was severed by him, cut off with a sharp scimitar, as if indeed, that arm were a stalk of the Tila corn.  The mighty son of Sumitra then beholding his brother standing before him struck off with his sword the right arm also of that Rakshasa.  And Lakshmana also began to repeatedly strike Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge headless monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly.  And then there came out from the Rakshasa’s body a person of celestial make.  And he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the skies, like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament.  And Rama skilled in speech, asked him, saying, ’Who art thou?  Answer me who enquire of thee?  Whence could such a thing happen?  All this seems to me to be exceedingly wonderful!’ Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied unto him, saying, ’I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of Viswavasu!  It was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to assume the form and nature of a Rakshasa.  As to thyself, O Rama, Sita hath been carried away with violence by king Ravana who dwelleth in Lanka.  Repair thou unto Sugriva who will give thee his friendship.  There, near enough to the peak of Rishyamuka is the lake known by the name of Pampa of sacred water and cranes.  There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva, the brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.  Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow.  In plight very much like thy own, he will render thee assistance.  This is all that we can say.  Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka!  Without doubt Ravana and others are known to the king of the monkeys!’ Having said these words, that celestial being of great effulgence made himself invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and Lakshmana, wondered much.”

SECTION CCLXXVIII

“Markandeya said, ’Afflicted with grief at the abduction of Sita, Rama had not to go much further before he came upon Pampa—­that lake which abounded with lotuses of various kinds.  And fanned by the cool, delicious and fragrant breezes in those woods, Rama suddenly remembered his dear spouse.  And, O mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of his, and afflicted at the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave way to lamentations.  The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, ’O thou that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness that can never touch an old man leading a regular life!  Thou hast obtained information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha!  Liberate her now with exertion and intelligence!  Let us now approach Sugriva, that foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the mountain top!  Console thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and ally, am near!’ And addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words of the same import, Rama regained his own nature and attended to the business before him.  And bathing