SECTION XLVI.

On the monkey-chiefs having departed, Rāma said unto Sugriva,—"How is it that thou knowest all the quarters of this earth?" Thereupon, the self-controlled Sugriva, bowing low, said unto Rāma,—"Do thou listen to my words. I shall relate everything. When Vāli pursued the Dānava Dunduvi,[¹⁵⁷] wearing the form of a buffalo, towards the Malaya mountain, Mahisha entered a cave of that mountain. And Vāli also, desirous of slaying the Asura, entered Malaya. And I was made to stand at the mouth in humble guise; nor did Vāli issue out, although a good year rolled away. Then the cave became filled with blood gushing out vehemently. Seeing this, I became amazed, and exercised with the poison of grief on account of my brother. And I, losing my sense, thought that my superior had for certain been slain. And I placed a crag huge as a hill at the mouth of the cave. (And thought I), 'Mahisha, unable to issue out, needs must meet his end.' And despairing of his (Vāli's) life, I retraced my steps to Kishkindhā. And obtaining the spacious kingdom along with Tārā and Uma, I began to pass my days in peace in company with his counsellors. Then came that foremost of monkeys, having slain him (Mahisha). Thereupon, I, influenced by fear, in consideration of his dignity, made over to him his monarchy. But Vāli, his senses exercised with sorrow, anxious to slay me, in company with his counsellors, pursued me, who took to my heels. Hotly pursued and chased by Vāli, I surveyed various streams and woods and cities. And I surveyed the earth like the hoof-print of a cow, or the image reflected from a mirror, or a fire-brand whirled (in the air.)[¹⁵⁸] Then repairing to the East, I see various trees, and mountains, and charming caves, and diverse tanks. And there I behold the Ascending mountain decked with gold,—and that daily abode of Apsarās—the sea of milk. And chased by Vāli, and flying on, I suddenly veered round, and then again, master, off I went. And changing that direction, I again made for the South crowded with trees belonging to Vindhya, and embellished with sandal woods. Then seeing Vāli in the mountain among trees, from the south I, pursued by Vāli, betook myself to the western quarter. And beholding various countries, and arriving at that foremost and best of mountains— Asta[¹⁵⁹]—I turned to the north; and (passed) Himavat, and Meru, and the Northern sea. But pursued by Vāli, refuge find I none. Then out spake Hanumān endeued with understanding, 'O king, now I remember me how that lord of monkeys, Vāli, was cursed by Matanga in this very hermitage. If Vāli enters (into this asylum), his head becomes cleft in hundred. There we shall dwell happily without anxiety,' O king's son, thereupon, we went to the Rhisyamuka mountain, nor did then Vāli enter there from fear of Matanga. Thus, king, did I actually see all the world. And from that place I came to this cave."