after which they dispersed in every direction. But Sita was troubled at heart: “At the end of a month this vile monster will slay me.”
As he proceeded, he told her of Rāma’s forlorn condition. “Everything,” says he, “is changed into its opposite. The fresh buds upon the trees burn like fire; night seems as the night of death, and the moon scorches like the sun. A bed of lotuses seems a prickly brake, and the rain-clouds drop boiling oil. The trees only add to my pain, and the softest and most fragrant breeze is like the breath of a serpent. Nothing relieves my torture, and to whom can I declare it? For there is no one who will understand. The essence of such love as yours and mine, my beloved, only my own soul can comprehend, and this my soul is always with you. Know such to be the profundity of my love.”
As the Videhan princess listened to Rāma’s message, she became so absorbed in love as to have no thought for herself. Said the monkey: “Lady, compose yourself, remembering that Rāma is a benefactor to all who serve Him. Reflect upon his might and, as you listen to my speech, discard all anxiety.
Dohā 15.
The demon crew are like moths and Raghupati’s arrows as a flame; be stout of heart, madam, and rest assured that they will all be consumed.
As he proceeded, he told her of Rāma’s forlorn condition. “Everything,” says he, “is changed into its opposite. The fresh buds upon the trees burn like fire; night seems as the night of death, and the moon scorches like the sun. A bed of lotuses seems a prickly brake, and the rain-clouds drop boiling oil. The trees only add to my pain, and the softest and most fragrant breeze is like the breath of a serpent. Nothing relieves my torture, and to whom can I declare it? For there is no one who will understand. The essence of such love as yours and mine, my beloved, only my own soul can comprehend, and this my soul is always with you. Know such to be the profundity of my love.”
As the Videhan princess listened to Rāma’s message, she became so absorbed in love as to have no thought for herself. Said the monkey: “Lady, compose yourself, remembering that Rāma is a benefactor to all who serve Him. Reflect upon his might and, as you listen to my speech, discard all anxiety.
Dohā 15.
The demon crew are like moths and Raghupati’s arrows as a flame; be stout of heart, madam, and rest assured that they will all be consumed.
Chaupāī
If Raghubīr only knew, he would make no delay. Rāma’s shafts, like the rays of the rising sun, will scatter the darkling demon host. I would have carried you away at once myself, but, I swear to you by Rāma, that I have not received His order to do so. Wait patiently, madam, for a few days, and he will arrive with his monkeys, will slaughter the demons, and take you away, so that Nārada and the other seers will glorify him in all the three spheres of creation.” “Are all the monkeys, my son, like you? The demon warriors are very powerful, and my soul is sorely disquieted.” On hearing this, the monkey showed himself in his natural form, his body in bulk like a mountain of gold, terrible in battle, and of vast strength; then Sītā took comfort at heart, and he again resumed a diminutive appearance.
Dohā 16.
“Hearken, lady; the monkeys have no great strength or wit of their own, but by the Lord’s favour even a snake, small as it is, might swallow Garuḍ.”
Chaupāī
As she hearkened to the monkey’s speech, so full of glorious faith and noble confidence, her mind became easy; she recognized his love for Rāma and gave him her blessing: “May you abound, my son, in all strength and virtue; may neither age nor death affect your good qualities, and may you be ever constant in your devotion to Rāma, and may the Lord be gracious to you.” Hearing these words, Hanumān became utterly overwhelmed with emotion; again and again he bowed his head at her feet, and with clasped hands spoke thus: “Now, lady, I am fully rewarded; for your blessing is known to be effectual. But hearken, madam, I am frightfully hungry and I see the trees laden with delicious fruit.” “Know, my son, that this grove is guarded by most valiant and formidable demons.” “I am not afraid of them, mother, if only you will keep your mind easy.”
If Raghubīr only knew, he would make no delay. Rāma’s shafts, like the rays of the rising sun, will scatter the darkling demon host. I would have carried you away at once myself, but, I swear to you by Rāma, that I have not received His order to do so. Wait patiently, madam, for a few days, and he will arrive with his monkeys, will slaughter the demons, and take you away, so that Nārada and the other seers will glorify him in all the three spheres of creation.” “Are all the monkeys, my son, like you? The demon warriors are very powerful, and my soul is sorely disquieted.” On hearing this, the monkey showed himself in his natural form, his body in bulk like a mountain of gold, terrible in battle, and of vast strength; then Sītā took comfort at heart, and he again resumed a diminutive appearance.
