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SETUBANDHA 80. Having built a second causeway composed of mountains across the deep moat, as if it were another sea, the apes began to scale the wall, as if it were another Suvela.
81. Thereafter when Rāvana's city was stormed by the apes, the army of the demons began to move, setting up a yell, even as the waters of the ocean flow over the earth, ravaged by the fire of the epoch of destruction. ** 82. ' Hasting to the battle, Nikumbha went forth, mounted on
a chariot drawn by Sarabhas,49 whose mane was heavily pressed by the yoke as they turned aside to attack the elephants close at hand
83. Prajangha, who wore his armour in the nick of time, rode on a chariot, spurring on the horses with the end of his bow, and determined to fight with the entire host of apes.
84. The chariot of Indrajit, with the pole-írame broad as the golden wall of a palace, advanced, with flags flying, as if it were a segment of the city of the demons.
85. His chariot was drawn by horses that were transformed every moment into lions, or elephants, or buffaloes, or clouds, or mountains.
86. When the Rākşasa troops sallied out without waiting for orders, starting off with loud shouts as fury and excitement prevailed at the royal court, even their breach of discipline at the time delighted Rāvana.
87. The army of the demons was splendid: warriors were armed and being armed; chariots were harnessed and being harnessed by warriors eager for the battle; rows of elephants were arrayed and being arrayed; and horses had moved and were moving. . .
88. The army advanced: the troops mounted on elephants chose Rāma as their antagonist; those on chariots purposed to engage Sugriva and Laksmana; the horsemen chose Hanūmat, and the foot-soldiers the host of apes.
49. A legendary animal with eight feet.
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