Read "The Ramayan" by Valmiki online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Dark as a cloud of autumn, dread Prahasta joined his palms and said: "Gandharvas, Gods, the hosts who dwell In heaven, in air, in earth, in hell, Have yielded to thy might, and how Shall two weak men oppose thee now? Hanuman came, a foe disguised, And mocked us heedless and surprised, Or never had he lived to flee And boast that he has fought with me. Command, O King, and this right hand Shall sweep the Vanars from the land, And hill and dale, to Ocean's shore, Shall know the death-doomed race no more. But let my care the means devise To guard thy city from surprise."
Then Durmukh cried, of Rakshas race: "Too long we brook the dire disgrace. He gave our city to the flames, He trod the chambers of thy dames. Ne'er shall so weak and vile a thing Unpunished brave the giants' king. Now shall this single arm attack And drive the daring Vanars back, Till to the winds of heaven they flee, Or seek the depths of earth and sea."