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The Royal Court of Lanka
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meet Shri Ram. Asking Samant to wait at the gate the guard went in, to convey the news to Shri Ram. The guard approached Shri Ram; bowed to him and gave him the signet-ring and informed him of the arrival of the messenger.
"Let him come in."
The guard saluted Shri Ram and retreated.
"A messenger has come carrying Ravan's message," said Shri Ram looking towards Lakshman. His voice was serious.
Lakshman was silent.
Soon, Samant entered ushered in by the guard. Samant bowed respectfully to Shri Ram and said in a sweet voice.
"Ravan, the emperor of Rakshasas has sent a message to you, my Lord !”
“What is the message ?"
Samat cleared his throat; and said employing formal and ceremonious language, in accents that sounded sweet and impressive.
"O you greatest of heroes! My lord, Ravan, the conqueror of the universe desires a cessation of war. If you agree to this proposal, we can save from death countless human beings and we can also avoid voilence and bloodshed. But the emperor of Lanka desires that you should fulfil two conditions."
"Dear brother! It is not merely a desire of the Emperor of Rakshasas. We shall call it a great desire; not a mere desire." Shri Ram said smiling looking towards Sugriv.
"The Emperor of Rakshasas desires that at once Kumbhakarna, Meghavahan, Indrajit and others should be released from captivity.”
"And the second one ?” said Sugriv with excitement and agitation.
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