Why should we tarry any longer? At once issue your orders to the monkeys.’ The gods who saw the spectacle showered down blossoms in profusion and then flew to their own celestial spheres rejoicing.

At once Sugriva the Monkey King summoned the commanders of the various troops and they presented themselves in multitudes. The troops of monkeys and bears, of many colours, were all unequalled in might.

The mighty bears and monkeys bowed their heads at the Lord’s lotus feet and roared. Rama surveyed the whole monkey host and turned upon them the gracious glance of his lotus eyes.

Emboldened by Rama’s grace, the monkey captains became like huge mountains equipped with wings. Rama then sallied forth glad of heart, and many were the fair auspicious omens that met him.

It was only befitting that his setting forth should be attended by such omens, since in his glory abides all auspiciousness. The princess of Videha knew of the Lord’s march, for the throbbing of her left side apprised her of it.

But every good omen that befell Janaki foreboded ill for Ravana. Who could describe the army as it marched out with its countless monkeys and bears roaring?

With no weapon other than their sharp claws, they brandished mountains and trees (that they had uprooted on the way) and marched through the air or on the ground, for they had unhampered motion everywhere. The bears and monkeys roared like lions; the elephants of the quarters reeled and trumpeted.