Lanka Kaanda
168 - Mandodari makes remonstrance with Ravana again and dwells upon Sri Rama's glory
Chaupais
Description
Ravana laughed when he heard the words of his wife. "Oh, how mighty is the power of infatuation! They rightly observe in regard to the character of a woman that the following eight evils ever abide in her heart: recklessness, mendacity, fickleness, deceit, timidity, indiscretion, impurity and callousness. You have described the enemy's cosmic form and thus told me a most alarming story. But all that (whatever is comprised in that cosmic form), my beloved, is naturally under my control; it is by your grace that this has become clear to me now. I have come to know your ingenuity, my dear; for in this way you have told my greatness. Your words, O fawn-eyed lady, are profound: they afford delight when understood and dispel all fear even when heard." Mandodari was now convinced at heart that her husband's impending death had deluded him.