Lanka Kaanda
169 - Angada's departure for Lanka and dialogue between Angada and Ravana in the latter's court
Chaupais
Description
"What! Did I bring dishonour on my family by acting as His ambassador whose feet even Siva, Brahma and all the gods and sages desire to serve? It is strange that your heart does not burst asunder even on entertaining such an idea." When he heard the monkey's sharp rejoinder, Ravana glowered at him and said, "Wretch, I put up with your harsh words only because I know the bounds of decorum and righteousness." Said the monkey, "I too have heard of your piety, which is evident from the fact that you stole away another's wife. And I have witnessed with my own eyes the protection you vouchsafed to an envoy. An upholder of piety, why do you not drown yourself and thus end your life? When you saw your sister with her ears and nose cut off, it was from considerations of piety that you forgave the wrong. Your piety is famed throughout the world: I too am very fortunate in having been able to see you."