RAAVANA'S DEFEAT

Raama beheld the majestic and glowing form with interest and pity. "A great warrior no doubt," he said, "but he is so wicked that he has to be slain."

Raavana attacked innumerable Vaanaras and laid them low. Neela opposed Raavana gallantly but was felled by a fire-dart. Hanumaan attacked Raavana with violence and the two fought an equal battle for a while but Raavana could not be subdued and wrought great havoc in the Vaanara host.

There was a fight between Lakshmana and Raavana. Lakshmana fell down unconscious but Hanumaan intervened and carried Lakshmana away to Raama.

Then Raama, riding on Hanumaan's shoulders, gave battle to Raavana. The Raakshasa king was sorely wounded. His olden crown was broken. So was his chariot. Deprived of every weapon, he stood before Raama.

"You may go now," said Raama. "You have fought well to day. Go away and rest and come back tomorrow, refreshed and with weapons." And Raavana retreated shamefacedly to the city.

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