the Aśoka grove of the evil-souled Rāvaṇa, beneath the śiṃśapā tree, the virtuous one sits in pitiable condition.

5.57.7 "Surrounded by rākṣasīs, wasted by grief and anguish, she is like a crescent of the moon surrounded by streaks of cloud — shorn of its lustre.

5.57.8 "The Vaidehī gives no thought to Rāvaṇa who is arrogant with strength; she is devoted to her husband, lovely-hipped, and firm in resolve — Jānakī.

5.57.9 "For the auspicious Vaidehī is devoted to Rāma with her entire being, her mind fixed on Rāma alone — like Paulomī fixed upon Purandara.

5.57.10 "Clothed in a single garment, covered with dust as well, her limbs wasted by grief and anguish, Sītā is devoted to her husband's welfare.

5.57.11 "She was seen by me in the forest, that lady in the midst of rākṣasīs, threatened again and again by the misshapen rākṣasīs.

5.57.12 "Wearing her hair in a single braid, wretched, her every thought absorbed in her husband, sleeping on the ground, her limbs pale — like a lotus pool at the onset of winter.

5.57.13 "She who had turned away from Rāvaṇa's purpose and had resolved to die — that doe-eyed one was somehow brought to trust.

5.57.14 "Then she was spoken to and all the matter was revealed to her; and upon hearing of the friendship of Rāma and Sugrīva, she experienced joy.

5.57.15 "Her conduct is regulated and her devotion to her husband is supreme.

5.57.16 "That the great-souled Daśānana does not slay Daśagrīva — Rāma shall be merely the instrument in his slaying.

5.57.17 "Thus does the greatly blessed Sītā dwell, absorbed in grief — whatever should be done about this, let all of that now be brought to fruition."

5.58.1 Having heard those words, the son of Vālin addressed them all — having taken leave of Jāmbavān and the great monkeys who stood foremost among them.

5.58.2 "Since the mission has gone thus far and has been reported to you all, it is fitting that we now see those two princes together with Vaidehī."

5.58.3 "I alone am sufficient to destroy by force that city of Laṅkā with all its companies of rākṣasas, and Rāvaṇa the mighty as well."

5.58.4 "How much more so when accompanied by heroes — powerful, self-disciplined, skilled in weapons, capable vānara warriors such as yourselves, who are intent on victory!"

5.58.5 "I shall scatter Rāvaṇa in battle together with his army, his vanguard, his sons, and his brothers in arms."

5.58.6 "Even if Indrajit deploys his terrible divine weapons in battle — those of Brahmā, Indra, Rudra, Vāyu, and Varuṇa — I shall repel them all and slay the rākṣasas."

5.58.7 "With your approval, my valor shall check him."

5.58.8 "An incomparable and unceasing rain of mountains hurled by me could slay even the gods in battle — what then of those night-roaming demons?"

5.58.9 "Though the ocean should overstep its shores and Mount Mandara should be uprooted, no enemy host in battle could make Jāmbavān tremble."

5.58.10 "The heroic vānara, son of Vāyu — he alone is sufficient for the destruction of all the hosts of rākṣasas, and of the ancient rākṣasas as well."

5.58.11 "At the tremendous onslaught of Panasa and the great-souled Nīla, even Mount Mandara would be shattered to pieces — what then of the rākṣasas in battle?"

5.58.12 "Name a match for Mainda or Dvivida in battles involving gods, asuras, gandharvas, serpents, or birds — you cannot."

5.58.13 "These two best of vānaras, sons of the Aśvins, are of tremendous speed; filled with supreme pride born of the boon granted by the Grandfather."

5.58.14 "For the sake of honoring the Aśvins, the Grandfather of all worlds long ago bestowed upon these two an incomparable immunity from death."

5.58.15 "Intoxicated by the pride of that boon, these two heroic vānaras once overpowered the great army of the gods and drank the immortal nectar."

5.58.16 "These two alone, when roused to fury, are capable of destroying Laṅkā with all her horses, chariots, and elephants — let the other vānaras stand aside."

5.58.17 "Yet it would be improper for us vānaras — who have seen the goddess but not brought her — to go into the presence of the great-souled Rāghava without her."

5.58.18 "To report there merely that 'the goddess was seen but not brought back' — this seems to me improper for you, whose valor is renowned."

5.58.19 "Among you, best of vānaras, none is your equal in leaping and none is your equal in valor throughout the worlds, including among gods and asuras."

5.58.20 "Since the rākṣasa heroes have already been slain thus by Hanūmān, what else remains to be done here? Let us take Jānakī and depart."

5.58.21 Jāmbavān, best of monkeys and one who knows the meaning of things, spoke with great delight to Aṅgada who had thus resolved, speaking words full of purpose.

