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SETUBANDHA
135 89. The army took a devious route, unable to make its exit all at once: it was impeded by the congestion of the chariots, and crammed into the space between the mansions, with the. elephant corps crowded into the gateways of the city. .
90. The chariots of the demons laboured through the gateways, striking the lintels above with their banners, lowered sideways; while the doors were scratched50 by the ends of the slanting yokes.
91. The elephants of the quarters sank to the ground, and the hoods of the serpent Ananta51 were crushed, and the nether regions split under the weight of the army of the demons. The earth endured it, even though heavy, because it was to lighten ere long.52
92. The army moved on, reaching the forward ranks (of the enemy forces). It swelled at the centre, being held up and massed at the gates; relieving the congestion on the highway, but filling the courtyards with the rear.
93. Thus impeded at the gates, the army of the demons moved out of the city, dispersed along a wide front, like unto a river issuing from a cave with a single entrance, and flowing wide over the plains.
94. At that moment, the courtyards of the mansions of the demons, vacant, with the troops gone to the front, looked like the sandy banks of a river that had subsided after a flood.
95. The apes, who were quick to encircle Lankā, yelled and rushed forth, like a forest fire driven by a violent gale, when they saw the demons come out through the gates.
96. The army of the demons swelled, the infantry ready to strike, and the cavalry advancing on the flanks; the elephants urged on by the goad, and the chariots driven at full speed.53
50. Trans. follows the reading vilihia.
51. The elephants of the quarters and Ananta are believed to uphold the earth. The latter has many hoods.
52. As a result of the destruction of the Räkşasas in the impending battle. 53. Lit. (the army) with the chariot reins slackened.
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