Ramakien — Thai Book 112 · Tianmu Anglican Church

Good Works Translation from Thai

This is the one-hundred-twelfth สมุดไทย unit of the Rama I Ramakien as published by the Vajirayana Digital Library. It follows Tripakkan, son of Kuwer of Kalawut, hunting in Himavanta and attacking Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman; Hanuman killing Kalawut and Lakshmana killing Tripakkan; Kuwer mustering his armies and being killed by Rama's Brahmastra in Garuda form; Rama moving on through the forest; Hanuman subduing the cursed cave-demon Kumpanthurat, who is released back into divine form; the monkey kings following Rama from Ayutthaya; and Rama continuing his forest wandering with the monkey host while longing for Sita in the naga realm.

Translation

Rama Defeats Kuwer and Releases the Cursed Cave-Demon

[10 words]

Now the story speaks of Thao Kuwer the yaksha, mighty in power and sacred authority, ruler of Kalawut city. Garudas, nagas, vidyadharas, gods of every rank, and all beings feared his force; no one could withstand him. He had a beloved queen named Kesini, beautiful as a heavenly apsara and crown of the palace women. Their son was Tripakkan, a rough, cruel, arrogant yaksha who harassed gods and powerful asuras. His elephants, horses, soldiers, and armies crowded the upper heavens; they could fly through the sky as they wished, and he held sway over the whole city.

[4 words]

Then Tripakkan, mighty yaksha, lay awake at night with a restless heart, thinking that he wanted to go roaming and hunting four-footed beasts in the great forest. When dawn cleared and daylight rose, he went up to attend his father.

[2 words]

When he reached him, he bowed at the yaksha king's lotus feet and said, "Your son asks leave to go play in the forest."

[4 words]

Then Thao Kuwer, lord of yakshas, heard his beloved son. Filled with affection, he embraced him and kissed his hair. "Jewel of my eyes, if you wish to go play in the wilds, follow your heart, my child."

[4 words]

Then mighty Tripakkan heard and rejoiced; his face shone clear like the moon. He bowed at the feet of his radiant father, took leave, left the throne hall, and went to his shining golden palace.

[2 words]

When he arrived, he gave command to the yaksha Kalawut: "Prepare the fourfold army. I am going to play in the wilds."

[2 words]

Then Kalawut, wise in service, received the prince's command, bowed, and hurried out.

[6 words]

He formed the army in proper order, choosing only rough yaksha troops. One group had grimacing faces and bulging eyes and carried stone clubs. One group had tiger faces and striped bodies and held golden guns ready. One group wore mask-like faces with clenched teeth and carried bows with poisoned arrows. One group had dark commoner faces, carrying dark spears and tucked daggers. Each boasted of his own power, and they packed the sky close together.

[2 words]

Then mighty Tripakkan, once the army was ready, entered the bathing place.

[8 words]

They opened jeweled lotus pipes of gold, and water fell as fine rain. He put on fragrant perfume mixed with flowers and gold blossoms. He wore paneled trousers, a patterned cloth with royal-lion designs, shining side-panels, a velvet garment with floating patterns, directional pendants, coral breast ornaments, hanging emerald chains, gold armlets flashing with gems, diamond rings in gold settings, a crown, earrings, flowers, and nine-jeweled ear ornaments. He girded on his mace, took his bow, and came to mount his splendid horse.

[8 words]

The royal horse was tall, handsome, proud, and brave. It wore blazing nine-jeweled harness, saddle, breast-strap, and golden bridle, with yak-tail tassels hanging from its ears. It could be ridden in every gait, leaping, twisting, and crying out, proud and fast as wind. The troops shouted and surged as if rushing to bite. Jeweled chains, gongs, drums, curved trumpets, and foreign horns raised a tumult. Dust darkened the upper sky as the horses and soldiers pressed forward.

[2 words]

They passed the city gates and borders and entered the great Himavanta forest. Tripakkan ordered the forces to divide and surround the deer and wild animals.

[2 words]

Then the yaksha soldiers received the command and gladly drove the hunt, shouting until the forest roared with confusion.

[2 words]

Then fierce and mighty Tripakkan swung his spear, spurred his horse, and charged among the deer, stabbing through the hunt.

[2 words; dialogue]

Wild cattle, bulls, rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, and antelope fell dead beyond counting. The great army chased, caught, and ate for sport and delight.