5.58.22 "This resolve is not incapable — as you see it, O prince. But let your gaze be fixed on the accomplishment of the mission in accordance with the will of Rāma."

5.59.1 Then the forest-dwellers — the heroes headed by Aṅgada and the great monkey Hanūmān — accepted the words of Jāmbavān.

5.59.2 Then all of them, filled with joy and with Vāyu's son going before them, the foremost of vānaras leaped away, departing from the summit of Mount Mahendra.

5.59.3 Like Meru and Mandara in their aspect, like great elephants in rut, massive in body and immense in strength, they seemed to cover the sky as they flew.

5.59.4 The beings of the air seemed to carry Hanūmān — honored by them, self-possessed, mighty in strength, and swift in his course — upon their very gazes.

5.59.5 Having secured the accomplishment of Rāghava's purpose and supreme glory for their master, they flew onward — their mission fulfilled, elevated by the success of their deeds.

5.59.6 All of them were eager to bring glad tidings; all delighted in the prospect of battle; all were resolute in purpose regarding vengeance for Rāma — stout-hearted warriors.

5.59.7 Leaping through the sky, those forest-dwellers arrived at a grove filled with trees and creepers that resembled Nandana, the garden of the gods.

5.59.8 This was the Madhuvana — the Honey Grove — so named, guarded and protected by Sugrīva, unapproachable by all creatures, yet delightful to the hearts of all.

5.59.9 It was ever guarded by the great and mighty monkey Dadhimukha — the maternal uncle of the great-souled Sugrīva, chief of the monkeys.

5.59.10 Arriving at that vast and most beloved grove of the lord of monkeys, the vānaras became supremely exuberant.

5.59.11 Then the vānaras, honey-tawny and joyful at seeing the great Madhuvana, approached the young prince Aṅgada and begged him for the honey.

5.59.12 Then the young prince, having obtained the consent of the elder monkeys headed by Jāmbavān, gave them freedom to partake of the honey.

5.59.13 And so, with permission given, all the forest-dwellers were overwhelmed with joy; delighted, they began to dance here and there.

5.59.14 Some sang; some bowed down; some danced; some laughed loudly; some tumbled and rolled; some wandered about; some leaped; some chattered away.

5.59.15 Some leaned upon one another; some boasted against each other; some leaped from tree to tree; some fell from the treetops to the ground.

5.59.16 Some, rising with great speed from the ground, flew up to the tops of great trees; one who was singing approached another laughing, and another laughing approached one who laughed.

5.59.17 One who was weeping approached another weeping; one who was shoving another came and shoved him back. The monkey army was utterly in chaos, the behavior of every creature intoxicated by drinking honey. Not one among them was not drunk; not one among them was not satiated.

5.59.18 Then, seeing the grove being plundered and the trees stripped of their leaves and blossoms, the monkey named Dadhimukha, in his fury, tried to restrain those monkeys.

5.59.19 Threatened by those bold and spirited monkeys, the grove's guardian — elder among the heroic vānaras and fierce in his energy — resolved once more to defend the forest against the monkeys.

5.59.20 He spoke harsh words to some boldly and without restraint; he struck others with his palms; he came to blows with still others; and to yet others he approached with conciliation.

5.59.21 But he was overpowered by those whose onslaught could not be checked for the force of their intoxication, and who themselves could not be stopped — fearless, they came upon him heedless of any fault, and dragged him about.

5.59.22 Stabbing him with their nails, biting him with their teeth, pummeling him with their palms and feet, all the monkeys together, in their drunken state, laid that guardian monkey low and left the great grove utterly ravaged.

5.60.1 Hanūmān, best of monkeys and foremost bull among vānaras, spoke to them: "With minds undisturbed, partake freely of the honey, O monkeys."

5.60.2 Hearing Hanūmān's words, Aṅgada — foremost among monkeys — replied with a clear and cheerful heart: "Let the monkeys drink honey."

5.60.3 "The word of Hanūmān — one who has accomplished his mission — must of necessity be honored by me. Even what might otherwise be improper must be done; how much more so a matter such as this."

5.60.4 Hearing those words from the mouth of Aṅgada, the bull-like vānaras responded with joyful acclamation, crying "Excellent! Excellent!" in his honor.

5.60.5 Having honored Aṅgada, that bull among vānaras, all the monkeys rushed toward the Madhuvana swift as the current of a river.

5.60.6 Elated — they who had seen and heard of Maithilī — and given free rein, those capable warriors overpowered the keepers of the Madhuvana by force.

5.60.7 Then they all leaped up and rushed at the grove-keepers who had assembled, striking them by the hundreds as they stood their ground in the Madhuvana.

5.60.8 Taking up great vessels of honey — droṇa-measures full — they struck one another; others consumed it together in great quantities.

