As through the cloud red lightning plays,

He scaled the palaces and spread

The conflagration where he sped.

From house to house he hurried on,

And the wild flames behind him shone.

Each mansion of the foe he scaled,

And furious fire its roof assailed

Till all the common ruin shared:

Vibhishaṇ's house alone was spared.

From blazing pile to pile he sprang,