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The Royal Court of Lanka
121
I mean is that if we should free Kumbhakarna and the other Danava heroes, we should first release Sita from our captivity. I think my suggestion does not accord with your desires. Yet I deem it my duty to give you the counsel that will save the empire of Lanka and the Rakshasa race from total destruction and ruin.
Oh you mightiest of heroes! We have lost everything. Those heroes that were killed on the battle-field cannot come back to life but we can at least save the lives of those who are alive. Such mighty heroes as Hasta, Prahastha and Mahodhar have embraced death on the battle-field. Many kings and princes have gone to the abode of death. The battle-field is covered with the dead bodies of countless warriors and the foul smell emanating from them has polluted the entire atmosphere around Lanka. Ah! I agree that when a necessity arises to safeguard truth and righteousness and to protect our culture, such things are inevitable but O you king of kings ! Think a little and think about what we have done. Are you fighting for truth and righteousness? Is truth on our side ? Have we done all this to safeguard our culture. No! Not at all. No such problem has
e ourselves have to take the initiative to prevent this violence and bloodshed. We have to see that the sublime Rakshasa culture is not stained and the only way is to return Sita honourably to Shri Ram. This is my considered opinion. The other ministers are free to express their opinions".
The aged Chief Minister was shaking with emotion. He was finding it difficult to remain standing. So, he completed his speech and sat down. Again, there was silence in the court, Ravan fell into deep thoughtfulness. His eyes were fixed on the ground. Breaking the silence he began addressing his ministers in a lofty and elevated voice.
"The suggestion given by the Chief Minister was also given by Vibhishan when Hanuman came to Lanka but this suggestion cannot be acted upon now. It is not possible to act upon this suggestion. Now, I need a suggestion that can be implemented. If I could send back Sita to Ram, where was the need for this war ? Moreover, I would certainly act upon the Chief
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