[2 words]

When that was done, he raised the army of brave soldiers, crossed mountains and harsh high forests, and the demon lord was glad in spirit.

[8 words]

Turning through Himavanta and looking left and right, he saw two beautiful human men and one monkey beneath a banyan shade. He wondered greatly: "Where have these creatures come from? They do not know they will die by yaksha power." Pleased, he clapped his hands and laughed. "Hey, all you troops, hurry and seize the humans for me. Whoever they are, do not kill them or end their lives. I will take them to present to my father. As for the wild monkey, I care nothing for it."

[4 words]

Then the mighty yaksha troops received the demon lord's order and displayed their fierce power. Gnashing their teeth, stamping until the earth shook, and brandishing weapons like flames, they ran in together.

[4 words]

Then Narai of the solar line saw the yaksha forces attacking in a rush. He gave royal command to brave Hanuman: "You are mighty. Strike down and kill these asura troops."

[2 words]

Then the son of the Wind, brave in victory, received the command with joined hands, drew his trident, and leapt into the fight.

[2 words]

He kicked with his feet, struck with his hands, beat and cut them down, and countless bodies lay dead. The demon troops scattered in defeat before his victorious power.

[4 words]

Then Kalawut, the commander, saw the monkey destroying the demon army. His anger burned like the fire at the end of an age. Red-eyed as the sun, grinding his teeth, he swung his club, stamped, leapt, and came to match power with the monkey.

[2 words]

Then mighty Hanuman, brave in war, turned, guarded, cut, and chased through the confusion.

[2 words]

With his left hand he seized the demon's club, sprang up onto his shoulder, stabbed him with the diamond trident, cut off his head, and threw it away at once.

[6 words]

Then Tripakkan saw his troops die in heaps and Kalawut the asura killed. Shaking with rage, he thundered like a thunderclap: "You arrogant monkey, I will kill you and end you." Speaking, he brandished his bow, displayed power until the earth shook, stamped, drove his noble horse, and charged in.

[2 words]

Then Phraya Anuchit, splendid monkey, met and parried the attack, and, seeing his moment, sprang forward.

[2 words]

With one hand he caught the bridle, wheeled aside, leapt up, and broke the horse's neck. By monkey power, the horse died.

[2 words]

Then Tripakkan, demon lord and brave fighter, fell down to the ground and swung his bow, rushing in to attack.

[2 words]

He planted his left foot on the monkey's right knee and reached to pull his neck. The two brave fighters struggled, taking turns to throw and twist each other.

[4 words]

Then mighty Hanuman, great soldier, changed tactics with quick agility and charged back and forth. He kicked the demon lord in the chest, leapt to seize both feet, and slammed him down on the earth, but the asura did not die.

[4 words]

Then he clapped his hands and mocked him: "Hey, deluded fool, you are like a chick, yet you come to fight the victorious Garuda. The asura armies of Lanka and Maliwan, the solar-line and Brahma-line yakshas, all perished by my power."

[8 words]

Then mighty Tripakkan heard, and his anger multiplied. He shouted back: "Look at this, you beast, arrogant and rough in speech. You boast that you have power; who would fear your force? I am Tripakkan, lord of yakshas, before whom all three worlds cannot stand. I am son of Thao Kuwer, ruler of mighty Kalawut city, with wealth and fourfold armies beyond counting. What are you and these humans? You will all die this instant."

[14 words]

Then the son of the Wind, brave in victory, heard the asura's words. He clapped his hands, pointed at the demon's face, and answered: "I am Phraya Anuchit, great soldier of radiant Narai, who came from Vaikuntha and the Ocean of Milk, born in the solar-line emperor's house, surpassing all kings, a jeweled parasol over the earth and crown of Ayutthaya. His name is mighty Phra Rames, glorious through the ten directions, wielder of three great arrows, highest in power. Countless unrighteous fools have died by his hand. Now he has left the victorious city and come to walk the forest with Lakshmana his younger brother and with me, servant at his feet, hoping to sustain the earth and make it happy. Hurry to bow before him, yaksha, and you will preserve your life. Otherwise you will die by the avatar's force."

[6 words]

Then mighty and fearless Tripakkan heard and grew angry as the fire of the age. He clapped his hands and answered: "Hey, lying monkey, perhaps you are only flattering them. When did Narai incarnate? You invent this slanderous speech. They are humans holding bows. What great power can they have? Why should asuras tremble? Before long their lives will end."

