p. 1131

Tue unrighteous king, overmastered by his passion (for Sita), in consequence of his sinful act as well as the loss of honor he sustained at the hands of his friends, became reduced. And the occasion for war was wanting. Ravana, - possessed by lust, and continually thinking of Vaidehi, conceived along with his counsellurs that the time for entering © into hostilities had arrived. And sallying forth, he ascended a mighty car furnished with golden network, adorned with pearls and coral, and yoked with trained steeds. And having * In accordance with my suggestion.—T.

p. 1132

ascended that excellent vechicle, having sounds resembling those of mighty clouds, that foremost of Rakshas, the Tennecked one, drove towards the court. And as he coursed on, Rakshasas, bearing swords and shields, and carrying all kinds of weapons, went before the lord of the Rakshasas. And (some of) these, wearing various frightful suits, and decked with diverse ornaments, went, surrounding his rear and flanks. And attrathas went with cars, and superb mad elephants, and sportive steeds; and bearing in their hands maces and bludgeons; and darts and clubs. And as Ravana marched towards the court, there arose the loud blares of a thousand trumpet, and the uproarious sounds of conchs. And that redoubtable and mighty car-warrior held his course, suddenly making sides resound, and beautifying the high ways. And the spotless white umbrella of the lord of Rakshasas, being raised up, looked beautiful like the Moon at her full. On his right and left graced two crystal white chowris furnished with threads of gold. And all those Rakshasas standing on the ground with joined hands, bowed down their heads to the foremost of Rakshasas who was seated on his car. Hymned by the Rakshasas with blessings of victory, that exceedingly energetic chastiser of enemies arrived at the court constructed (by Vigwakarma). And that highly energetic one in person entered that court paved with silver and gold, having its heart decorated with crystal, and gracefully covered with silk, embroidered with gold; excellently constructed by Vigwakarm, and guarded by six hundred ghosts. And Ravana sat down ona superb and august seat consisting of lapises, furnished with a pillow; and covered with a soft dear-skin. And lord-like he commanded the envoys possessed of fleet vigor, saying,— “Do ye speedily summon hither the Rakshasas. 1 fancy some mighty effort hath to be put forth against our foes.” Hearing his words, the envoys began to range Lanka; and going to every house, they fearlessly collected the Rakshasas

p. 1133

from places of spcrt, bed-rooms, and gardens. Then some set out, mounting cars, and some mounting proud coursers, and some on foot. And like the welkin filled with fowls, the city thronged with approaching cars, elephants and steeds. And leaving their various vehicles and cars behind, they entered the court on foot, like lions entering mountain caverns. And taking the feet of the sovereign, and honored by him (in turn), they sat them down, some on raised seats, some on cushions of Kuga, and some on the floor. And presenting themselves agreeably to the command of the monarch, they sat them down each according to his position, before the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana. And there came also the learned and competent to arrive at infallible decisions, and they sat them down in order of merit. And there also came courtiers endowed with virtues, versed in every thing, and having intelligence for their eye-sight,—and innumerable heroes by hundreds also (arrived) at that court for ascertaining the course that would prove beneficial. And then mounting a large, noble and splendid car, having its parts decked with gold, and yoked with horses, the magnanimous and renowned Vibhishana went to the court of his elder brother. And that younger brother (of Ravana), announcing his name, bowed down at the feet of his elder brother. And Suka and Prahasta were employed in giving to each a separate seat befitting his rank. And from all sides in the court there began to spread the odour of excellent agura and sandal and wreaths belonging to the Rakshasas, decked in gold and various gems, and clad in costly attires. And no one among these present at court uttered any thing, or spoke any falsehood, or conversed in loud accents. And _ having completely attained their desire, all of fierce prowess, gazed atthe face of their lord. And in the assembly of those intelligent, and exceedingly powerful persons, equipped with arms, the intelligent Ravana appeared splendid like the Vajra-handed Indra among the Vasus.