And now, under the influence of royal arrogance or infatuation, you have carried off Sita, the Mother of the world. Yet listen to the friendly advice I give you; then the Lord will forgive all your sins.

Put a straw between your teeth and an axe to your throat and take all your family and your wives with you, reverently placing Janaka’s daughter at the head. In this way repair to him, shedding all fear.

And address him thus: “O protector of the suppliant, jewel of the house of Raghu, save me, save me now!” when he hears your piteous cry, the Lord will surely set your mind at rest.’

(Said Ravana -) ‘Pooh! You son of a monkey! Take care what you say! Fool, are you not aware that I am an avowed enemy of the gods? Tell me, young fellow, your name and your father’s. what is the common ground on which you claim fellowship between your father and myself?’

‘My name is Angad, son of Bali. Did you ever meet him?’ when he heard Angad’s reply, Ravana felt uncomfortable. ‘Yes’ he said, ‘I do remember that there was a monkey called Bali.

Are you, Angad, the son of Bali? If you, destroyer of your race, are that Bali’s son, you have been born as a fire in a cluster of bamboos for the destruction of your family. Why did you not perish in your mother’s womb? In vain were you born who with your own lips call yourself a hermit’s envoy.

Now tell me, is Bali well? Where is he?’ at this Angad laughed and said, ‘Ten days hence you go to Bali and clasping your old friend to your bosom, ask after his well-being.