THE GIANT IS ROUSED

Raavana was pleased. "O my true warrior' O my brother What a friend in need I have in Kumbhakarna!" he exclaimed, confident that Kumbhakarna would return triumphant and be now felt like one recovering from a mortal sickness.

Kumbhakarna armed with his great spear was about to go to battle alone, but Raavana stopped him and sent an army to aid him. He covered his brother's big body with jewels and garments and blessed him saving: "Go, my hero! Destroy the enemies and return victorious."

Tall and mighty-limbed Kumbhakarna, covered with shining jewels, was radiant like Trivikrama himself. He circumambulated his brother, bowed and marched out spear in hand at the head of a great army, amidst the plaudits of the Raakshasas, and under a shower of flowers and good wishes.

As the huge form of Kumbhakarna, a giant even among the Raakshasas, was seen stepping across the fortress-wall like Yama at the end of time or some great natural cataclysm, the Vaanaras were frightened and started feeling in all directions. With great difficulty their chiefs rallied them and put them in battle formation.

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