Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/440

378 Umá, pride and delusion are dissipated, could never even dream of being angry. Only enlightened saints can understand these actions of his, who have a hearty devotion to the feet of Raghubír. Lakshman believed his lord was angry, and strung his bow and took his arrows in his hands.

Then the all-merciful Raghupati instructed his brother, saying: "Frighten our friend Sugríva and bring him here."

Now the Son of the Wind also had thought to himself, Sugríva has forgotten all about Ráma.' So he went near and bowed his head at his feet and reminded him of the four modes. of making war. As Sugríva listened, he became much alarmed: "Sensual pleasures have robbed me of all my understanding. Now, O Hanumán, despach a multitude of spies, legions of monkeys, in every direction, and tell them that any one, who is not back in a fortnight, shall meet his death at my hands." Hanumán then summoned envoys, and showed them all special honour, making use of threats, blandishments and motives of policy. They all bowed their head at his feet and set forth. At that very time Lakshman entered the city. Seeing him to be angry, the monkeys all ran away.

He twanged his bow and cried 'I will burn the city to ashes.' Then came Báli's son, seeing the distress of the people,

and bowed his head at his feet and made humble petition, till Lakshman assured him he had nought to fear. When the monkey king heard tell of Lakshman's wrath, he was terribly alarmed: "Hearken, Hanumán; take Tárá with you and with suppliant prayers appease the prince." Hanumán went with Tárá and fell at his feet, and after hymning his lord's praises, respectfully conducted him to the palace and bathed his feet and seated him on a couch. The monkey king also bowed his head at his feet, but Lakshman took him by the hand and embraced him. "There is nothing, my lord, so intoxicating as pleasure; in a single moment it infatuates even the soul of a saint." On hearing this humble speech, Lakshman was glad and said ererytbing to reassure him, while Hanumán told him all that had been done and how a multitude of spies had already started.