Straightway he despatched a demon and apprised Ravana of his coming. On hearing the news the Ten-headed laughed and said, ‘Go, bring him here – let’s see where he comes from.’

At his command a number of messengers ran and brought the monkey chief. Angad saw the Ten-headed seated on his throne like a black mountain of collyrium endued with life.

His arms appeared like trees and heads like mountain peaks, the hairs of his body like numerous creepers; is mouths, nostrils, eyes and ears like mountain caves and chasms.

Without the slightest trepidation of heart he entered the council-hall, the valiant son of Bali, compact of great might. The whole assembly rose at the sight of the monkey, but Ravana’s heart was filled with ungovernable fury.

Like a lion that treads through a herd of mad elephants, so, after bowing to the assembly, he took his seat, his thoughts fixed on Rama’s glorious grace.

‘Monkey, who are you?’ said the Ten-headed. ‘I am a messenger from Raghubira, O Ravana. There was friendship between you and my father; so, brother, it is in your interest that I have come.

Of noble descent, the grandson of Pulastya (one of the mind-born sons of Brahma), you worshipped Shiva and Brahma with every rite, won boons from them, accomplished all your objects and conquered the guardians of the eight quarters and every earthly sovereign.