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SETUBANDHA
157
62. Thereupon hearing that the scions of Raghu were rid of the arrows, Rāvana who apprehended danger from Garuda entrusted Dhūmrākṣa with the entire conduct of the war.
63. He sallied forth, prompted by rage, just as he was carried along by his chariot. He was imbued with zeal, just as he was accompanied by the host of demons. He kept up his spirits just as he held his banner aloft; and carried his weapons, just as he harboured rancour against the enemy.
64. As the host of demons, resembling a streich of sea, confronted Hanumat along with Dhūmrākşa, it seemed to come face to face with the submarine fire.26
65. As the fatal encounter between the hosts of demons and apes began Dhūmrākşa, reminded of Akşa's 27 death, covered Hanūmat with arrows.
66. Thereafter the ape as he shook off the ineffectual arrows, stuck fast in the hair on his body, swooped down on Dhūmrākşa's chariot and smashed it; snatched his bow from him, and leaning thereon, mocked at the demon.
67. The club broke on Hanumat's arm and the mace, rebounding from his breast, was shattered and seen no more. The weapons, wielded by Dhūmrākṣa in his wrath, flew in pieces wherever they fell on the body of the ape.
68. 69.' The Son of the Wind god28 then slew Dhūrarākşa even as the latter stood erect, having pressed down his neck with the outstretched left hand. A roar like that of a lion, vibrating within the demon's breast, died away as it issued by degrees; while both his hands, stirring for a moment, became languid and drooped with the weapons slipping out of them.
70. When Dhūmrāksa fell, and the surviving Raksasa troops withdrew, Hanūmat saw Akampana coming out of Lankā, directly commanded by Rāvana.
26. The black colour of the demons is contrasted with the red hair of Hanumat.
27. Rāvana's son killed by Hanūmat during the burning of Lankā. 28. Hanūmat.
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