| THERE was
wailing in every house in Lanka. In Raavana's breast grief, shame and anger seethed like a
raging sea. He had so far sent his commanders and men in detachments, and, brave as they
were, they had been destroyed in detail. This had been the result of overweening
confidence 'in his invincibility and contempt for the enemy, most of whom fought with no
better weapons than sticks and stones; but repeated reverses had brought him no wisdom. He had not even disputed the passage of the sea but allowed the
enemy a lodgment in his island. But negligent and reckless as a general, he was brave and
finally resolving to fight him self and with his sole strength to destroy the foe, he set
out. He had full faith in his prowess and in the efficacy of the boons he had secured and
he went forth with confidence mounted on his divine chariot which was drawn by eight
horses and filled with all manner of weapons accompanied by a division of Raakshasa
chariot--warriors. |