5.60.9 Some honey-tawny monkeys, having drunk their fill, tossed the honey aside; others, intoxicated and unruly, pelted each other with the honeycomb leavings.

5.60.10 Others sat at the roots of trees clutching branches, and then, overcome to excess by the stupor of intoxication, spread leaves and lay down to sleep.

5.60.11 The vānaras, like mad creatures and drunk with honey, flung themselves joyfully at one another, and still others stumbled and reeled about.

5.60.12 Some uttered wild shrieks; some cooed in delight; the monkeys drunk on honey lay stretched out asleep on the ground.

5.60.13 Even the honey-keepers who were servants of Dadhimukha were driven back by those fearsome monkeys and fled in all directions.

5.60.14 Dragged by the knees, shown the sky, and filled with great anguish, they went and spoke these words to Dadhimukha.

5.60.15 "The Madhuvana has been destroyed by force by those given leave by Hanūmān. We ourselves were dragged by the knees and shown the sky."

5.60.16 Then Dadhimukha the grove-warden, enraged upon hearing that the Madhuvana had been laid waste, pacified those monkeys who had come to him.

5.60.17 "Come, let us go! We shall restrain by force those arrogant monkeys who are consuming the honey."

5.60.18 Hearing these words of Dadhimukha, those heroic bull-like vānaras went once more to the Madhuvana, together with him.

5.60.19 Dadhimukha, in the midst of them and seizing an immense tree, rushed forward swiftly — and all the other vānaras did likewise.

5.60.20 Those monkeys, taking up rocks, trees, and boulders in their anger, came charging toward where the great elephant-like monkeys were.

5.60.21 Those heroes, fixing their master's command in their hearts, rushed forward swiftly, armed with śāla trees, palmyra palms, and rocks.

5.60.22 The grove-guardian warriors, by the thousands, fell upon the monkeys — those perched in trees and those standing on the ground — who were arrogant in their strength.

5.60.23 Then, seeing Dadhimukha enraged, the bull-like vānaras led by Hanūmān charged at him with great speed.

5.60.24 As that great-armed and mighty one came rushing forward with his tree, the furious Aṅgada there struck that elder with both arms.

5.60.25 Blinded by intoxication, he did not recognize that this was his respected elder; swiftly and with great force he slammed him hard into the ground.

5.60.26 With his arm broken, turning away, overwhelmed and drenched in blood, that heroic elephant among monkeys instantly fell senseless for a moment.

5.60.27 That bull among vānaras somehow freed himself from those monkeys, withdrew to one side, and spoke to those servants who had come to him.

5.60.28 "Let these ones stay here; we shall go to where our master, the broad-necked vānara Sugrīva, stands together with Rāma."

5.60.29 "I shall report all of Aṅgada's transgressions to the king. He, the impatient one, upon hearing the words, will have the monkeys put to death."

5.60.30 "For this Madhuvana is the beloved grove of the great-souled Sugrīva — inherited from fathers and grandfathers, divine, and unapproachable even by the gods."

5.60.31 "Sugrīva will punish and put to death all these monkeys — greedy for honey, their lives now forfeit — along with their companions."

5.60.32 "These wicked ones who have disregarded the king's command are fit for death. The anger born of our outrage shall bear fruit."

5.60.33 Having spoken thus, the mighty Dadhimukha, together with the grove-keepers, leaped up at once and departed.

5.60.34 In no more than the twinkling of an eye, that forest-dweller arrived at the place where the wise Sugrīva — son of the Sun of a thousand rays — stood.

5.60.35 Seeing Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sugrīva himself, he descended from the sky and alighted on the level ground.

5.60.36 Having landed, that great and mighty monkey Dadhimukha, supreme lord of the grove-keepers, was surrounded by all of those keepers.

5.60.37 With a look of misery on his face and his joined hands raised to his head, he pressed his forehead to the auspicious feet of Sugrīva.

5.61.1 Then the bull among monkeys, seeing the monkey fallen at his feet with bowed head, was troubled at heart and spoke these words.

5.61.2 "Rise, rise! Why have you fallen at my feet? You shall have no fear, O hero — speak only the truth."

5.61.3 Reassured by that great-souled Sugrīva, the highly wise Dadhimukha rose up and spoke.

5.61.4 "O king, this grove was never granted to be enjoyed — not by Ṛkṣarajas, not by you, not by Vālin — yet those monkeys have eaten of it.

5.61.5 Even though the grove-wardens restrained and forbade them, these monkeys, heedless of us, ate and drank the honey.

5.61.6 Some threw away what remained; others ate it; and all of them, when stopped, merely raised their eyebrows in contempt.

5.61.7 The wardens, in trying to bar those best of monkeys from the grove, were then set upon and assaulted by those furious monkey-bulls.

