Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 327

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CHAPTER SEVEN The ministers replied to him: "There is no release of the heroes, Kumbhakarņa and others, except by the release of Jānaki, but, on the contrary, misfortune. Master, so much having passed, protect, protect your own family, There is no other means in this case except conciliation of Rāma."
Scorning them, Rāvaņa sent a vassal as a messenger to Rāghava, with instructions about conciliation, bribery. and punishment. He went, was announced by the doorkeeper, bowed to Padmanābha surrounded by Sugrīva and others and announced in a firm voice: "Daśāsya says to you: Free the group of my relatives, permit Jånaki (to stay), and take half my kingdom. I shall give you three thousand maidens. Be satisfied with this. If not' you will not have all this and you will not have your life.'” Padmanābha said: “There is no gain to me from sovereignty nor from enjoyment, even great, of a throng of other women. If Rāvaņa will send Jānaki, having treated her well, then I shall free his brother and sons, not otherwise."
The vassal said again: “Rāma, this is not fitting for you, that you put your own life in danger for the sake of a mere woman. If Saumitri has been restored one time after being struck by Rāvaņa, how will he stay alive now, or you, or these Kapis? Rāvaņa alone is able to kill all these. His speech is worthy of respect always. Consider the consequences, yourself.”
Angered by his speech, Lakşmaņa said: "Listen, miserable messenger! Even now Rāvaņa does not know his own power nor others' power. His retinue of kinsmen having been killed, left with only wives, he makes a pretence of heroism. What impudence is that on his part! Like a tree of which all the branches have been broken off by a club and the root alone remains, how long will Rāvaņa, alone, stand? So, go! Arm Dasakandhara for battle. My arm is ready, like Křtānta, to kill him."