CHAPTER III.

THE DEMIGODS OF THE RAMAYANA.

1. SUGRIVA.

OVER the mighty leaders of the Monkey army associated with Rama in the destruction of Ravana was King

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SUGRIVA.

[paragraph continues] Sugriva. When Vishnu, before leaving heaven to become incarnate as Rama, asked the gods to--

"Make helps, in war to lend him aid,
In forms that change at will arrayed,
Of wizard skill and hero might,
Outstrippers of the wind in flight," [**]

they consented, and "begot in countless swarms brave sons disguised in sylvan forms." Of Sugriva it is said--

"That noblest fire,
The Sun, was great Sugriva's sire." [*+]

When Rama finds this King of the Monkeys, he was an exile, having been driven from his throne by his brother Bali. Kabandha, a giant slain by Rama, gives the following description of the king to the wandering hero:--

"O Rama, hear my words and seek
Sugriva, for of him I speak.
His brother Bali, Indra's son,
Expelled him, when the fight he won.
With four great chieftains, faithful still,
He dwells on Rishyanuka's hill.
* * * *
Lord of the Vanars, just and true,
Strong, very glorious, bright to view,
Unmatched in counsel, firm and meek,
Bound by each word his lips may speak,
Good, splendid, mighty, bold and brave,
Wise in each plan to guide and save.
His brother, fired by lust of sway,
Drove forth the king in woods to stray;
In all thy search for Sita, he
Thy ready friend and help will be." [*++]

Rama discovers his retreat, hears the story of his wrongs, promises to slay , the usurper, and assist Sugriva to regain his throne; Sugriva on his part

solemnly promises to aid Rama in his search and to enable him to release Sita from Ravana's bonds. Rama very soon fulfils his part of the compact. He marches with Sugriva and the others to Bali's city; Sugriva challenges to fight, and just as he is getting the worst of it, Rama lets fly his arrow, which gives Bali his mortal wound. Ere this chief dies, he strongly reproves Rama for slaying one who had never harmed him and for slaying him too in a secret and cowardly manner. He asks--

"What fame, from one thon hast not slain
In front of battle, canst thou gain,
Whose secret hand has laid me low,
When madly fighting with my foe?
* * * *
I held that thou wouldst surely scorn
To strike me as I fought my foe,
And thought not of a stranger's blow.
But now thine evil heart is shown,
A yawning well, with grass o'ergrown.
Thou wearest virtue's badge, [**] but guile
And meanest sin thy soul defile." [*+]