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The Son Excels the Father
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of war-like preparations. The preparations for the war were going on in full swing. The soldiers and warriors were full of spirit and enthusiasm. They were getting ready their weapons for the war.
The messenger soon reached the royal court of King Varuna. He saluted King Varuna and stood there,
“Dear sir! Where have you come from ?” "From Lanka !”
"We hope that our dear friend King Ravan is well. What message has he sent us. Kindly tell us."
"How can you ask for king Ravan's welfare after having been disloyal to him as a friend ?"
"Who has been disloyal to our friend? What has angered him ?" King Varuna asked him eagerly.
"Oh king ! you ask yourself who has been disloyal.”
King Varuna glanced towards his sons Pundarik and Rajiv. They too were in deep thought wondering what the situation was.
"Oh King! Do not pretend to be ignorant of what has been done. The King of Lanka has sensed your hypocrisy and artful policies. He has come to know of your ignoble policies, and your secret activities; and so, he sent a message to you."
"Oh messenger! What is it that you want to say ? Do you mean that we have broken the terms of the treaty of friendship and offended King Ravan ?" King Varuna became wild with rage.
“Yes. Oh king! That is the truth...."
“False !...... Impossible! This is undoubtedly a false allegation made against us with sinister motives !" King Varuna said furiously shouting.
"Oh King! What is the use of shouting thus ? The King of Lanka has received secret information from his spies that your
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