Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ravana
coward, Vibhishana, you are extolling that fool so high. It is
sheer nonsense to describe the strength and heroism of mere
monkeys. Enough, enough, can monkeys ever be so strong! I
have heard enough, long ago, of the power and might of this
Sugriva; and what can this poltroon Vibhishana, who has become
his minister now, do Can he contribute any wealth, victory or
resources to Rama”
The messenger could only pine within himself and bewail the
lack of intelligence that Ravana was exhibiting. He folded his
palms in obeisance and stood silent. Then Ravana tore the
envelope of the missive that Lakshmana had sent, and after
perusing it, handed it over to his minister. He said, “You are like
the thithiri bird afraid that the sky will fall upon its young
fledglings! Poor thing! It covers the little ones holding its head
over them as a cover! Can the sky ever fall and kill the birds
Can these anchorites, these ritual-ridden priests, who try to
frighten me by a shower of words, ever succeed” Suka, the
messenger, watched the heroics of Ravana for some time. Then
he intercepted with the words, “Lord! What I have now said is
the full truth. Read well and carefully the contents of that letter
and act, without any sense of resentment or pride. Listen! Give
up the hostility you have developed. Rama is very tender of heart
and compassionate. He is the master of the three worlds. If only
you approach him, he will take you under his protection and
guard you from harm. He will pardon all your wrongs. Surrender
Sita to him. Give heed to my prayer.” The envoy pleaded
plaintively that Ravana save himself from ruin.
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