[4 words]

Then Lakshmana, radiant and divinely made, heard the yaksha's stubborn, rough words. Anger flashed like lightning. He bowed to his shining elder brother, swung his jeweled bow, and rushed to attack the demon lord.

[4 words]

Then bold and mighty Tripakkan met him, guarded, and fought. They chased and fled by turns, moving swiftly left and right, each using skill and power, each striking to kill without lowering his arm.

[2 words]

Then the avatar's younger brother, brave in war, struck with the powerful bow. The king charged in and seized him.

[2 words]

Planting his left foot on the demon's right knee, he wheeled as if turning a discus. The blow struck Tripakkan, and by its force the demon staggered and reeled.

[4 words]

Then the son of Thao Kuwer, pained and bruised through all his limbs, burned with rage like fire in the sky. He drew his powerful bow, set it to the string, aimed to kill, pulled with all his strength, and released.

[2 words]

The sound was like the wind at the end of an age; the earth shook in fear. By the asura's power, the sky filled with weapons.

[4 words]

Then radiant Lakshmana of the solar line saw the weapons coming to attack. The king drew his own bow, set the string, and stood beautiful as the lord who rides the swan. Aiming to end the yaksha's life, the younger brother of the mighty lord released his arrow.

[2 words; lament]

It destroyed the demon lord's weapons, which shattered and could not withstand its force. It struck Tripakkan dead, and he fell upon the earth.

[2 words]

When the radiant younger brother of Phra Harirak had finished destroying the yaksha lord, he and mighty Phraya Anuchit went gladly to attend Phra Chakri.

[4 words]

Then Phra Harirak, lord Narai, saw his splendid younger brother and powerful Phraya Anuchit return victorious over the wicked ones. He was delighted and gave them sweet blessings.

[4 words]

Then the asura survivors, hiding at the edge of the forest, saw Tripakkan dead. Pale-faced, shaking, teeth bared, and hair standing on end, they could not stay. Each forced a path through the woods and hurried back to Kalawut city.

[4 words]

When they arrived, they bowed at the feet of the yaksha king and reported: "Your beloved son went to sport in the forest and met two powerful humans and one active monkey. They fought and killed your son, and all the army died with him."

[8 words]

Then Thao Kuwer, lord of yakshas, heard the news and burned like fire. The asura raged, grinding his teeth, stamping, and roaring like thunder: "Who is so bold and arrogant as to insult me without fear? I have power and authority and have subdued all heaven. These humans and that monkey I will reduce to dust." He gave royal command: "Hey, demon ministers, hurry and prepare the army. I will go fight these enemies."

[2 words]

Then the great demon ministers received the command of their powerful lord, bowed, and hurried out.

[8 words]

They levied the soldiers, choosing only fierce and powerful fighters. Some rode elephants and carried hooked glaives. Some rode horses and held lances, wheeling about. Some rode fierce rhinoceroses and fired guns with clenched teeth. Some rode lions, camels, donkeys, goats, sheep, tigers, boars, wild bulls, buffaloes, and deer. All brandished weapons flashing like lightning, forming ordered ranks while officers and soldiers waited for the asura lord.

[2 words]

Then Thao Kuwer, lord of yakshas, when the army was ready, entered the bathing place.

[8 words]

He bathed and refreshed his body in sweet-scented water, put on perfume mixed with flowers, and attendants waved fans. He wore paneled trousers, a patterned cloth with royal-lion designs, shining side-panels, jewel-studded naga-scale armor, directional pendants, breast ornaments, war chains, crystal girdle, gold armlets carved with gems, diamond rings, and a great jeweled crown with bright ornaments at left and right. Bow in hand, mace at his side, he went to mount the victory chariot.

[10 words]

The war chariot was a royal chariot, with crystal wheels and jeweled fittings, graceful curved yoke, tiered forms, and images encircling the floating throne. Jeweled pillars mixed with gold, golden gables, four shining sides, and five glittering spires flashed. Four thousand lions drew it, with Lothan holding the spear and urging them on like wind; the wheels thundered through sky and earth. Parasols, standards, victory banners, pipes, drums, foreign trumpets, and curved horns resounded. The soldiers shouted like endless waves in the sea. Dust darkened the sky as the army marched.

