Lanka Kaanda
170 - Mandodari offers advice to Ravana once more
Chaupais
Description
Hearing the words of his consort (Mandodari), which were piercing like a shaft, he rose and left for his council-chamber as soon as the day broke. Forgetting all his fears he went and occupied his throne bloated with excess of pride. At this end Sri Rama summoned Angada, who came and bowed his head at the Lord's lotus feet. The gracious Rama (the slayer of Khara) most politely seated him by His side and smilingly said, "O son of Vali, I have great curiosity in my mind; therefore, I ask you a question. Tell me the truth, dear child. Ravana is the head of the demon race; he is celebrated throughout the world for his incomparable might. It is rather strange that you tossed no less than four of his crowns to me; tell me, my son, by what device you were able to lay your hands on them?" "Listen, O omniscient lord, the delighter of the suppliant : they were no crowns but the four virtues (resources) of a king, viz., Sama (conciliation), Dana (gift), Danda (physical force or coercion) and Bheda (division), which abide in the heart of a king- so declare the Vedas, my lord. They are the beautiful pedestals of statesmanship: remembering this, they themselves came to my lord (who is a true repository of all statesmanlike virtues)."