27. The Rákshasa named Rávana is heard as being very powerful, he is brother of Kubera himself, and is the son of the sage Visravas. 28. If it is he, the evil minded Rávana, that stands in the way of thy rites, we are unable to contend with that pest. 29. Power and prosperity in all their flourish come within the reach of the living at times, but they disappear at others. 30. Nowadays we are no match for such foes as Rávana and some others. Such is the decree of destiny. 31. Therefore, O thou, that art acquainted with law, do this favour to my son (as not to take him away); unlucky as I am, it is thou that art the arbiter of my fate. 32. The gods, and Asuras, the Gandharvas and Yakshas, the huge beasts, birds and serpents are unable to fight with Rávana: what are we human beings in arms to him. 33. That Rákshasa holds the prowess of the most powerful, we cannot afford to fight with him, nor even with his children. 34. This is a peculiar age in which good people are made powerless; I am moreover disabled by old age and want that spirit (that I was expected to possess) derived as I am from (the most powerful) race of the Raghus. 35. Tell me O Bráhmana! if it is Lavan the son of Madhu (the notorious Asúra) that disturbs the sacrificial rites; in that case also I will not part with my son. 36. If it be the two sons of Sunda and Upasunda terrible as they are like the sons of the sun, that disturb your sacrifice, in that case also I will not give my son to thee. 37. But after all, O Bráhman, shouldest thou snatch him from me (by dint of the supernatural power that thou possessest), then I am also dead and gone with him. I do not see any other chance of a lasting success of thy devotion (except by my death). 38. Saying these gentle words, the descendant of Raghu was drowned in the sea of suspense with regard to the demand of the sage, but being unable to arrive at a conclusion, the great king was carried away by the current of his thoughts as one by the high waves of the sea. CHAPTER IX. VISWÁMITRA’S WRATH. AND HIS ENRAGED SPEECH. Válmíki said:—On hearing this speech of the king with his piteous look and eyes full of tears, the son of Kausika became highly incensed and replied. 2. Thou art about to break thy promise after pledging thyself to its performance, and thus wishest to behave as a deer after having been a lion (before). 3. This is unbecoming of the race of Raghu, it is acting contrary (to the rules) of this great family. Hot rays must not proceed from the cool beamed moon. 4. If thou art so impotent Oh king! let me return as I came. Thou promise-breaking Kákustha live happily with thy friends. 5. As the high spirited Viswámitra now moved with ire, the earth trembled under him, and the gods were filled with fear.