To met in war each evil foe Whom conscious might inspires with pride." And Viśvámitra thus replied:-- "Sprung from Pulastya's race there came A giant known by Rávan's name. Once favored by the Eternal Sire He plagues the worlds in ceaseless ire, For peerless power and might renowned, By giant bands encompassed round. Viśravas for his sire they hold, His brother is the Lord of Gold. King of the giant hosts is he, And worst of all in cruelty. This Rávan's dread commands impel Two demons who in might excel, Márícha and Suváhu Light, To trouble and impede the rite." Then thus the King addressed the sage:-- "No power have I, my lord, to wage War with this evil-minded foe; Now pity on my darling show, And upon me of hapless fate, For thee as God I venerate. Gods, spirits, bards of heavenly birth, The birds of air, the snakes of earth Before the might of Rávan quail, Much less can mortal man avail. He draws, I hear, from out the breast, The valor of the mightiest. No, ne'er can I with him contend, Or with the forces he may send. How can I then my darling lend, Godlike, unskilled in battle? No, I will not let my young child go. Foes of thy rite, those mighty ones, Sunda and Upasunda's sons, Are fierce as Fate to overthrow: I will not let my young child go. Márícha and Suváhu fell Are valiant and instructed well. One of the twain I might attack With all my friends their lord to back." CANTO XXIII VAŚISHTHA'S SPEECH