| Raavana,
skilful in speech began: "I am in great trouble from which only you can save me. I
beg you for help. Do you know how my brothers, under my orders, ruled Janasthaana and how
they and their warriors knew no opposition all these years? But now this man Raama has
killed them and their whole army. Without a chariot, and standing on the ground, his
arrows have pierced to death all our kinsmen. Today, in the Dandaka forest, rid of
Raakshasas, the rishis live fearless lives. This
Raama is a worthless prince banished by his father, no doubt for some crime. He has been
wandering in the forest alone with his wife, Seeta. This fellow dressed like an
ascetic but enjoying sense-pleasures, this renegade from dharma, proud of his strength and
for no other reason, has mutilated the face of my sister and insulted our race. My sister
who has suffered this pain and shame had come and complained to me. If, with all this, I
sit still and do nothing, would I still be a king? |