Dohā 16.
“Hearken, lady; the monkeys have no great strength or wit of their own, but by the Lord’s favour even a snake, small as it is, might swallow Garuḍ.”
Chaupāī
As she hearkened to the monkey’s speech, so full of glorious faith and noble confidence, her mind became easy; she recognized his love for Rāma and gave him her blessing: “May you abound, my son, in all strength and virtue; may neither age nor death affect your good qualities, and may you be ever constant in your devotion to Rāma, and may the Lord be gracious to you.” Hearing these words, Hanumān became utterly overwhelmed with emotion; again and again he bowed his head at her feet, and with clasped hands spoke thus: “Now, lady, I am fully rewarded; for your blessing is known to be effectual. But hearken, madam, I am frightfully hungry and I see the trees laden with delicious fruit.” “Know, my son, that this grove is guarded by most valiant and formidable demons.” “I am not afraid of them, mother, if only you will keep your mind easy.”
Dohā 17.
Seeing the monkey so strong and sagacious, Jānakī said: “Go, my son, and eat of this pleasant fruit, with your heart fixed on Hari’s feet.”
Chaupāī
He bowed his head and went and entered the garden and, having eaten of the fruit, began breaking down the trees. A number of stalwart watchmen were posted there; some he killed, the others went and called for help: “My lord, an enormous monkey has come and rooted up the Aśoka grove; he has eaten the fruit and broken down the trees, and with many a blow laid the watchmen on the ground.” On hearing this, Rāvaṇa despatched a number of his champions. At the sight of them Hanumān roared like thunder and overthrew the whole demon host; a few, more dead than alive, ran off shrieking. He then sent the young prince Aksha, who took with him an immense number of his best warriors. Seeing them approach, he seized a tree, which he brandished and with an awful roar swept them down with it.
Dohā 18.
Some he hacked, some he crushed, some he laid low in the dust; some got back and cried, “My lord, this monkey is too strong for us.”
Chaupāī
When he heard of his son’s death, the king of Laṅkā was furious, and he sent the valiant Meghnād. “Do not kill him, my son, but bind him; I would
Seeing the monkey so strong and sagacious, Jānakī said: “Go, my son, and eat of this pleasant fruit, with your heart fixed on Hari’s feet.”
Chaupāī
He bowed his head and went and entered the garden and, having eaten of the fruit, began breaking down the trees. A number of stalwart watchmen were posted there; some he killed, the others went and called for help: “My lord, an enormous monkey has come and rooted up the Aśoka grove; he has eaten the fruit and broken down the trees, and with many a blow laid the watchmen on the ground.” On hearing this, Rāvaṇa despatched a number of his champions. At the sight of them Hanumān roared like thunder and overthrew the whole demon host; a few, more dead than alive, ran off shrieking. He then sent the young prince Aksha, who took with him an immense number of his best warriors. Seeing them approach, he seized a tree, which he brandished and with an awful roar swept them down with it.
Dohā 18.
Some he hacked, some he crushed, some he laid low in the dust; some got back and cried, “My lord, this monkey is too strong for us.”
Chaupāī
When he heard of his son’s death, the king of Laṅkā was furious, and he sent the valiant Meghnād. “Do not kill him, my son, but bind him; I would
He saw this monkey and asked where he had come from. Indrajit sallied forth, a peerless champion, full of fury at the tidings of his brother’s death. When the monkey saw this formidable warrior draw near, he ground his teeth, and with a roar rushed forward and tore up a tree of enormous size, with which he swept the prince of Lankā from his car. As for the mighty men of war who accompanied him, he seized them one by one and crushed them by his weight. Having finished them off, he closed with their leader. It was like the encounter of two lordly elephants. After striking him a blow with his fist, he went and climbed a tree, while for a moment a swoon came over his antagonist. But again he arose and practised many enchantments; still the Wind god’s son was not to be vanquished.