5.61.8 Then those many heroic monkeys, eyes reddened with fury, O bull among monkeys, struck down the wardens.

5.61.9 Some were beaten with fists, some struck with knees; others were dragged about at will and shown the sky — hurled through the air.

5.61.10 Thus our brave wardens have been beaten while you, their lord, still reign; and the entire Madhuvana has been eaten by them to their fill.

5.61.11 While Sugrīva, bull among monkeys, was being informed thus, the highly wise Lakṣmaṇa, slayer of enemy heroes, questioned him.

5.61.12 "O king, why has this grove-keeper monkey come to present himself before you? Indicating what matter did he speak in distress?"

5.61.13 Thus addressed by the great-souled Lakṣmaṇa, Sugrīva, skilled in speech, replied to him in these words.

5.61.14 "Noble Lakṣmaṇa, the brave monkey Dadhimukha reports that the Madhuvana has been consumed by the heroes led by Aṅgada.

5.61.15 Such boldness as this would not belong to monkeys who had failed in their mission; by entering that grove they have signalled that their task is accomplished.

5.61.16 Without doubt the goddess Sītā has been found — and by none other than Hanūmān; for there is no other agent capable of accomplishing this deed but Hanūmān.

5.61.17 O best of monkeys, success in this mission rests in Hanūmān — the resolve, the valour, the learning, all are firmly established in him.

5.61.18 Where Jāmbavān is the guide, Aṅgada the lord of the host, and Hanūmān the presiding spirit, the outcome cannot be otherwise.

5.61.19 The Madhuvana has been ravaged by the valiant heroes led by Aṅgada — those best of monkeys who have returned having searched the southern quarter.

5.61.20 Having returned, they entered the Madhuvana and the monkeys ravaged the entire grove and enjoyed it to the full; the wardens who tried to stop them together were struck with knees.

5.61.21 It is for this purpose that this sweet-spoken monkey of celebrated prowess, named Dadhimukha, has come here to report."

5.61.22 "O great-armed Saumitri, consider the truth of it: Sītā has been found — see how all the monkeys drink honey upon arriving there!"

5.61.23 "O bull among men, renowned monkeys would not dare to violate the divine grove granted as a boon, without having first found the daughter of Videha."

5.61.24 Then Lakṣmaṇa, righteous in spirit, together with Rāghava, was filled with joy upon hearing the sweet words that flowed from Sugrīva's mouth.

5.61.25 Rāma rejoiced greatly, and so did the greatly glorious Lakṣmaṇa; and Sugrīva, himself overjoyed at hearing Dadhimukha's report, addressed the grove-keeper once more.

5.61.26 "Dear friend, I am pleased that those who have accomplished the work ate of the grove; what those who have done their duty have done is entirely fitting and must be pardoned."

5.61.27 "I desire at once to see those tree-leaping monkeys led by Hanūmān — bold as lions, their mission accomplished — together with the two Rāghavas, and to hear the effort made in finding Sītā."

5.62.1 Thus addressed by Sugrīva, the delighted monkey Dadhimukha paid obeisance to Rāghava, to Lakṣmaṇa, and to Sugrīva.

5.62.2 Having bowed to Sugrīva and to the two mighty Rāghavas, he leapt up into the sky together with his company of brave monkeys.

5.62.3 Just as he had come, so he went back swiftly; descending from the sky to the earth, he entered that grove.

5.62.4 Entering the Madhuvana, he found all the monkey-troop leaders, freed of their intoxication yet still elated, urinating the honey-liquor.

5.62.5 That hero approached them and, joining his cupped palms in añjali, spoke these gentle words in a tone of gladness to Aṅgada.

5.62.6 "Dear lord, let there be no anger over the fact that the wardens who stopped you did so in anger and out of ignorance — they did not know who you were."

5.62.7 "O greatly powerful one, you are the crown prince and lord of this forest; the offence was committed beforehand out of foolishness — it befits you to forgive it."

5.62.8 "Just as your father formerly was lord of the monkey host, so too is Sugrīva — no other, O best of monkeys."

5.62.9 "O sinless one, I have gone and reported to your paternal uncle the arrival here of all these forest-wandering monkeys."

5.62.10 "He, upon hearing of your coming together with these monkey-troop leaders, was overjoyed — not at all angry upon hearing that the grove was ravaged."

5.62.11 "Your paternal uncle Sugrīva, lord of monkeys, rejoicing, commanded me the king: 'Send them all here swiftly.'"

5.62.12 Hearing this gentle speech of Dadhimukha, Aṅgada, best of monkeys and skilled in speech, addressed those monkeys with words.

5.62.13 "I think this whole account has been heard by Rāma, O troop-leaders of the monkeys; now that our mission is done, it is not fitting for us to remain here, O afflicters of foes."

