Scene 51
Part 2: The Ramayan of Valmiki · Act 6: Book 6
Dhumraksha's Sally
Scene 51Visible text2 paragraphs
King Ravan, where he sat within, Heard from his hall the deafening din, And with a spirit ill at ease Addressed his lords in words like these: "That warlike shout, those joyous cries, Loud as the thunder of the skies, Upsent from every Vanar throat, Some new-born confidence denote. Hark, how the sea and trembling shore Re-echo with the Vanars' roar. Though arrowy chains, securely twined Both Rama and his brother bind, Still must the fierce triumphant shout Disturb my soul with rising doubt. Swift envoys to the army send, And learn what change these cries portend."
Obedient, at their master's call, Fleet giants clomb the circling wall. They saw the Vanars formed and led: They saw Sugriva at their head, The brothers from their bonds released: And hope grew faint and fear increased. Their faces pale with doubt and dread, Back to the giant king they sped, And to his startled ear revealed The tidings of the battle field.