Dohā 19.
On his making ready Brahma’s magical weapon, the monkey thought within himself, “If I do not submit to Brahma’s shaft, its infinite virtue will have failed.”
He launched the magic dart against the monkey, who overthrew a host as he fell. When he saw that he had swooned, he bound him with a running noose and carried him off. Observe, Bhavāni; the messenger of the god, by the repetition of whose name wise men cut the bonds of existence, himself came under bondage, or rather in his lord’s service submitted to be bound. When the demons heard that the monkey had been bound, they all rushed to the palace to see the sight. The majesty of Rāvan’s court on the monkey’s arrival there struck him as being beyond all description. The gods and regents of the air, standing humbly with clasped hands, were all in dismay if they saw him frown. But the monkey’s soul was no more disturbed at the sight of his majesty than Garuḍ would be frightened by any number of snakes.
Dohā 19.
On his making ready Brahma’s magical weapon, the monkey thought within himself, “If I do not submit to Brahma’s shaft, its infinite virtue will have failed.”
He launched the magic dart against the monkey, who overthrew a host as he fell. When he saw that he had swooned, he bound him with a running noose and carried him off. Observe, Bhavāni; the messenger of the god, by the repetition of whose name wise men cut the bonds of existence, himself came under bondage, or rather in his lord’s service submitted to be bound. When the demons heard that the monkey had been bound, they all rushed to the palace to see the sight. The majesty of Rāvan’s court on the monkey’s arrival there struck him as being beyond all description. The gods and regents of the air, standing humbly with clasped hands, were all in dismay if they saw him frown. But the monkey’s soul was no more disturbed at the sight of his majesty than Garuḍ would be frightened by any number of snakes.
Dohā 20.
When Rāvan saw the monkey, he laughed aloud and mocked him; then again he remembered his son’s death and his soul grew sad.
Said the King of Lankā: “Who are you, monkey, and by whose might have you wrought the destruction of the grove? What, do you not hear me? I see you are an uncommonly bold varlet! For what offence did you put the demons to death? Speak, wretch, as you value your life.”
“Harken, Rāvan; He by whose might Māyā creates this universal sphere; by whose might Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva produce, maintain and destroy the world; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent supports on His pate the mundane egg with its mountains and forests; who assumes various forms in order to befriend the gods and to give a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva’s stubborn bow and crushed your pride and that of the assembled kings; who slew Khara and Dūshan and Trisira and Bāli, in spite of their matchless strength:
Dohā 21.
By the slightest exercise of whose might the entire mass of creation, animate and inanimate, exists; He it is whose messenger I am, and it is His beloved spouse whom you have stolen away.
“I know your power; you had a fight with Sahasra-bhuj, and also gained renown in your conflict with Bāli.” He heard what the monkey said, but smiled as though he heard not. “I eat the fruit, my lord, because I was hungry, and then, like a monkey, began breaking the boughs. Every one, master, loves his life more than aught else; those good-for-nothing fellows fell upon me, and I gave them blow for blow. Thereupon your son put me in bonds—bonds that I am in no way ashamed of—for my only object is to accomplish my Master’s business. Rāvan, I implore you with folded hands, abandon your pride and attend to my advice. Have some consideration for your own family; cease to go astray and adore Him who relieves His worshippers from every anxiety. Never fight against Him, for fear of whom Death trembles exceedingly; even Death, who devours all else, gods and demons, animate and inanimate creation alike. Give up Sītā, as I tell you.
When Rāvan saw the monkey, he laughed aloud and mocked him; then again he remembered his son’s death and his soul grew sad.
Said the King of Lankā: “Who are you, monkey, and by whose might have you wrought the destruction of the grove? What, do you not hear me? I see you are an uncommonly bold varlet! For what offence did you put the demons to death? Speak, wretch, as you value your life.”
“Harken, Rāvan; He by whose might Māyā creates this universal sphere; by whose might Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva produce, maintain and destroy the world; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent supports on His pate the mundane egg with its mountains and forests; who assumes various forms in order to befriend the gods and to give a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva’s stubborn bow and crushed your pride and that of the assembled kings; who slew Khara and Dūshan and Trisira and Bāli, in spite of their matchless strength:
Dohā 21.