[6 words]

Then Narai, lord of the solar line, heard the roar and looked to see the asura army. He said to his noble younger brother and the son of the Wind: "Those wicked ones whose kin died have now come to fight. I will destroy them and send them after the dead with my arrows." Having spoken, he called Lakshmana and went forth, with the royal monkey following.

[6 words]

Then mighty Hanuman, brave soldier, rejoiced because he would destroy asuras. He bowed at the feet of radiant Narai and said, "Let me take the fight and destroy the enemy army." Then he drew and swung his trident, shaking the earth with his power, and leapt out to stand across the road.

[6 words]

Then Thao Kuwer hastened his chariot and tenfold army out from the edge of the forest. Seeing the monkey blocking the road and the two bow-bearing human lords, he burned with rage and proclaimed: "Hey, fierce soldiers, kill the humans and monkey. Leave not even blood on grass, so my heart may be satisfied at their arrogance."

[2 words]

Then Kalsun, commander of the vanguard, received the order and drove his troops into battle against the monkey.

[2 words]

They hurled weapons, fired guns, crossbows, and arrows; some swung javelins and spears. The fighting became wild confusion.

[4 words]

Then Phraya Anuchit, splendid monkey, seized the asuras' weapons and struck left and right. He kicked, grabbed, beat, and flung them so that heads and bodies fell beyond counting. The demon troops broke throughout the victorious army, and the monkey lord bounded after them.

[4 words]

Then Kalsun, vanguard commander, saw the soldiers defeated and dead. His anger burned like the fire of the age. Brandishing his great spear and shaking all directions with his roar, he ground his teeth and leapt in to kill the monkey.

[2 words]

Then mighty Hanuman, brave in war, met, guarded, and fought without giving ground.

[2 words]

He jumped onto the demon's knee and bent back his head, wheeling around like a spinning discus. Each stabbed, cut, and struck, holding fast in battle.

[2 words]

Then mighty Kalsun the yaksha pressed the fight with power, stabbing left and right in confusion.

[2 words]

The two brave ones grappled. Each parried, received, and moved amid the tangle; each was fierce and enduring, each avoiding at the right moment.

[4 words]

Then Hanuman, brave in victory, seized the asura's spear and stabbed again and again. It struck the demon's body many times; unable to endure the force, he fell, and his life ended by great power.

[4 words]

Then Thao Kuwer saw the monkey kill the vanguard and the soldiers lying dead in heaps. Furious, he stamped, urged on the chariot, and drove his tenfold army hard into the attack, with a noise that shook the whole earth.

[4 words]

Then the two radiant blessed lords saw the yaksha army pressing in with numberless troops. They each raised a powerful arrow, proud as gods, drew the strings, stood firm, and released together.

[2 words]

The crash sounded like thunderbolts. The world shook in every direction. The arrows struck the army, and the asuras died throughout the host.

[2 words]

Then Phraya Anuchit, great soldier, sprang and bounded forward, fighting through the asura chariot.

[2 words]

The lions and charioteer all died. He smashed the yaksha king's chariot into useless wreckage and mocked him as he moved about.

[4 words]

Then Thao Kuwer, lord of yakshas, having lost chariot and tenfold army, burned with rage like the fire of the age. He drew his powerful bow, set it to the string, aimed fiercely to kill, pulled with victorious strength, and released at once.

[2 words]

It struck the trees in the forest, breaking and felling them everywhere. Flames blazed up, hot as the fire at the end of an age.

[2 words]

Then the jeweled discus-lord saw the yaksha's shining fire-arrow. The righteous lord drew an arrow and released it.

[2 words]

It became clouds covering the sky. Thunder roared in fear, and rain fell at once, extinguishing the fire by power.

[2 words]

Then Thao Kuwer, lord of yakshas, raged like fire and swung his bow into close combat.

[2 words]

He struck left, shifted, and struck right with furious strength, leaping and grappling in confusion, attacking without pause.

[4 words]

Then the avatar, brave in war, met, parried, and fought, raising the bow to strike. Lakshmana rushed in and hit the yaksha's body, while Hanuman ran in to attack; each took turns seizing and fighting.

[2 words]

Then mighty Thao Kuwer, fierce and strong, alone met and guarded against them all, standing firm in combat.

[2 words]

They chased, circled, came in and out, showing courage. Each withdrew, received, and fought; the demon lord did not care for life.