5.62.14 "O forest-wanderers, having drunk honey to our satisfaction and rested, what remains but to go there where my elder, Sugrīva, awaits?"

5.62.15 "I shall act in accordance with what all the troop-leaders say when they come together; I am dependent on you all in what must be done."

5.62.16 "I am not fit to issue commands, even though I am crown prince; it would be improper for me to overrule you who have accomplished the mission."

5.62.17 As Aṅgada spoke thus, the forest-dwellers heard his imperishable words and, their hearts filled with joy, spoke these words.

5.62.18 "O king, O bull among monkeys, who, being a master, would speak thus? Every man intoxicated with the pride of lordship thinks only of himself."

5.62.19 "These words are most fitting for you alone, not for any other; your humility proclaims the auspicious fortune that lies ahead for you."

5.62.20 "We are all ready and the moment is right to go there where the undying Sugrīva, lord of the valiant monkeys, abides."

5.62.21 "O best of monkeys, monkeys unsummoned by you cannot move a single step anywhere — this we tell you truly."

5.62.22 As they spoke thus, Aṅgada replied to them; saying "Very well, let us go," he leapt up from the surface of the earth.

5.62.23 All those monkey-troop leaders leapt up after him as he leapt, filling the sky to overflowing, like flames flung up by a sacrifice.

5.62.24 Those swift-moving monkeys, leaping at once into the sky, roared with great cries, like clouds driven by the wind.

5.62.25 While Aṅgada had not yet arrived, Sugrīva, lord of monkeys, spoke to lotus-eyed Rāma who was afflicted with grief.

5.62.26 "Take heart — good fortune to you! The goddess Sītā has been found, without doubt; they could not have come here if the time allotted had passed."

5.62.27 "The crown prince, great-armed Aṅgada, best among leapers, would not have come to me if the mission had been a failure."

5.62.28 "Even if the conduct of one who had not accomplished the task were such as this, his face would be downcast and his mind wandering and confused."

5.62.29 "This Madhuvana, guarded by our forebears and inherited from father and grandfather, no lord of monkeys bereft of joy would dare to ravage."

5.62.30 "O Rāma of good vows, Kausalyā is blessed in her son — take comfort! The goddess Sītā has been found, beyond doubt, and by none other than Hanūmān; no other agent of that kind could have accomplished this deed."

5.62.31 "O best of the wise, success, intelligence, determination, and valour are fixed in Hanūmān as surely as radiance is fixed in the sun."

5.62.32 "Where Jāmbavān is the guide, Aṅgada the lord of the host, and Hanūmān the presiding spirit, the outcome cannot be otherwise."

5.62.33 "O you of boundless valour, be not prey to anxiety any longer."

5.62.34 Then he heard nearby in the sky the kilakila shout of the forest-dwellers intoxicated with their achievement, roaring as they approached Kiṣkindhā, as if proclaiming their success.

5.62.35 Then, upon hearing that roar of the monkeys, that best of monkeys — his long tail raised and curled — became glad at heart.

5.62.36 Those monkeys came too, eager to see Rāma, placing Aṅgada and the monkey Hanūmān at their head.

5.62.37 Those heroes led by Aṅgada, filled with delight and joy, alighted near the king of monkeys and near Rāghava.

5.62.38 And great-armed Hanūmān, having bowed his head in reverence, announced to Rāghava that the goddess Sītā was well and unharmed.

5.62.39 Then, with the matter resolved in Hanūmān, the son of the Wind, Lakṣmaṇa looked upon the pleased Sugrīva with affection and great esteem.

5.62.40 And Rāghava, slayer of enemy heroes, delighting in his joy, looked upon Hanūmān with the greatest honour and esteem.

5.63.1 Then those monkeys went to Mount Prasravaṇa with its colourful forest and bowed their heads to Rāma and to the mighty Lakṣmaṇa.

5.63.2 Placing the crown prince Aṅgada at their head, and having saluted Sugrīva, they began to report what had happened concerning Sītā.

5.63.3 They told of her confinement in Rāvaṇa's inner chambers, the threats made by the rākṣasī women, her deep devotion to Rāma, and the compact that had been made.

5.63.4 All those monkeys reported this in Rāma's presence; and upon hearing that the daughter of Videha was unharmed, Rāma spoke in reply.

5.63.5 "Where does the goddess Sītā dwell, and how does she bear herself toward me? Tell me everything regarding the daughter of Videha, O monkeys."

5.63.6 Having heard Rāma's words, the monkeys in Rāma's presence urged Hanūmān, who was expert in the particulars of Sītā's situation.

5.63.7 Hearing their words, Hanūmān, the son of the Wind God, skilled in speech, spoke, recounting exactly how he had seen Sītā.

