VIBHEESHANA

"If we oppose Raama," he said, "defeat is inevitable. Our fortune is sinking. Let us restore Seeta, seek Raama's pardon and thus save our kingdom, our lives and possessions and honour."

At this importunity of Vibheeshana, Indrajit, Raavana's son, lost patience and burst out:

"My uncle's words fill me with shame. What race are we? What is our strength? I marvel that a descendant of Pulastya should talk in this strain and that the assembly should meekly sit and listen. My uncle has only betrayed his evil intentions. We can never agree to his proposal.

Are we to be afraid of two petty humans? Did not beat Indra down in battle and his hordes of gods? Does not the whole world tremble even now in terror before us? Vibheeshana's counsel is an insult to our race!"

Vibheeshana answered gently: "Boy, you lack experience. That is why you talk thus. You are the king's son and should be his best friend; but I am afraid you are proving yourself his worst enemy. And you, ministers who ought to give good advice, you are leading the king to ruin.

My Lord of Lanka! Do not reject what I say. Return Seeta honourably to Raama and seek his forgiveness. This is the only way; there is no other. Failing to pursue the only available course, we shall all perish."

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