Sundar Kaanda
157 - Deliberation over the question of crossing the sea; appearance of Suka, a spy of Ravana, and his return with Laksmana's letter
Chaupais
Description
They openly commenced applauding Sri Rama's amiability and in the intensity of their emotion forgot their disguise. The monkeys now recognized them as the enemy's spies; they bound them all and brought them in the presence of Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys). Said Sugriva, "Listen, all you monkeys: mutilate the demons and dismiss them." Hearing Sugriva's command the monkeys ran and paraded them in bonds all through the camp. The monkeys, then started belabouring them right and left; the demons piteously cried for help, yet the monkeys would not let them alone. "Whosoever robs us of our nose and ears, we adjure him by Sri Rama not to do so." When Laksmana heard this, he called them all near him; and moved to pity he laughed and immediately had them released. "Give this note into Ravana's hands and tell him: read, destroyer of your race, what Laksmana says."