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Ano that captor of hostile capitals, the mighty-armed Rama, was advancing (upon Lank§) with the sounds of drums mixed with the blares of conchs. Hearing this noise, Ravana —lord of Rakshasas—reflecting for a while, cast his eyes upon his counselors. And addressing there all those counsellors, that afflictor of the world—the crooked and highly powerful lord of the Rakshasas, Ravana, making his court resound,—running down (R&ma’s) crossing the main, as well as his vigor, strength and manhood,—said to them,— “What ye have said touching Ra4ma’s (prowess), hath been heard by me. And I also know ye to be of sterling valor in the field. Yet why, knowing Rama’s prowess, do ye silently look at each other ?” Then the maternal grand sire (of Ravana), possessed of exceeding wisdom, named MaAlyavan, hearing his words, said,—The king that is accomplished in the various kinds of learning,* and that followeth polity,ever commandeth affluence and bringeth his enemies under his subjection. He that seasonably concludes peace and carries on war with his enemies,—and who advances his own party, attaineth great affluence. A king should enter into peace, if he be an equal or inferior of his adversary, and engage in war, if be more powerful,—but an enemy should never be disregarded. * The commentator says there are four and ten kinds of learning; but unfortunately he does not enumerate them.—T. 151

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Therefore, O Ravana, peace with Rima is what commends itself to me; and do thou render unto him that for which thou hast been invaded (by him), vész., Sité. All the Devarshis and Gandharvas wish for (Ra4ma’s) victory. Therefore, do not enter into hostilities with him; but do thou bend thy mind to the conclusion of peace with him. That possessor of the six attributes, the Great-father, hath appointed two courses, (respectively) for the Asuras and the celestials, having for their proper objects righteousness and unrighteousness. Righteousness, we hear, is the course of the high-souled celestials, as, O Rakshasa, unrighteousness is that of Rakshas and Asuras. During the Krita Yuga, righteousness swalloweth up sin ;.and during Tishya,* unrighteousness swalloweth up virtue. Thou, ranging the three worlds, hadst extinguished pregnant piety, and reaped unrighteousness ; and it is for this that thy foes have waxed potent.t And, having grown through thy neglect, unrighteousness devoureth us, and that protector of the gods, (righteousness), is strengthening the side of the celestials. Thou, addicted to carnal pleasures and acting in defiance of duty, hadst aroused the high wrath of the saints resembling fire. The power of these possessed of souls sanctified through asceticism, and ever engaged in ‘ invoking the aid of righteousness, is incapable of being resisted and is like flaming fire. The twice-born ones engage in contemplation with intent minds, offer oblations into the fire according to the ordinance, and loudly recite the Vedas. They overpower the Rakshas,uttering the Vedas ; and thereat they fly in all directions like clouds scattered in summer. And the smoke that ariseth from the Agnihotra sacrifices of saints resembling fire, enveloping the energy of the Rakshasas, spreads over the ten cardinal quarters. And the fierce austerities of vow-observing saints, performed at particular * The Kali Yuga.—T. t While ranging the three worlds on a career of conquest, thou didst, disturbing sacrifices, etc, wrong righteousness.—T.

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sacred spots, try the Rakshasas sore. Thou hast obtained a boon, conferring immunity at the hands of deities, Danavas and Yakshas. But men and monkeys, bears and Golingulas, possessed of enormous strength and endowed with vigor, and of indomitable prowess,—coming here, are setting up roars. Witnessing various and many dire portents,! perceive the destruction of all the Rakshasas. Dreadful and terrific clouds, uttering harsh sounds, are showering blood all around Lanka. And (live) vehicles are dropping profuse tears. And all sides, covered with dust, do not appear bright as formerly. And beasts of prey, jackals and vultures, are emitting frightful cries, and, entering into the garden of Lanka, form themselves into bands. And in dreams mighty dark-hued women in front of dwellings, seizing at (the furniture ) thereof, and speaking inauspiciously, laugh displaying their sable teeth. And in houses dogs are feasting on the articles of worship. And cows bring forth asses, and mungooses, mice. And cats are pairing with leopards, and swine with dogs, and Kinnaras with Rakshasas and human beings. And red-footed white sky-coursing pigeons, urged on by Doom, are going about for the destruction of the Rakshasas. And female-parrots in houses, wounded and worsted by other birds delighting in discord, are dropping down, emitting indistinct notes. And all the birds and beasts are crying (distressfully) with their faces turned towards the sun. And at dusk a frightful, withered, tawnyhued male figure, looking like Death himself, with his head shaven, peereth into the houses (of people). These and other evil omens occur. Rama I deem as Vishnu assuming the form of aman. Raghava of steady prowess, for certain, is no human being,—he that hath built a bridge over the deep, must be an exceedingly wonderful person. Therefore, O Ravana, conclude peace with Rama—king of men. Having ascertained fit course, do thou act properly.” Having said this unto that vile one, and known the intention of-the lord

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of Rakshas, that strong MA&lyavan, of exceeding prowess, became silent, eying Ravana.