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## The Ashta-Shat-Parva
315 celestial chiefs and all the gods from the east,
"We have served you for this long time due to your virtuous power.
But now your virtue has been exhausted, so we are unable to do what you ask."
[525]
"You have accomplished your desired task due to your accumulated virtue.
But now your virtue is exhausted, so we are unable to do what you ask."
[526]
"You are all powerful, what can be achieved by you?
I will kill these human-like deer and the celestial beings with my own strength."
[527]
"A task accomplished by helpers brings shame to the proud."
Thus, enraged, Ravana entered the city with Indrajit.
[528]
"The past and future of a wicked person with depleted virtue are destroyed."
Upon entering the city, he learned from his family that the enemies had surrounded Lanka.
[529]
"Look at the irony of time, the deer have surrounded the lion.
Or perhaps, when death approaches, one's nature becomes confused."
[530]
Roaring like a lion attacking a tall elephant, Ravana commanded his general, Ravikīrti, who bore the deer flag:
[531]
"Sound the war drums to destroy the enemy."
He was commanded, and thus he did, gathering all his forces.
[532]
In the end, the messenger of death, like a sudden storm, brought together all his forces.
Then, dividing his forces, Ravana left Lanka.
[533]
He was surrounded by Sukumbha, Nikumbha, Kumbhakarna, and other brothers, with Indrajit at their head, along with Indrakīrti, Indravamā, and other princes.
[534]
He was also surrounded by the mighty Mahamuha, Atikāya, Durmukha, Khara, Dūshaṇa, and Dhūma, the chief celestial beings.
[535]
He appeared like the summer sun surrounded by cruel planets, and he mocked the play of Yama, the god of death, who was eager to devour the three worlds.
[536]
"Rama and Lakshmana are not capable of standing before me.
Even if many rabbits and jackals gather, can they stand before a lion?
Even if this world is devoid of Ravana while they are alive, I will never protect this earth with them."
[537-538]
Thus, Ravana, with his unreasoning arrogance, spoke to his assembled forces.
[539]