5.63.8 "Having leapt across the ocean stretching a hundred yojanas in breadth, I went searching with longing to see Jānakī Sītā."

5.63.9 "There stands Laṅkā, the city of the evil-souled Rāvaṇa, on the southern shore of the southern ocean."

5.63.10 "There I found Sītā, the virtuous one, in Rāvaṇa's inner chambers, living still, having set all her hope upon you, O Rāma."

5.63.11 "I saw her in the midst of rākṣasī women, threatened again and again, guarded by misshapen rākṣasīs in the pleasure grove."

5.63.12 "The goddess, she who is not accustomed to sorrow, suffers great distress, confined in Rāvaṇa's inner chambers and closely guarded by the rākṣasī women."

5.63.13 "She wears her hair in a single braid, wretched, absorbed in thoughts of you, sleeping on the ground, her limbs discoloured — like a lotus pond at the onset of winter."

5.63.14 "The goddess, her desire turned utterly away from Rāvaṇa, resolved to die — thinking of you alone, O Kākutstha, she was somehow found by me."

5.63.15 "O sinless tiger among men, I gradually won her trust by recounting your fame and the glory of the Ikṣvāku lineage."

5.63.16 "Then the goddess was spoken to and shown the full state of affairs; upon hearing of the friendship between Rāma and Sugrīva, she was filled with joy."

5.63.17 "Her devotion and steadfast conduct toward you are unwavering; thus was the greatly blessed daughter of Janaka seen by me, O bull among men, enduring fierce austerity sustained by her devotion to you."

5.63.18 "A token of recognition was given to me by her — the incident as it truly occurred between you and the crow at Citrakūṭa, O Rāghava of great wisdom."

5.63.19 "'The tiger among men, Rāma, should be informed by you, O son of the Wind, of everything that was seen here' — thus Jānakī told me."

5.63.20 "'And this token, carefully preserved, should be given to him' — speaking these words even as Sugrīva listened."

5.63.21 "'This glorious crest-jewel has been guarded by me with great care for you; and also the tika-mark of manaḥśilā mineral — remember that occasion,' she said."

5.63.22 "'This glorious jewel born of water is now rendered up by me to you; seeing this, O sinless one, I shall take joy in my affliction as if I saw you yourself,' she said."

5.63.23 "'I shall sustain my life for one month, O son of Daśaratha; beyond a month I cannot live, fallen under the power of the rākṣasas,' she said."

5.63.24 "Thus spoke Sītā to me — slender-limbed, righteous in conduct, imprisoned in Rāvaṇa's inner chambers, her wide eyes like those of a doe."

5.63.25 "All this I have reported to you exactly as it occurred, O Rāghava; now by every means let the crossing of the ocean's waters be arranged."

5.63.26 Both princes having thus found reassurance, and the token having been presented to Rāghava, the son of the Wind narrated in full with complete words, in order, everything that the goddess had related.

5.64.1 Thus addressed by Hanūmān, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, pressing that jewel to his heart, wept together with Lakṣmaṇa.

5.64.2 Beholding that finest of jewels, Rāghava, wasted by grief, his two eyes brimming with tears, spoke these words to Sugrīva.

5.64.3 Just as a tender cow flows with milk out of love for her calf, so too my heart melts at the sight of this precious jewel.

5.64.4 This precious jewel was given to Vaidehī by my father-in-law; fastened as it was at the time of her wedding, it shines most beautifully upon her head.

5.64.5 This jewel, born of water, is honored by the greatest; it was given by the wise Śakra, greatly pleased, at a sacrifice.

5.64.6 Beholding this finest of jewels, O gentle one, today I understand it as the very sight of my father, and likewise of the great king of Videha.

5.64.7 This jewel gleams upon the head of my beloved; today, by the sight of it, I imagine her as if she were present before me.

5.64.8 What did Sītā, the daughter of Videha, say? Tell me again and again, O gentle one—reviving me as if with water, one nearly dead, with the water of her words.

5.64.9 What grief could be greater than this—that I behold this jewel born of water, O son of Sumitrā, without Vaidehī having come with it?

5.64.10 Vaidehī will survive—if she can endure for a month; but I, O gentle one, could not live for even a moment without her, she of the dark eyes.

5.64.11 Take me also to that place where my beloved was seen; having learned of her condition, I could not remain even for a moment.

5.64.12 How does she, my fair-hipped one, the timid, the ever-faithful one, dwell amid the fearsome and terrible rākṣasas who inspire dread?

5.64.13 Surely her face, shrouded by those rākṣasas, no longer shines—like the autumnal moon whose face is veiled by clouds.

