THE GREAT CAUSEWAY

"Lakshmana and I shall meet Raavana, the terror of the world, and we shall direct the assault on Lanka. Sugreeva, Jaambavaan and Vibheeshana shall stay behind with our main army."  The army rested for the night on mount Suvela. The following morning, standing on the mountain top, they took a good look at Lanka.

The beautiful city on the summit of Trikoota seemed as if suspended from the sky. Behind the thick fortress wall the Raakshasa army stood sentry, looking like another massive wall.  Observing the great and beautiful buildings in Lanka, Raama was moved to pity. And he said:

"Alas! Because one person, drawn by the noose of Time, has committed a sin, all this wealth and the whole Raakshasa race must now be destroyed. Alas that this scion of a noble race should forget his real greatness and pull death and destruction on himself and his people!"

Raama continued: "However, we should now bend all our thoughts to the task before us to win this battle and destroy Raavana. There will be much confusion in the course of the battle. The Raakshasas will try to deceive us with many disguises. Let the Vaanaras and bears retain their own shape while fighting.

Vibheeshana and his friends alone need assume human forms, like Lakshmana and myself. The Raakshasas, our enemies, will never take the form of man or monkey. They would think it beneath their dignity to do so. If we stand together maintaining due order we can know who is who, slay our enemies and help our friends."

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