Sundar Kaanda
149 - Dialogue between Hanuman and Ravana
Chaupais
Description
Although Hanuman gave him exceedingly salutary advice, full of devotion, discretion, dispassion and wisdom, the most haughty Ravana laughed and said, "We have found a most wise Guru in this monkey ! (Turning towards Hanuman he continued) Death hangs over your head, O wretch; that is why you have started exhorting me, O vile monkey." "Just the contrary is going to happen;" retorted Hanuman. "I clearly perceive that you are labouring under some mental illusion." Hearing these words of Hanuman Ravana got nettled. "Why not some of you quickly kill this fool?" As soon as the demons heard it, they rushed forward to kill him. That very moment came Vibhisana (Ravana's youngest brother) with his counsellors. Bowing his head he made humble entreaty: "It is against all statecraft: an envoy must not be killed. He may be punished in some other way, my master." All exclaimed to one another, "This is sound counsel, brother." Hearing this the ten-headed Ravana laughed and said, "All right, the monkey may be sent back mutilated.