Ravana of the Ten Heads then comforted all the womenfolk in various ways. ‘See and realize in your hearts,’ he said, ‘that the entire universe is perishable.’

Ravana taught them sound wisdom; though evil-minded himself, his counsel was good and wholesome! Indeed there are hosts of people clever in instructing others, but few are those who practise good morals themselves.

When the night was spent and the light of dawn spread, the bears and monkeys again beset the four gates. The Ten-headed summoned his champions and said, ‘He whose heart quails before the enemy in battle,

Had better withdraw even now; for to slink back from the field of battle is but to incur obloquy. Relying on the strength of my own arms, I have picked up the gauntlet and shall give my answer to the foe who has invaded us.’

Thus speaking, he made ready his chariot, swift as the wind, while every instrument of music began to sound forth a strain of deadly combat. On marched all the peerless stalwarts in their unchallenged valiance, sweeping along like a whirlwind of soot.

At that time occurred innumerable omens of ill, but he heeded them not, in the overweening arrogance of the strength of his arms.

In his overweening pride he took no heed of the omens, good or bad. Weapons dropped from the hands and warriors fell from the chariots, while horses neighed and elephants trumpeted as they ran out of the battle-line; jackals, vultures and donkeys gave a shrill cry, while huge packs of dogs made a frightful clamour, and owls, like harbingers of doom, hooted weirdly.