THE GREAT CAUSEWAY

Raavana had no patience with such talk. "Your words are wormwood in my ear," he cried. "It looks as though you too have joined my enemies. Are not human beings well known to be weaklings? Why are you afraid of this wretched man driven into the forest by his father? And he relies on the support of monkeys and bears! Of such a man you are afraid.

Really I am ashamed of you. Or could it be that you cannot bear to see me happy? Why do you talk like this to me? I cannot bend before Raama. If it is wrong policy or wrong ethics, I cannot help it. You may take it that it is part of my nature and I cannot change it. I would far rather die fighting than sue before Raama for peace!"

Maalyavaan replied: "Consider well and do what you think best." And he returned home, uttering the usual benedictory words: "Victory to the King! Victory to Raavana!"

The old man was Raavana's grandfather.

Raavana carefully stationed his warriors. He posted Prahasta at the eastern entrance, Mahaapaarsva and Mahodara at the southern entrance and Indrajit, his illustrious son, accomplished in the arts of secret magic, at the western entrance, while he decided himself to guard the northern entrance. Viroopaaksha, the mighty, was appointed commander of the army within the city.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]