By the slightest exercise of whose might the entire mass of creation, animate and inanimate, exists; He it is whose messenger I am, and it is His beloved spouse whom you have stolen away.
“I know your power; you had a fight with Sahasra-bhuj, and also gained renown in your conflict with Bāli.” He heard what the monkey said, but smiled as though he heard not. “I eat the fruit, my lord, because I was hungry, and then, like a monkey, began breaking the boughs. Every one, master, loves his life more than aught else; those good-for-nothing fellows fell upon me, and I gave them blow for blow. Thereupon your son put me in bonds—bonds that I am in no way ashamed of—for my only object is to accomplish my Master’s business. Rāvan, I implore you with folded hands, abandon your pride and attend to my advice. Have some consideration for your own family; cease to go astray and adore Him who relieves His worshippers from every anxiety. Never fight against Him, for fear of whom Death trembles exceedingly; even Death, who devours all else, gods and demons, animate and inanimate creation alike. Give up Sītā, as I tell you.
Dohā 22.
Rāma is the protector of suppliants; Kharāri is a very ocean of compassion; turn to Him for protection, and the Lord will forget Your offences and will shelter You.
“Take Rāma’s lotus feet to your heart and reign for ever at Lankā. The glory of saint Pulastya is stainless as the moon; do not make yourself a spot on its brightness. Unless Rāma’s name be in it, no speech has any charm.”
Arrogance is a root fruitful of many thorns; abandon violence and pride, and worship Râma, the prince of the Raghu race, the Ocean of Compassion, the Lord God.
Though the monkey bespoke him in such friendly wise, in words full of faith and discretion, piety and sound judgment, he laughed and replied with the highest disdain: “What a sage adviser I have found, and in a monkey too! Wretch, you have come within an inch of death for daring to give me such vile counsel.” “It will be contrariwise,” said Hanuman; “you will acknowledge the error of your soul, I know well.” On hearing the monkey’s words, he ground his teeth in a fury. “Quick, some of you, and put an end to this fool’s life.” The demons obeyed and rushed forward to slay him, but Vibhishan and his ministers advanced and, bowing the head, made humble petition: “It is against all statecraft; an ambassador must not be killed. Punish him in some other way, sire.” All exclaimed to one another, “This is sound counsel, friend.” Râvan, on hearing it, replied with a laugh: “Let the monkey go then, but mutilate him first.”
Rāma is the protector of suppliants; Kharāri is a very ocean of compassion; turn to Him for protection, and the Lord will forget Your offences and will shelter You.
“Take Rāma’s lotus feet to your heart and reign for ever at Lankā. The glory of saint Pulastya is stainless as the moon; do not make yourself a spot on its brightness. Unless Rāma’s name be in it, no speech has any charm.”
Arrogance is a root fruitful of many thorns; abandon violence and pride, and worship Râma, the prince of the Raghu race, the Ocean of Compassion, the Lord God.
Though the monkey bespoke him in such friendly wise, in words full of faith and discretion, piety and sound judgment, he laughed and replied with the highest disdain: “What a sage adviser I have found, and in a monkey too! Wretch, you have come within an inch of death for daring to give me such vile counsel.” “It will be contrariwise,” said Hanuman; “you will acknowledge the error of your soul, I know well.” On hearing the monkey’s words, he ground his teeth in a fury. “Quick, some of you, and put an end to this fool’s life.” The demons obeyed and rushed forward to slay him, but Vibhishan and his ministers advanced and, bowing the head, made humble petition: “It is against all statecraft; an ambassador must not be killed. Punish him in some other way, sire.” All exclaimed to one another, “This is sound counsel, friend.” Râvan, on hearing it, replied with a laugh: “Let the monkey go then, but mutilate him first.”
A monkey is proud of his tail (so he went on to say); bind it with rags steeped in oil and then set fire to them.
