When the monkeys heard the news, they all rushed on, invoking the help of Rama.

The monkeys and bears, gigantic and terrible like Doom, rushed on like so many winged mountains of diverse colours. With claws and teeth, rocks and lofty trees for weapons, they breathed valour and knew no fear; Shouting victory of Rama, a veritable lion to vanquish the wild elephant Ravana, they hymned his praises.

With a shout of “Victory! Victory” on both sides and each finding his own match, the heroes closed in combat, the monkeys singing the glory of Rama and the demons extolling Ravana.

Seeing Ravana mounted on a chariot and Raghubira on foot, Vibhishana was disconcerted, his extreme affection for the Lord making him doubtful of mind; he made obeisance to his feet and spoke tenderly.

‘My lord, you have no chariot nor any protection either for your body or for your feet. How, then, can you expect to conquer this stalwart here?’ ‘Listen, friend,’ replied the All-merciful, ‘the chariot which leads one to victory is of another kind.

Valour and fortitude are the wheels of that chariot, while truthfulness and virtuous conduct are its enduring flags and pennants; strength, discretion, self-control and benevolence are its four horses, harnessed with the cords of forgiveness, compassion and evenness of mind.

The worship of God is its skilled charioteer, dispassion his shield and contentment his scimitar; charity is his axe and reason his fierce lance and the highest wisdom his relentless bow.