5.64.14 What did Sītā say, O Hanūmān? Tell me truthfully—by this I shall live, as a sick man lives by medicine.

5.64.15 The sweet one, sweet of speech—what did my passionate one say, she of noble hips, separated from me? Tell me, O Hanūmān: having attained sorrow upon sorrow, how does Jānakī live?

5.65.1 Thus addressed by the great-souled Rāghava, Hanūmān reported to Rāghava everything that Sītā had spoken.

5.65.2 "This is what the goddess Jānakī said, O bull among men: she gave a token from former events at Citrakūṭa, exactly as they happened."

5.65.3 "Jānakī, having slept pleasantly at your side, awoke before you; a crow suddenly flew up and cried out, pecking between her breasts."

5.65.4 "Then you slept in turn in the goddess's lap, O elder brother of Bharata; and again that bird caused pain to the goddess."

5.65.5 "Then coming again it cried out fiercely; thereupon you were awakened, drenched with her blood."

5.65.6 "Awakened by that very crow which had been tormenting the goddess without ceasing, you, O scorcher of foes, had been sleeping peacefully."

5.65.7 "Seeing her weeping with wounds between her breasts, O mighty-armed one, you breathed heavily like an angry serpent and addressed her."

5.65.8 "'Who, O timid one, has torn the space between your breasts with nail-tips? Who plays with an enraged five-headed serpent?'"

5.65.9 "Looking around suddenly, you saw the crow—standing before you with sharp blood-stained talons—facing you directly."

5.65.10 "That crow was reportedly the son of Śakra, best among birds, roaming between earth and sky, swift as the wind in its flight."

5.65.11 "Then, O mighty-armed one, O best among the wise, your eyes rolling in anger, you resolved upon a cruel intention against that crow."

5.65.12 "Taking a blade of darbha grass from the spread mat, you charged it with the Brahmāstra; blazing like the fire of dissolution, it flamed toward the bird."

5.65.13 "You hurled that blazing blade of grass at the crow; and then that blazing grass indeed pursued the crow."

5.65.14 "Abandoned by his father, by all the gods, and by the great sages, he wandered through the three worlds and found no protector."

5.65.15 "Him fallen to the ground, O Kākutstha, refuge of the refuge-seeking, though deserving of death, you protected out of compassion."

5.65.16 "The weapon could not be made to go in vain, O Rāghava—thus it destroyed the right eye of that eye-plucking crow."

5.65.17 "Bowing to you, O Rāma, and to king Daśaratha, that crow was then released and returned to the sky as his home."

5.65.18 "You who are the foremost among those who know weapons, possessed of valor, possessed of good character—why do you not employ your weapons against the rākṣasas, O Rāghava?"

5.65.19 "Neither nāgas, nor gandharvas, nor asuras, nor the host of Maruts are capable of standing before you in battle, O Rāma, and withstanding you."

5.65.20 "If you, so mighty, have any concern for me, then let Rāvaṇa be slain swiftly in battle with your well-sharpened arrows."

5.65.21 "And Lakṣmaṇa, the scorcher of foes, acting under his brother's command—why does he, that best of men, that Rāghava, not protect me?"

5.65.22 "Those two tigers among men, equal in splendor to wind and fire, unconquerable even by the gods—why do they disregard me?"

5.65.23 "Surely some great sin of mine exists—there is no doubt—since those two scorchers of foes, capable and united, do not regard me."

5.65.24 "Having heard that pitiful, tear-choked speech of Vaidehī, I again spoke these words to that noble lady."

5.65.25 "'Rāma is free of grief for you, O goddess—I swear this to you by truth; and when Rāma is overwhelmed by sorrow, Lakṣmaṇa also burns with pain.'"

5.65.26 "'You have somehow been found—it is not the time for grieving; this very moment you shall see the end of your sorrows, O passionate one.'"

5.65.27 "'Those two tigers among men, princes, destroyers of enemies, roused to eagerness by the prospect of seeing you, will reduce Laṅkā to ashes.'"

5.65.28 "'And having slain the terrible Rāvaṇa along with his kin in battle, the mighty-armed Rāghava will certainly lead you back to his own city.'"

5.65.29 "'Whatever token might let Rāma know—something that will generate delight in him, O blameless one—you should truly give it.'"

5.65.30 "She, gazing in all directions, loosened the excellent binding of her braid and, from her garment, gave me this jewel, O mighty one."

5.65.31 "Receiving that divine jewel for your sake, O best of the Raghus, bowing to her with my head, I hastened in my coming."

5.65.32 "And seeing me roused to eagerness for departure and growing in size, the daughter of Janaka, that fair-complexioned one, her face filled with tears, pitiful, her words choked with weeping, spoke to me."

5.65.33 "'O Hanūmān, convey my greeting of freedom from ill to both Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, who are like lions, and to Sugrīva together with his ministers, to all of them.'"

