Can he with a heart bent on hostility towards every creature or he who is under the spell of infatuation, an enemy of Rama and a slave of lust, even dream of enjoying, prosperity, good omens and peace of mind?

The countless demon troops sallied forth, regiments of elephants and chariots, foot and horse, the four divisions of the army, well equipped with chariots and cars and other vehicles of every description, with numerous banners and standards of diverse hues.

Countless herds of wrathful elephants move forth like rain clouds driven by the wind, and battalions of distinguished warriors wearing uniforms of various colours all valiant in battle and conversant with many illusive tricks.

Exceedingly marvellous and magnificent was the army, like the mustered array of the gallant god of spring. Even as the army marched forth, the elephants of the quarters staggered under its vast weight, the ocean was stirred and the mountains rocked.

Dust rose in clouds that veiled the sun, the wind failed and the earth was troubled. Drums and kettledrums made an awful din, like the crash of thunder-clouds on the day of dissolution.

Kettledrums, trumpets and clarionets sounded the martial strain that gladdens the warriors. All the heroes roared like lions, each glorifying his own might and valour.

‘Listen, my valiant warriors!’ cried the Ten-headed. ‘Crush all the hordes of bears and monkeys! I myself shall slay the two brother princes!’ So spoke he, and ordered his army to march forward.