Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/462

398 I see you are an uncommonly bold varlet. For what offence did you put the demons to death? Speak, wretch; as you value your life." "Hearken, Rávan; He by whose might Maya creates this universal sphere; by whose might Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva produce, maintain and destroy the world; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent supports on his pate the mundane egg with its mountains and forests; who assumes various forms in order to befriend the gods and to give a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva's stubborn bow and crushed your pride and that of the assembled kings: who slew Khara and Dúshan and Trisira and Báli, in spite of their matchless strength:

By the slightest exercise of whose might the entire mass of creation, animate and inanimate, exists; he it is whose messenger I am, and it is his beloved spouse whom you have stolen away.

I know your power; you had a fight with Sahasra-bhuj, and also gained renown in your conflict with Báli." He heard what the monkey said, but smiled as though he heard not. "I eat the fruit, my lord, because I was hungry, and then like a monkey began breaking the boughs. Every one, master, loves his life more than aught else; those good-for-nothing fellows fell upon me, and I gave them blow for blow. Thereupon your son put me in bonds—bonds that I am in no way ashamed of—for my only object is to accomplish my master's business. Rávan, I implore you with folded hands, abandon your pride and attend to my advice. Have some consideration for your own family; cease to go astray and adore him, who relieves his worshippers from every anxiety Never fight against him, for fear of whom Death trembles exceedingly; even Death, who devours all else, gods and demons, animate and inanimate creation alike. Give up Sita, as I tell you.

Ráma is the protector of suppliants; Kharári is a very ocean of compassion; turn to him for protection, and the Lord will forget your offences and will shelter you.

Take Ráma's lotus feet to your heart and reign for ever at Lanká. The glory of saint Pulastya is stainless as the moon; do not make yourself a spot on its brightness. Unless Ráma's name be in it, no speech has any charm: