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157
The thirty-seventh chapter, the great valor and the cleverness of Bharata. O Bhadra, O wise messenger, do you know what caused the anger of Ativirya towards Bharata? (28)
The messenger Vayu-Gati, being asked, said, "I know everything, for I am a very close confidant of the king." (29)
Lakshmana said, "I wish to hear the details." Then Vayu-Gati said, "If you are curious, listen with a calm mind, I will tell you." (30)
He said, "Once our king Ativirya sent a wise and learned messenger named Shruta-Buddhi to Bharata. He went and told Bharata, 'I am the messenger of Ativirya, who is as powerful as Indra, who is worshipped by all kings, and who is very skilled in the use of diplomacy.' (31-32)
'He is like a lion among men, and his enemies, like frightened deer, cannot sleep in their own homes because of fear of him. (33)
'The whole earth, with its four oceans as its girdle, obeys him like a woman, and he is a man of noble deeds. His soul is very strong, and he has conquered all sides. (34)
'He commands you through me, O Bharata! Come quickly and accept my master's service, or leave Ayodhya and flee to the other side of the ocean.' (35-36)
Then Shatrughna, whose body was filled with anger, and whose voice was like a roaring fire, said, "O messenger, does Bharata accept his master's service in such a way that it is right for him to say this? (37)
'Bharata, who is worthy of prosperity, will leave Ayodhya and go to the other side of the ocean to subdue the petty men, leaving Ayodhya to his ministers.' (38-39)
'But I tell you, just as the roar of a donkey is not appropriate towards a mad elephant, so too, the roar of your master towards Bharata is not at all appropriate.' (40)
'Or perhaps his words clearly indicate his death. It seems that he is a harbinger of destruction, or perhaps he is under the control of the wind.' (41)