[4 words]

Then radiant Phra Harirak, Lakshmana, and powerful Hanuman surrounded and struck the asura. The two lords beat him with their bows, while the monkey lord charged, kicked, and stabbed with the diamond trident, making the asura stumble and roll.

[4 words]

Then brave Thao Kuwer felt pain as if life itself were being destroyed, yet did not care for life. Grinding his teeth, he set an arrow to the string, meaning to destroy the two humans and splendid monkey, drew with all his bodily force, and released.

[2 words]

The arrow became a vast naga, mouth open and spitting poison, gliding in pursuit. By the asura's power, darkness hid the sun.

[2 words]

Then Narai of the solar line, bow in hand, saw the asura's arrow become a serpent, flickering its tongue and spitting poison like fire.

[2 words]

He took up the Brahmastra and set it to the string, beautiful like radiant Shiva. Aiming to destroy the asura's weapon, the king released it with power.

[4 words]

That arrow became the lord Garuda, displaying fierce heroic power and roaring as it flew through the world. It seized and crushed the naga into nothing, then struck Kuwer the demon lord through the chest. Unable to resist its force, he fell and died by the power of Phra Chakri.

[8 words]

Then the gods and heavenly women of every rank saw the discus-bearing emperor kill the asura. They rejoiced, praised him, clapped their hands, and leaned from the windows of every heavenly mansion, laughing and celebrating. Some scattered golden and mandara flowers; divine fragrance filled the heart. They gave victory and blessing throughout the heavenly city: "May your majesty hold power and subdue the ten directions. May every wicked enemy come into the righteous lord's hand."

[10 words]

Then mighty Phra Chakkrit, when the demon had been destroyed and the gods had scattered divine flowers, picked up the blossoms and smelled their sweet pollen. The wind blew softly, and his heart was greatly refreshed. He gave royal command to Lakshmana and the son of the Wind: "This place is not auspicious; asura corpses foul the ground. We must travel through the forest and find a clean resting place, pleasing to the heart, with fine water and fruit." Having spoken, he walked like a brave lion out from the splendid jeweled cave, with Lakshmana and Hanuman following.

[2 words]

They turned and cut through the forest, looking left and right. The king thought of his chief beloved queen as he moved along the forest road.

[12 words]

He admired mountains with broad stone slopes, strange and more beautiful than every peak, high as clouds in the sky, with overhangs and shining ledges. Some were deep hollows and wall-like shelters, with stepped seats, hanging tassels of patterned stone, and jeweled forms like golden lotus clusters. Some looked like cool hermitage pavilions, secluded and suspended, their colored light shining. White places were white like conch-shell; green like a peacock's throat; red like blood-gems; mist-colored like evening clouds; yellow bright as plated gold; purple and blue-black mixed together. Water pipes burst through the rock, rushing, leaping, spraying like rain, overflowing into loud streams. The more he looked, the more his eyes delighted as he passed through the mountain forest.

[4 words]

After fifteen and a half yojanas, they reached a great ashoka tree. The ground was clean and pleasing, with shaded trees in rows, flowers and fruit thick everywhere, and complete water. They invited one another to stop and rest in delight.

[8 words]

Now the story speaks of Kumpanthurat the yaksha, cursed by Shiva, lord of the world, to live in a divine cave. The forest district, one thousand yojanas wide, had been granted by omniscient Shiva to sustain his life. Any lion or animal that strayed into it became the yaksha's food. At dawn, he dressed his body, took nagas for his chains, wound one over his head with its hood raised, swung a mace like the fire of the age, and went out from the beautiful cave.

[2 words]

He wandered and roamed through the mountain forests, chasing bulls and deer and eating them with pleasure.

[2 words]

When finished, he turned and played in the cool secluded forest, following waterways and streams, crossing pools and passing mountain slopes.

[8 words]

After about a yojana and a half, he reached the great ashoka tree. Seeing two bright human men, beautiful as gods, and one clean white monkey, he was deeply amazed. "Are these solar-line kings? Why have they no army? Or are they forest ascetics traveling with a splendid monkey? Today my mouth has merit; I will eat good food that pleases me." Thinking this, he displayed power until the ten directions shook, swung his club like firelight, and leapt forward with force.

[4 words]

Then the bold and brave son of the Wind saw the arrogant yaksha and burned with anger like the fire at the end of an age. Grinding his teeth and stamping, he asserted his power, drew his trident, leapt, and attacked the asura.

