Lanka Kaanda
169 - Angada's departure for Lanka and dialogue between Angada and Ravana in the latter's court
Chaupais
Description
"Listen, Angada; tell me which warrior in your army will dare encounter me. Your master (Rama) has grown weak due to separation from his wife, while his younger brother (Laksmana) shares his grief and is consequently very sad. You and Sugriva are like trees on a river bank (that can be washed away any moment); as for my younger brother (Vibhisana), he is a great coward. Your counsellor, Jambavan, is too advanced in age to take his stand on the field of battle; while Nala and Nila are mere architects (and no warriors). There is one monkey, no doubt, of extraordinary might-he who came before and set fire to the city." On hearing this Vali's son (Angada) replied: "Tell me the truth, O demon king: is it a fact that a monkey burnt down your capital? A puny monkey set on fire Ravana's capital ! Who, on hearing such a report, would declare it as true? Ravana, he whom you have extolled as a distinguished warrior is only one of Sugriva's petty runners. He who walks long distances is no champion; we sent him only to get news."