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380
JAIN RAMAYAN
such a method overawed by his enemies he could have sent a messenger from Lanka to you. He would not have come here with such a vast army intent upon making a war against you. I have been shuddering at the tremendous violence and bloodshed that will take place. So I have thought of a via-media policy to prevent the war and it is my own idea. It is only with this hope that I have come to you without Ravan's permission at such a late hour of the night as this."
"Dear commander! We too agree with you on this point. I too do not like violence and war but one has to resort to violence though against one's own will sometimes in order to safeguard the freedom of one's country," King Varuna said explaining his political policy.
"But I do not want to limit or take away your freedom. On the contrary, my plan is that your freedom should remain unaffected and that a permanent friendship should be established between you and the King of Lanka.”
"You yourself suggest a way.”
"You must hand over Khar and Dushana to us. You must meet and receive the King of Lanka as a friend and you must remain a friendly country."
"King Varun glanced at his sons Pundarik and Rajiv. Both the brothers semed to have been thinking deeply about the proposal made by Pavananjay. His proposal did not contain any condition that would cause dishonour or disgrace to them. Moreover, if that proposal was acted upon they could avoid the death of countless number of people, violence and blood-shed; and could save themselves from harm. They did not have any doubt or suspicion regarding Pavananiay's desire for found that he was frank, and truthful and that he was their well-wisher.
"You need not be obstinate; you need not have any doubts or suspicions. This is not any diplomatic or political ruse. On the contrary, this is a sure method of preventing violence and
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