Rama reminds Bali that Fate had ordained his death, against which it was useless to contend, with which statement Bali agrees, and, withdrawing his unkind words, asks for Rama's forgiveness.

On the death of Bali, Sugriva is again installed as King of the Vanars, and Rama gives him four months for the enjoyment of his long-lost wife and kingdom. At its expiration, as Sugriva appeared to be so absorbed with pleasure as to forget his engagement to assist Rama, Lakshman reminds him of his duty in no measured terms. At length the order is given to collect the forces. An army of monkeys, bears, etc., goes forth in search of Sita,

Click to enlarge
MONKEYS CONSTRUCTING THE BRIDGE AT LANKA.

who, it is discovered, is somewhere in the southern district over which Hanuman is supposed to rule, who after diligent inquiry learns her whereabouts. The army marches to the seashore; a bridge connecting the island of Lanka (Ceylon) with the mainland is erected by Nala, and the attacking army surrounds the city. No sooner were they in sight of the city of the foe than

"Up sprang Sugriva from the ground,
And reached the turret at a bound.
Unterrified the Vanar stood,
And wroth, with wondrous hardihood,
The king in bitter words addressed,
And thus his scorn and hate expressed:
'King of the giant race, in me
The friend and slave of Rama see.
Lord of the world, he gives me power
To smite thee in thy fenced tower.'
While through the air his challenge rang,
At Ravan's face the Vanar sprang,
Snatched from his head the kingly crown,
And dashed it in his fury down.
Straight at his foe the giant flew,
His mighty arms around him threw,
With strength resistless swung him round,
And dashed him panting to the ground.
Unharmed amid the storm of blows,
Swift to his feet Sugriva rose.
Again in furious fight they met;
With streams of blood their limbs were wet,
Each grasping his opponent's waist." [**]

[paragraph continues] They continue to fight with uncertain result until Ravana calls to his aid his magical arts--

"But brave Sugriva, swift to know
The guileful purpose of his foe,

[paragraph continues] Gained with light leap the upper air,
And breath, and strength, and spirit there;
Then, joyous as for victory won,
Returned to Raghu's royal son." [**]

In the course of the great fight, a giant named Kumbhakarna, a brother of Ravana, came forth from the city and did great execution amongst the Vanar host, devouring his victims as fast as they were slain, though they were numbered by thousands. Some idea of the size of this monster may be gained from the fact that