KUMBHAKARNA. Kumbhakarna, the gigantic brother of the titanic Ravan,--named from the size of his ears which could contain a Kumbha or large water-jar-had such an appetite that he used to consume six months' provisions in a single day. Brahma, to relieve the alarm of the world, which had begun to entertain serious apprehensions of being eaten up, decreed that the giant should sleep six months at a time and wake for only one day during which he might consume his six months' allowance without trespassing unduly on the reproductive capabilities of the earth. When Rama invaded the capital of Ravan, the titans requiring all their forces, employed the most violent measures—and eventually with success-to wake the sleeping giant." With troubled spirit and with broken pride Through Lanka's gate the vanquisht Ravan hied, Crusht like an elephant who falls beneath The lion's spring, and feels the murderous teeth, Or like a serpent 'neath the furious wing At the swift arrows shot by Rama's arm Shafts, with the flame of lightning round them curled, Like Brahma's fiery bolts that end the world. At length, supported on his golden throne, With failing eye he spoke and humbled tone : Alas! ye giants, all the toil is vain, X Fruitless my penance and an age of pain, If I whom Indra's self confest his peer, My soul remembers-now, alas! too late The words of Brahma which foretold my fate : Against man only is thy soul unarmed.' Great Kumbhakarna, from his trance arise. And soon the foemen 'neath his arm will fall." And left his presence trembling and afraid. They carried flowery garlands, sweet and fresh, With his huge limbs at all their length outspread. The flesh of buffaloes and boars and deer. With garlands, heavenly fair, they fanned his face, And clouds of incense sweetened all the place. Then moon-bright conchs they sounded loud and long, And the cave echoed with the giants' song Then on their breasts they smote with thundering blows, And higher yet the wild commotion rose, When the loud cymbal vied with drum and horn, And fiendish war-cries on the gale upborne Through all the air in hideous discord spread, And the birds heard the din and fell down dead. But Kumbhakarna calmly took his rest : And they smote fiercely on his shaggy chest With maces, clubs, and pieces of the rock, But still he moved not yet nor felt the shock. With shell, drum, tabor, and redoubled roar ; Club, mace, staff, mallet, with strong arms applied, The unusual weight the giant's slumber broke, He shook his sides and started and awoke; And, all regardless of the wounds and blows, Yawning with thirst and faint with hunger, rose.. His jaws like hell gaped terrible and wide, Red as the sun when glaring o'er the side Of Meru. Every burning breath he drew Roared like a mighty wind that rushes through His horse-like head, with eyes that fiercely blazed When menacing the worlds with fire and storm. The giants pointed to the reeking store Of flesh of buffalo and deer and boar, And the fiend gorged him with the flesh and blood, Say, is it well with Ravan? Or has need And fear come on ye, that with heedless speed Ye thus disturb me? mark the words I say, |