[4 words]

Then Kumpanthurat the yaksha met him, guarded, and struck, quickly grappling the monkey. He hit left and right in confusion; each fled, chased, struck, and stabbed without easing.

[4 words]

Then mighty Hanuman, brave in war, fought close and seized the asura. He set his left foot on the demon's right knee, grabbed and clawed the yaksha's head, turned and changed position in battle, and swung his trident to kill.

[4 words]

Then the strong and mighty demon fought without regard for life. Grinding his teeth, he grappled with power, sprang onto the monkey's shoulder, raised his club, and the two wheeled and seized one another in confusion, each intent on victory.

[4 words]

Then Phraya Anuchit, the great soldier, dodged with quick agility, seeming to flee and lure the demon into an opening. Aiming carefully, he leapt, seized the yaksha's body, and hurled him with all his strength against a Himavanta mountain slope.

[12 words]

Then Kumpanthurat, brave in spirit, struck the mountain and fell to the earth, but his body was not harmed. He sprang up, stood firm, gnashed his teeth, swung his club, and rushed back in with asura rage, shouting: "Hey, beast, you do not know radiant Death. What are your names, you and these two humans? What is your race and lineage, and where is your home city? You have arrogantly entered Himavanta. This forest district was granted to me as a boundary by Shiva, one thousand yojanas around. I will chew up these two humans and you, misformed one, for food, leaving no flesh or blood for vultures and crows, this very instant."

[12 words]

Then Hanuman, brave in victory, heard and answered at once: "Hey, vile asura, what are you? What name do you bear, that you boast of courage? You are like a moth flying into the fire of the age; your life will vanish in a blink. Even great Thotsakan, the twenty-armed, ten-faced demon lord, bold and arrogant, brought his whole clan to death. Do you not know that the Garuda-riding lord incarnated to destroy envious and unrighteous asuras? His name is Phra Rama, ruler of Ayutthaya, and he has come to walk the forest with beautiful Lakshmana his younger brother. I am the son of the Wind, raised by Narai as a great soldier, named Phraya Anuchit of mighty power. I will destroy your life."

[14 words]

Then Kumpanthurat the yaksha realized this was Phra Chakri. Fear beyond measure rose in him; his hair stood on end and heat ran over his flesh. With joined hands and a shaking body, the asura cried for forgiveness: "I did not know this was the avatar and so acted with arrogant roughness. This fault deserves death; please show mercy. I am named Sunon Thewet, servant at the feet of radiant Shiva. I erred by teasing Lady Rachani, and the dust of Shiva's feet was offended. He cursed me to live in the jeweled cave under the name Kumpanthurat. When the discus-bearing lord incarnated to destroy unrighteous beings, if I bowed at Phra Harirak's feet and received his blessing, then I would be free of the curse, become a god again, and go to golden Kailasa. By merit I have met the feet of radiant Narai. Please be kind to me and take me to attend Phra Chakri."

[4 words]

Then the bold and brave son of the Wind understood that this was a god cursed by radiant Shiva. His anger vanished; he no longer held hostility. Feeling pity, he brought him to attend Phra Chakri.

[2 words]

When they arrived, the monkey lord raised his hands and bowed at the honored feet, reporting the asura's words fully and completely.

[4 words]

Then the lord who subdues all three worlds heard mighty Hanuman. He commanded: "Kumpanthurat, because you did not know and acted carelessly, I forgive this fault. Be freed from the curse of the lord of the three worlds."

[4 words]

Then Kumpanthurat the yaksha bowed his head and gladly received the blessing. His body changed back into a god. He raised his hands and offered homage, took leave of radiant Narai's feet, gave victory-blessings to the righteous lord, and flew to the golden mountain.

[12 words]

Then radiant Phraya Waiwongsa and the eighteen crowned monkey lords, who had gone to rule asura cities, learned that Phra Harirak had ordered his beloved chief queen killed, that by the woman's truth her life had not ended, that she had wandered to a great forest hermitage and given birth to glorious sons, that the boys were fourteen years old and skilled in archery, powerful beyond the sky, and had been received into the city, but that Phra Chakri was unwell in spirit. Thao Thotsakhiriwong had prophesied that the planets were dangerously severe, so Rama had taken Lakshmana and Phraya Anuchit to walk the forest. They thought with longing: "It is not fitting for us to stay in the royal city. We must follow the lord of the earth and serve beneath his lotus feet."

