Lanka Kaanda
169 - Angada's departure for Lanka and dialogue between Angada and Ravana in the latter's court
Chaupais
Description
Mind what you speak, you little monkey. Fool, are you not aware of my being an avowed enemy of the gods? Tell me, young fellow, your own name as well as your father's. What is the common ground on which you claim fellowship between your father and myself?" "Angada is my name: I am Vali's son. Did you ever meet him?" Ravana felt uncomfortable when he heard Angada's reply. "Yes, I do remember that there was a monkey, Vali by name. But, Angada, are you Vali's son? You have been born as a fire in a cluster of bamboos for the destruction of your own race. Why should you have not perished even in the womb? In vain were you born, who have called yourself with your own mouth a hermit's envoy. Now tell me if all is well with Vali and, if so, where is he?" Angada laughed at this and then replied. "Ten days hence you shall go to Vali and embracing your friend personally enquire after his welfare. He will tell you all about the welfare that follows from hostility with Sri Rama. Listen, O fool: the seeds of dissension can be sown in the mind of him alone whose heart is closed to the Hero of Raghu's line."