5.65.34 "'And you should endeavor to arrange how that mighty-armed Rāghava may rescue me from this flood of sorrow that hems me in.'"

5.65.35 "'And when you reach Rāma's presence, tell him of this fierce surge of my grief and of the taunts of these rākṣasas. May your journey be auspicious, O hero among monkeys.'"

5.65.36 "This is the speech that your noble Sītā spoke to you, O lion among kings of kings, full of despondency. Understanding this, I have told you—believe that Sītā is well and whole."

5.66.1 "Then I was again addressed urgently by the goddess with a further message: 'Out of love for you, O tiger among men, and having obtained your friendship—'

5.66.2 "'—you must speak to Rāma, son of Daśaratha, in many such ways, so that he may quickly recover me, having slain Rāvaṇa in battle.'"

5.66.3 "'Or if you think it fit, O hero, O subduer of enemies, stay one day in some hidden place; rested, you shall depart tomorrow.'"

5.66.4 "'And by your nearness to me, O monkey—I who am so bereft of good fortune—there might be for a moment a release from the full ripening of this grief.'"

5.66.5 "'For once you, the mighty, have departed with regard to returning, even my very survival will be in doubt—of this there is no uncertainty.'"

5.66.6 "'The grief born of not seeing you would torment me further—me, overcome by sorrow upon sorrow, fallen low, a sharer in misery.'"

5.66.7 "'Yet this great doubt about your heroes stands as it were before me—a very great doubt, without question, concerning your allies, the monkeys and bears.'"

5.66.8 "'How will those armies of monkeys and bears cross the great ocean, so difficult to cross? Or how will those two sons of the best of men?'"

5.66.9 "'The power to leap over this ocean would belong to only three beings: Vainateya, or Vāyu, or you, O blameless monkey.'"

5.66.10 "'So in this undertaking of heroes, so difficult to accomplish, what solution do you see? Tell me, O best among those who know what must be done.'"

5.66.11 "'Granted, you alone are sufficient for the accomplishment of this task, O slayer of enemy heroes; your rise of power brings you glory.'"

5.66.12 "'But if Rāma, victorious, were to lead me to his own city with his full forces, having slain Rāvaṇa in battle—that would bring him glory.'"

5.66.13 "'Just as I was carried off from the forest by that rākṣasa through guile, Rāghava should not act out of that same fear alone—that would not befit him.'"

5.66.14 "'But if Kākutstha, the crusher of enemy armies, were to overrun Laṅkā with his forces and then lead me away—that would be worthy of him.'"

5.66.15 "'So arrange it in such a way that it may be fitting for that great-souled one's heroism, fitting for the valor of that hero in battle.'"

5.66.16 "Having heard that speech, laden with meaning, humble, joined with reasoning, I then spoke the following further words in reply."

5.66.17 "'O goddess, Sugrīva, lord of the armies of monkeys and bears, best among the leapers, endowed with valor, is firmly resolved for your sake.'"

5.66.18 "'The monkeys who stand under his command are endowed with heroism, possessed of valor, of great strength, swift as the speed of the mind's resolve.'"

5.66.19 "'Their movement is unimpeded above, below, or sideways; and they do not falter in great deeds—those of immeasurable splendor.'"

5.66.20 "'Not once but many times have those greatly fortunate, powerful monkeys, who travel the path of the wind, circumambulated the earth.'"

5.66.21 "'There are forest-dwellers there who are both superior to me and equal to me; none in Sugrīva's company is inferior to me.'"

5.66.22 "'I, at least, have reached here—how much more so those of great power? For it is not the foremost who are sent on missions; it is the lesser folk who are sent.'"

5.66.23 "'Therefore, enough of anguish, O goddess; let your anger depart. The leaders of monkey troops will come to Laṅkā in a single leap.'"

5.66.24 "'And those two—like the risen sun and moon—mounted upon my back, those two lion-men will come into your presence, O greatly fortunate one.'"

5.66.25 "'You will swiftly see Rāghava, the slayer of enemies, like a lion, and Lakṣmaṇa with bow in hand, standing at the gates of Laṅkā.'"

5.66.26 "'You will swiftly see the heroes assembled—armed with nails and fangs, with the stride of lions and tigers, those monkeys resembling lords of monkeys.'"

5.66.27 "'You will soon hear the roar of the chiefs of monkeys, resembling mountains and storm-clouds, roaring upon the slopes of Laṅkā's Malaya hills.'"

5.66.28 "'And you will swiftly see Rāghava—his forest exile over, the subduer of enemies—consecrated as king at Ayodhyā, together with you.'"

5.66.29 "Then, consoled by me with auspicious and pleasing words spoken without despondency, the daughter of the king of Mithilā attained peace—she too, so afflicted by grief on your account."