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SETUBANDHA
40. The brave advance beyond the front ranks of the army as they push ahead, and first dominate their own troops, among whom the craven abandon the initiative; and thereafter vanquish the enemy by striking hard.
41. "When a man of noble character, inspired with martial ardour, sets out to destroy an enemy, fame precedes him, fortune draws near, and favourable signs follow in his wake.
42. "Persistent animosities, reaching their climax, confront29 the drawn swords of valiant warriors, and never retrace their steps; even as the mountains whose wings were clipped (by Indra) do not move to another place.30
43. "Rāma will lament, and Sītā lean her face on her elbows (in grief), and Rāvana live so long as your courage is outweighed by dejection.
44. 'Every one's mind is different. I am not aware of yours. But I do not value myself highly as I behold yonder Hanūmat, adorned with his partly healed wounds.31
45. 'Death, not long life, is preferable for one that hath lost his pride,32 even if he takes possession of the enemy's wealth, maintains the renown of his family, and upholds the moral law.
46. "While I speak thus--I, who fight to a finish, and possess martial ardour and pride in equal measure,—what discerning people will remain perplexed, even when they are thus watched by the keen-eyed goddess of fortune, and touched by the beautiful filaments34 of her lotus hands?
het end bin as the apps out.
29. Lit. fall in the way of....
30. Cf. Devarāta in Extracts. Acc. to Kulanátha, the animosities 'never shift to another person, just as the mountains do not move to another place:' that is, the enmity against Råvana shared by them with Rāma must be pursued to its bitter end by themselves, because the task cannot be delegated to others. Sugriva reminds the apes that they had promised to help Rāma against Råvana, and must not back out.
31. The reference is to his recent fight with the demons during the raid on Lankā. Sugrivă speaks disparagingly of himself while admiring Hanūmat. Acc. to another interpretation, he does not value his life highly, i.e., will sacrifice it if necessary in trying to emulate Hanumat.
32. i.e., self-respect. 33. i.e., through his favour. He refers to his followers. 34. The fingers are meant.
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