Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

47
Ravana
called ears, you are deaf...... Kidnapping the wife of another
person, devouring the messenger duly sent by your elder brother,
Kubera. These are heights of your political morality!
Ravana resumed his talk. He said, “Angada! Know that I am the
hero, the redoubtable stalwart, who lifted the Kailasa peak by
sheer physical power and courage. This Ravana is the person
who laid, not flowers but his own heads, plucked by him from
his body, as offerings at the Feet of Siva. This is the devotee
whose might has been acknowledged by Siva himself. This is the
warrior whose name strikes terror in the bravest, whose picture
spreads panic. Stop your prattle praising yourself and your
patrons.”
Angada interrupted this tirade and cut in with his own. “Ravana!
Will anyone praise a lion for destroying a frog Surely, the
attempt by Rama to kill you is too low for his status and dignity.
You are a vicious, vile, vulgar sinner, who must meet death at
the hands of mere monkeys only.”
Ravana commanded, “Bind this monkey. Don’t allow him to
depart. Eat him up,” and hastily retired to the inner apartments.
Lift him by the legs and throw him on the floor. Splinter his
head.” At this, Meghanada rose from his seat and holding
Angada by his legs pulled him with great force in order to make
him fall. Many others rushed forward to help him. However
many they were, they could not move the feet even a wee bit. At
last, Ravana himself attempted the impossible task. He held
Angada by his legs and wanted to lift him and throw him forcibly
on the floor. Angada shook his feet in order to loosen the hold.