Aranya Kaanda
118 - The episode of Marica and how he was killed in the form of a gold deer
Chaupais
Description
"Therefore, considering the welfare of your race you had better return home." When he heard this he flared up and showered many abuses on Marica. "You fool, you presume to teach me as if you were my preceptor. Tell me which warrior in this world is a match for me." Then Marica thought to himself, "It does not do one good to make enemies of the following nine, viz., one skilled in the use of a weapon, he who knows one's secret, a powerful master, a dunce, a wealthy man, a physician, a panegyrist, a poet, an expert cook." Either way he saw he must die: hence he sought refuge in the Lord of Raghus. "If I argue further, the wretch would kill me; why, then, should I not be killed by Sri Rama's arrows?" Pondering thus in his mind he accompanied Ravana, unremitting in his devotion to Sri Rama's feet. He felt extremely delighted at the thought that he would be able to behold his greatest friend (Sri Rama), even though he would not reveal his joy to Ravana.