[2 words]

Having thought this, they adorned themselves in shining splendor. Each flew swiftly through the sky, all together, toward Ayutthaya.

[2 words]

When they arrived, they descended from the air before the royal palace and went to minister Sumanthan. Together they went up to attend the kings.

[6 words]

Each bowed at the lotus feet of radiant Phra Phrot, Phra Satrut, and the two sons of Phra Chakri. Then the monkey lords spoke gently: "All of your servants have learned that the bow-bearing avatar and mighty Lakshmana have gone with Phraya Anuchit to walk the forest. Therefore we have come to attend the feet of the royal younger brothers, hoping to learn the first road, so we may follow Phra Chakri."

[8 words]

Then the two younger brothers of lord Narai heard and rejoiced as if they had gained the city of heaven. They gave command: "Mighty kings great and small, we too originally intended to follow him. His majesty ordered us to guard the royal palace, the borders, the city, and his two beloved grandsons; after one year he will return. Since your hearts are loyal to our elder brother, go eastward, and you will find radiant Phra Chakri."

[4 words]

Then the monkey kings great and small heard the king's words and rejoiced. They bowed at the feet of the four kings, left Ayutthaya city, and went into the forest.

[2 words]

They crossed open fields toward the deep woods, turned along the mountain foot, flew over the Great Ocean, and traveled by the forest road.

[4 words]

After many nights of travel, they reached the thick-leaved great ashoka tree. Looking out, they saw Phra Chakri with his mighty younger brother and the bold son of the Wind. Delighted, they went in and bowed at the lotus feet of the two powerful kings.

[6 words]

Then the jeweled discus-lord of the solar line saw the lord of Khitkhin city and the monkey kings and officers come following his feet. The lord of the earth was pleased and greeted them gently: "Mighty ones, are your homes, cities, and armies well and happy? Why have you labored through the wilderness to follow me into hardship?"

[10 words]

Then the brave younger brother of Pali and the victorious monkey kings answered Phra Chakri's command: "All the cities are without suffering and full of happiness because your majesty's foot-dust spreads shelter everywhere. We learned that the lord and crown of our heads, burning and darkened in heart, left royal power and came to walk the forest with mighty Lakshmana and the son of the Wind, servant at your feet. None of us should remain in the city. Therefore we followed the jeweled discus-lord, crown of the worlds, hoping to repay your kindness until life ends."

[8 words]

Then the lord of the three worlds heard his fierce soldiers and spoke: "This time I came to walk the forest because Phraya Phiphek the yaksha predicted that an evil fate had set a year before the killing influence would pass. Now five months and seven days have gone by. We will continue traveling in the great forest, subduing unrighteous enemies so the three worlds may remain happy." Having said this, he led his noble younger brother forward, moving proudly like a lion, while all the monkey kings followed into the deep woods.

[12 words]

The lord admired the birds. Some flew and sang sweetly; sea-birds recalled the softness of his beloved woman and the love once held close. Parrots sat in pairs and chattered like his beloved smiling beside him. Chak-phrak birds called in lament, like himself parted from the lovely woman. Fire-colored birds were like fire heaped in his breast from thinking of her. Myna birds were like his own grief and bitter suffering. Rang-nan birds recalled how long he had been parted from her chamber; forest-watch birds recalled his hard wandering in the wilds. Pheasants flew with their flocks like his pleas to the beloved woman. Five-colored birds climbed flowering vines like the day she escaped from him into the underworld. Wind-eating birds were like himself living on tears. "This suffering is beyond measure," the sky-ruling lord lamented as he went.

[4 words]

Turning through the forest, they came to a mountain high against the sky, filled with many trees and swaying flowers and fruits. It was a secluded happy place, with mountain slopes, rocks, and flowing streams. He went in and settled beneath the mountain overhang.

[4 words]

Then Phraya Waiwongsa, splendid monkey, and all the monkey officers and kings rejoiced. They served and sustained the two kings, taking care of them together, gathering delicious fruit and water for bathing and eating always.