The poor tailless wretch can then go back and fetch his master, and I shall have an opportunity of seeing his might, whom he has so extravagantly exalted.” The monkey smiled to himself to hear this. “Sârad, I know, will help me.” Obedient to Râvan’s command, the demons began making their foolish preparations. Not a rag was left in the city nor a drop of ghi or oil, to such a length the tail had grown. Then they made sport of him. The citizens crowded to see the sight, and struck him with their feet and jeered him greatly, and with beating of drums and clapping of hands they took him through the city and set fire to his tail. When Hanumân saw the fire blazing, he at once reduced himself to a very diminutive size, and, slipping out of his bonds, sprang on to the upper story of the gilded palace, to the dismay of the giants’ wives.
That instant the forty-nine winds, whom Hari had sent, began to blow; the monkey shouted with roars of laughter and swelled so big that he touched the sky.
Of enormous stature and yet marvellous agility, he leaped and ran from palace to palace. As the city was thus set on fire, the people were at their wits’ end; for the terrible flames burst forth in countless millions of places. “Alas! father and mother, hearken to my cry: who will save us now? As I said, this is no monkey, but some god in monkey form. This is the result of not taking a good man’s advice; our city is burnt down as though it had no protector.” The city was consumed in an instant of time, save only Vibhishan’s house; the reason why it escaped, Bhavâni, was that he who sent the messenger had also created the fire. After the whole of Lankâ had been turned upside down and given over to the flames, he threw himself into the middle of the sea.
The poor tailless wretch can then go back and fetch his master, and I shall have an opportunity of seeing his might, whom he has so extravagantly exalted.” The monkey smiled to himself to hear this. “Sârad, I know, will help me.” Obedient to Râvan’s command, the demons began making their foolish preparations. Not a rag was left in the city nor a drop of ghi or oil, to such a length the tail had grown. Then they made sport of him. The citizens crowded to see the sight, and struck him with their feet and jeered him greatly, and with beating of drums and clapping of hands they took him through the city and set fire to his tail. When Hanumân saw the fire blazing, he at once reduced himself to a very diminutive size, and, slipping out of his bonds, sprang on to the upper story of the gilded palace, to the dismay of the giants’ wives.
That instant the forty-nine winds, whom Hari had sent, began to blow; the monkey shouted with roars of laughter and swelled so big that he touched the sky.
Of enormous stature and yet marvellous agility, he leaped and ran from palace to palace. As the city was thus set on fire, the people were at their wits’ end; for the terrible flames burst forth in countless millions of places. “Alas! father and mother, hearken to my cry: who will save us now? As I said, this is no monkey, but some god in monkey form. This is the result of not taking a good man’s advice; our city is burnt down as though it had no protector.” The city was consumed in an instant of time, save only Vibhishan’s house; the reason why it escaped, Bhavâni, was that he who sent the messenger had also created the fire. After the whole of Lankâ had been turned upside down and given over to the flames, he threw himself into the middle of the sea.
After extinguishing his tail and recovering from his fatigue, he assumed his old diminutive form and went and stood before Jânaki, with hands clasped in prayer.
“Be pleased, madam, to give me some token, such as Râma gave me.” She unfastened the jewel in her hair and gave it him. The Son of the Wind received it gladly. “Salute him respectfully for me, my son, with these words: ‘My lord, you never fail to fulfil desire and are renowned as the suppliant’s
friend; relieve me then from my grievous distress. Repeat to him, friend, the story of Indra’s son, and remind my lord of the might of his arrows. If he does not come within a month, he will never find me alive. Tell me, monkey, how can I keep myself alive? For you now, my son, speak of going, and it is only the sight of you that has given me any comfort: henceforth day and night will seem to me both alike.”
“Be pleased, madam, to give me some token, such as Râma gave me.” She unfastened the jewel in her hair and gave it him. The Son of the Wind received it gladly. “Salute him respectfully for me, my son, with these words: ‘My lord, you never fail to fulfil desire and are renowned as the suppliant’s
friend; relieve me then from my grievous distress. Repeat to him, friend, the story of Indra’s son, and remind my lord of the might of his arrows. If he does not come within a month, he will never find me alive. Tell me, monkey, how can I keep myself alive? For you now, my son, speak of going, and it is only the sight of you that has given me any comfort: henceforth day and night will seem to me both alike.”