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Once on a time I was engaged in travelling all over the earth. I had in my body, resembling a huge mountain, the strength of a thousand Nagas. I had parigha in my hands, crown on my head and golden ear-rings on my ears and my body was of a dark blue colour like that of a cloud. Causing fright unto the people I used to wander through the forest of Dandaka and live upon the flesh of the ishis. The pious ascetic Viswamitrd being afraid of me went in person to the king Dagaratha and said, “When I shall remain absorbed in meditation on the occasion of parva, let Rama protect me O king, Truly am I afraid of this Méaricha.” Being thus addressed bythe ascetic the virtuous-souled king Dagaratha replied, saying “Raghava is still under twelve

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rears of age and hath not been well disciplined in military arts. r3ut I have soldiers enough, and if permitted by thee, O thou west of ascetics, I shall with my four-fold. forces kill thy onemies, the rangers of the night.” Being thus addressed hat ascetic spoke unto the monarch, saying, “True it is that ghou wert the protector of the celestials in the War and Rhy exploits are well known to the world, but no one shall be able to withstand the Rakshasas but Rima. The highly mnergetic Rama, though a boy is sufficiently qualified to gliefeat the enemies; therefore, O Destroyer of foes, let thy woldiery remain here and let me proceed along with Rama. May God bless thee.” Saying this the ascetic Viswamitra being pleased went to his asylum along with Rama. After- ‘wards having been initiated for the sacrifice in the forest eof Dandaka Rama having unstrung his mighty bow came to the ascetic to protect the sacrifice. He had a gold chain round his neck, a crest on his head and a bow in his hands ; he had a pair of beautiful eyes, and only one piece of cloth ; his countenance was of green hue and exquisite beauty and even then mustaches or other signs of manhood did not appear on his face. Beautifying the entire forest of Dandaka with his own splendour Rama appeared like the newly risen moon. Thereupon! resembling a cloud and having golden earlocks entered the asylum being proud of my power on account of the boons offered unto me by Brahm4. Seeing me enter he took up his dart and attached string unto his bow with proper care. Being under the influence of sheer foolishness I passed by him as a child and darted towards the sacrificial altar of Viswamitra. Thereupon he wounded me with a sharpened sword capable of doing away with the enemies and threw me away into the ocean situated at a distance of hundred yojamas. He had no mind of killing me then and for this he saved my life. I was thrown however into the deep ocean being hindered by the velocity of his arrows and having lost my _ conscious- 75

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ness. Regaining my sense after a long while I returned the city of Lanka. Myself saved thus, my followers ho were all killed by Rama of unwearied activity though a child anda novice in the art of warfare. It is for this I do prevent thee ; thou shalt be overwhelmed with ca and meet with destruction if dost thou engage thyseli battle with him. In vain shalt thou bring about the of the mirthful and sportive R&kshasas ever wi social festivities. And in vain shalt thou for Sit& com the destruction of the city of Lanka, adorned with di jewels and filled with golden edifices. Pious men liv with a vicious man, meet with destruction for his sins, t they themselves do not commit any misdeed, like unto’ (devoured by Garura) living in a lake where snakes dwd Thus shalt thou witness that for thy own folly the of the night, adorned with celestial ornaments and havig their body pasted with sandal, have been killed and brougt down to the earth. And they deprived of shelter har fled away to different directions, some with their wives asl some alone, having their wives carried away (by the enemies. Thou shalt further observe that all edifices of Lank4 being enveloped with arrows and flaming fire have been bent down to ashes. There is no greater sin on earth the carrying away another’s wife. There are thousand ladies ia thy seraglio O king. Being attached unto thy wives @ thou preserve the race of the Rakshasas, thy own line, ty wished for life, kingdom, wealth and dignity. Do a bring about Rama's mischief if dost thou wish to live happily with thy wives and friends. I am thy friend and do ask thee again and again to desist (from thy evil intentioa!; if dost thou encroach upon Sit& surely shalt thou along with thy kinsmen go to the abode of Yama being enfeebled by the arrows of Rama.”