THE SLAYING OF VAALI

Thus Vaalmeeki pictures Vaali-his chivalry, his dauntless and impatient valour, his tenderness. It is true Vaalmeeki's hero has to kill the Vaanara king-the epic requires it-but the slain warrior was a noble knight, worthy of the reader's admiration and tears.

Taara, with tears in her eyes, circumambulated him and praying for his success returned to her apartment full of grave apprehension. Leaving Taara and her companions behind, Vaali issued from the fort hissing like an angry cobra and went to meet Sugreeva.

As he saw him standing there, radiant and courageous, he girt his loins and sprang on him. And Sugreeva too ran forward to meet Vaali.

"If you love your life," warned Vaali, "run away. Do not fall a victim to this fist of mine!"

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