Lanka Kaanda
169 - Angada's departure for Lanka and dialogue between Angada and Ravana in the latter's court
Chaupais
Description
Adoring the Lord's feet and keeping His glory in his heart Angada bowed his head to all and departed. The gallant son of Vali, who was an adept in warfare, was dauntless by nature, cherishing as he did the might of the Lord. As soon as he entered the city he met one of Ravana's sons (Prahasta by name), who was playing there. From words they proceeded to fight; for both were unrivalled in strength and in the prime of youth to boot. He raised his foot to kick Angada, who in his turn seized the foot and, swinging him round, dashed him to the ground finding him a formidable warrior, the demons ran helterskelter in large numbers, too much frightened to raise an alarm. They did not tell one another what had happened, but kept quiet when they thought of the death of Ravana's son. There was a cry in the whole city that the same monkey who had burnt down Lanka had come again. "Who knows what turn Providence is going to take?" everyone thought in excessive dismay. People showed him the way unasked: if he but looked at anyone, the latter would turn deadly pale.