Lak and Hanuman Fight with Mulplam
(Wat Pho in Bangkok)
When the two sides have recoiled after the first furious onslaught, Mulplam orders his personal guard to isolate Phra Lak from his troops. He himself leads them in this maneuver, and when it has been successfully completed the commanders close on one another, shouting taunts and threats as they do so. Mulplam's hopes of a quick victory are dashed, though, for Hanuman sees what has happened and leads the eighteen royal generals to Lak's relief. While the battle rages around them, Lak and Mulplam dismount from their chariots and engage each other.
This personal combat between the Pangtan demon and the Prince of Ayutaya is closely contested, the demon thrusting and parrying with his deadly spear, Phra Lak countering with thunderous strokes of his great bow. How long this would have continued it is impossible to predict, but suddenly the monkey generals gain an advantage over the demon guard, and with a howl of triumph prepare to assist their leader. Mulplam sees that he must fly if he is to escape capture. Drawing back, he hurls his iron spear at Phra Lak, and, as he leaps into his chariot and makes off, he has the satisfaction of seeing his adversary sink to the ground, the spear protruding from his chest.
