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247
BRINGING NEWS OF SITA
challenge on your part to this man?" Then the younger brother of Rama slew the Rākṣasa, Triśiras, as he was standing in his chariot, eager for battle, esteeming him like a moth.
Then Virädha, son of King Candrodara, lord of Pätālalanka, came there with an army all equipped. Wishing to propitiate Rama's brother, Viradha said: "I am your soldier, hostile to these enemies of yours. O powerful one, after expelling my father, Candrodara, these soldiers of Rāvana seized Pātālalankā. Who is a friend of the sun in the destruction of darkness? Or of you in the destruction of enemies? Nevertheless, command me for battle, lord, because I am a mere servant.".
Smiling, Lakṣmaṇa said, "Watch these enemies as I slay them. Victory from the assistance of others would be to the shame of the powerful. From today my elder brother, the scion of Raghu, is your master. Today you have been installed in the kingdom of Patalalanka by me, sir."
Seeing him obstructing his own quarrel in the presence of Lakṣmaṇa, Khara very much angered, approached with his bow strung and said: "Where is my son, Sambuka, you slayer of the unsuspecting? Why are you protected now by your friend, the miserable Virādha?"
Saumitri smiled and said: "Your younger brother, Triśiras, longing for his nephew, has been sent after him by me. If you have a very strong longing for your son and brother, I am ready with my bow strung to lead you there. Your son was killed by me by a careless blow like a small insect by a footstep, fool. There was no valor of mine in that. If now, considering yourself a soldier, you satisfy your desire, I, bestowing gifts even in a forestdwelling, shall give delight to Vama with you.'
The Raksasa Khara began to attack harshly Saumitri talking this way, an enemy, like an elephant attacking a mountain-side. Instantly Lakṣmaṇa covered the sky with arrows by the thousands, like the sun with rays. A
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