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The Royal Court of Lanka
127
"O you wicked fellow! Even now you have not been able to realise our abilities and the abilities of your armies. Have you not witnessed our tremendous abilities in the terrible war that took place during the last three days ? His brothers have been captured. Some of his sons have been killed in the war. Except those women in his harem, what other relatives remain
van now ? Yet he has been boasting of his abilities. Fie n him! You too have committed an unpardonable blunder in bringing the message of such a mean fellow. Now, Ravan is alone and helpless like a withered tree. We will see how he will face us tomorrow. Everything will be clear tomorrow. Where is the need for a mirror to see what there is in one's hand ? Get away ! At once go away from here. Go and tell your king to get ready for the war. My hands are itching to destroy him. Let him come to the battle-field if he is a real hero”.
When Samant was about to give a reply to Lakshman, Angadh dragged him to the gate of the camp and pushed him away.
Samant having failed thus in his mission returned to Lanka. He narrated in Ravan's court all that took place in Shri Ram's camp. Ravan heard his narration with increasing agitation. "What should be done next? What method should be adopted to achieve my objective ?” This became a serious problem to Ravan. He said to his ministers :
"Kindly let me know your opinion." Helplessness, gloom and impatience were writ large on Ravan's face. He had not experienced such distress and agitation at any time before. The ministers were mute with gloom.
"O you king of Rakshasas! Please be patient. Instead of pursuing the path of perplexity and anxiety please pursue the path of serenity and felicity. O you compassionate lord ! Please do not forget the truth that the path of war and violence can never bring peace. It can bring only destruction and devastation. You are now the beloved king of Lanka and the guide to the Danava race. It is in your hands to shape their destiny. Whatever step you take it should not be a step towards violence
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