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very powerful, entered the army of the Raksasas like yogis into the bodies of others. The Rakṣasas, subdued by the Kapi-lords, melted away like snakes overcome by garudas, like unbaked jars overcome by water. Angered at the destruction of the Rākṣasas, Rāvana himself ran forward, splitting the earth, as it were, with the advance of the chariot. No one of the Kapi-heroes stood before him for an instant, as he advanced swift as a forest-fire, Bibhiṣaṇa respectfully restrained Rāma who had started to fight with him, came at once, and opposed Daśakandhara. Rāvaṇa said: "Oh, Bibhiṣaṇa, to whom have you resorted by whom you are thrown into battle with me angry, like a morsel of food into a mouth? This was well advised, indeed, a protection to himself by Rāma who sends you against me, the idea! like a hunter sending a dog against a boar. Even now have affection for you, my boy. So go! For today I shall kill Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with their soldiers. Do not complete the number of those being killed. Go to your own place. Today this hand (of mine) is at your back." 181
Bibhiṣaṇa said: "Rāma advanced like Death himself against you, angered, and was restrained by me by a trick. I came here under pretext of a fight, wishing to enlighten you. Today free Sītā. Be gracious. Do what I say. I have not gone to Rāma from fear of death nor from greed for the kingdom, certainly, but from fear of censure, Daśānana. Remove censure by surrendering Sītā so that I may return to you, leaving the chief of the Raghus."
CHAPTER SEVEN
Angry, Rāvana said: "Why do you show fear today, miserable Bibhiṣaṇa, evil-minded, cowardly? You have been talked to in this manner because of my fear of killing a brother, for no other reason.' Saying this, Daśakandhara twanged his bow.
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Then the brothers began to fight eagerly, drawing and raining various missiles unceasingly. Then Indrajit 181 185. As a support.
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