[12 words]

Then Phra Harirak, when the sunlight ended and moonlight brightened the sky, lay down on a stone slope of the mountain. He looked at the shining stars scattered over the sky. Cicadas and forest insects sounded like music played in offering. Dew fell in fine drops; the wind brought the fragrance of flowers, spreading sweet scent through the woods. He thought of the lovely queen: "What is she like now? Is she always angry at me, or does she think of me at all? Who will carry news into the naga realm, telling her that I have left the royal city, suffering in grief and wandering the forest, always restless and lamenting for her, never sleeping at night?"

[4 words]

When the sun shone and golden rays grew bright, with jeweled birds and jungle fowl calling through the woods, he invited mighty Lakshmana and walked with graceful steps, joined by the brave soldiers, down to the foot of the mountain.

Colophon

This Good Works translation was made from the Thai source text of บทละครเรื่องรามเกียรติ์, สมุดไทยเล่มที่ ๑๑๒, in the Vajirayana Digital Library edition. The translation keeps Thai royal and mythic names in a light English transliteration while preserving familiar Sanskritic identities in the source colophon and cross-traditional names where applicable: Phra Rama / Phra Chakri / Phra Kritsanurak / Phra Harirak / Phra Narai as Vishnu or Rama, Sita, Phra Lak / Lakshmana, Hanuman / Phraya Anuchit / son of the Wind / Phra Phai, Phra Phrot / Bharata, Phra Satrut / Shatrughna, Phra Mongkut, Phra Lop / Lava, Phiphek / Thao Thotsakhiriwong, Thao Kuwer, Kesini, Tripakkan, Kalawut, Kalsun, Kumpanthurat / Sunon Thewet, Shiva / Phra Isuan / Phra Suli, Rachani, Garuda, Brahmastra, Himavanta, Kalawut city, Ayutthaya, Lanka, Khitkhin, the naga realm, Kailasa, and the Great Ocean.

The English is a complete prose rendering of this source unit. The stage/meter cues are preserved as bracketed cues rather than treated as narrative speech.

[ฯ ๔ คำ ฯ]

Stanza 239

๏ เมื่อนั้น / องค์พระหริรักษ์รังสรรค์
ครั้นสิ้นแสงสีรวีวรรณ / แสงจันทร์จำรัสอัมพร
จึ่งเอนพระองค์ลงไสยาสน์ / เหนือศีลาลาดสิงขร
ทรงทอดทัศนาดารากร / ประภัสสรผ่องพื้นโพยมพราย
เรไรจักจั่นสนั่นเสียง / ดั่งจำเรียงสังคีตประโคมถวาย
นํ้าค้างพรอยพรมละอองอาย / พระพายพัดพากลิ่นสุมามาลย์
เฟื่องฟุ้งอวลอบตลบดง / ทรงรสเสาวคนธ์หอมหวาน
ให้คะนึงถึงองค์นงคราญ / ปานนี้จะเป็นประการใด
จะคุมแค้นพี่อยู่เป็นนิจ / หรือจะคิดถึงบ้างเป็นไฉน
ใครเลยจะนำข่าวไป / ถึงในพิภพนาคา
ว่าพี่นี้จากนคเรศ / แสนเทวษทรมานมาเดินป่า
แต่รัญจวนครวญถึงกัลยา / มิได้นิทราในราตรี ฯ

Meter 240

[ฯ ๑๒ คำ ฯ]

Stanza 241

๏ ครั้นพระสุริยาเรื่อรอง / แสงทองจำรัสรัศมี
เสนาะเสียงไก่แก้วสกุณี / ร้องมี่ขานขันสนั่นดง
จึ่งชวนพระลักษมณ์ฤทธิรอน / กรายกรย่างเยื้องดำเนินหงส์
พร้อมด้วยทหารชาญณรงค์ / ลงไปยังเชิงบรรพตา ฯ

Meter 242

[ฯ ๔ คำ ฯ]

Source Colophon

Source: Vajirayana Digital Library, บทละครเรื่องรามเกียรติ์, สมุดไทยเล่มที่ ๑๑๒.

Canonical source URL: https://vajirayana.org/บทละครเรื่องรามเกียรติ์/สมุดไทยเล่มที่-๑๑๒

The source page metadata gives the page title as สมุดไทยเล่มที่ ๑๑๒, text type as Text, and page description beginning ๏ มาจะกล่าวบทไป ถึงท้าวกุเวรยักษา. The source unit extracted here contains 0 proems, 121 stanza blocks, 540 stanza rows, 0 cue blocks, and 121 meter or word-count notes.