Lanka Kaanda
169 - Angada's departure for Lanka and dialogue between Angada and Ravana in the latter's court
Chaupais
Description
"When as my skulls began to burn I saw the decree of Providence traced on my brow and read that I was going to die at the hands of a mortal, I laughed; for I knew Brahma's prophecy to be false. I am not afraid in my heart even when I remember this; for (I am sure) Brahma must have traced the decree in his senile dementia. Yet, you fool, you repeatedly exalt the might of another hero in my presence, giving up all shame and decorum." Angada replied: "Yes, there is no one in the whole world so shamefaced as you. You are bashful by your innate disposition, since you never indulge in self-praise. Only the story of offering your heads (to Lord Siva) and lifting the mountain (Kailasa) has been foremost in your mind and hence you have told it twenty times over. As for (the tale of) that strength of arm by which you were able to conquer Sahasrabahu, Bali and Vali, you have kept it secret in your heart. Listen, fool, and brag no more. Can anyone turn a hero by cutting off one's head ? A juggler is never called a hero even though he hacks to pieces his whole body with his own hands."