He has acted on the advice of that arrant coward, my brother, and like a spoilt child, persisted in demanding of Ocean what he will never get! You fool, why do you falsely extol the enemy, whose might and wisdom I have fathomed?

To what extent could one achieve triumph and glory in this world who had such a cowardly counsellor as Vibhishana?’ The wretch’s speech infuriated the envoy and he thought it an opportune moment to produce the letter.

Rama’s younger brother,’ he said, ‘gave me this note; have it read, my lord, and soothe your heart.’ Ravana guffawed and took the letter in his left hand; and, summoning his minister, the fool had it read

‘Beguiling your mind with flattering words, O fool, bring not destruction upon your race. If you court enmity with Rama, you will not escape disaster, even though Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva be your protectors.

Either abandon your pride and like Vibhishana your brother seek as a bee the lotus feet of the Lord or, wretch, like a moth be consumed with your family in the fire of Rama’s shafts!’

Ravana was inwardly terror-stricken as he listened to this message, but wore a feigned smile on his face and proclaimed aloud for all to hear: ‘This young ascetic’s grandiloquence is just like the attempt of a man lying on the ground to clutch the sky!’

Said Shuka, ‘Abandon, O king, your natural arrogance and take every word of its as true. Cease from wrath and give ear to my advice: make an end, lord, of your feud with Rama.