THE GIANT IS ROUSED

Kumbhakarna was moved by this appeal. "Have no more care," he said. "I am your brother and can never forsake you. Rest assured that Raama and Lakshmana are dead. I shall scatter and slay their monkey army. I shall fling at your feet the head of Raama and you shall see the Vaanara King's blood flowing on the battle-field. Raama can only approach you, if he does, over my dead body and that is not possible, for no one can vanquish or slay me."

Kumbhakarna's pride swelled. "No matter who the enemy is," be cried, "I shall destroy him. Be he Yama or Soorya or Agni, I shall eat them all up." In this mood he rushed out to the field of battle.

The sudden waking from deep slumber had completely upset his temper, but when his consuming hunger and thirst had been appeased, he had recovered his balance and spoke wisdom to Raavana. Again seeing Raavana's plight, fraternal affection and pity made him forget everything else.

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