Again, (you might have heard that) while pasting on my lotus arms in the lake of the sky. Kailasa with Shiva shone resplendent like a swan.

Listen, Angad; tell me what warriors in your army will dare fight with me. Your master (Rama) has lost strength, mourning his separation from his wife, while his younger brother shares his grief and is all sad and forlorn.

You and Sugriva are like trees on a river bank (that can be washed away any moment); as for my younger brother (Vibhishana), he is an utter coward. Your counsellor Jambavan, is too advanced in age to stand steadfast on the field of battle.

-while Nala and Nila are mere masons (and no warriors). There is one monkey of extraordinary might, he who came before and set fire to the city.’ On hearing this, Bali’s son (Angad) replied:

‘Tell me truly, Demon King, is it a fact that a monkey burnt your city? A puny monkey set Ravana’s city on fire! Who, on hearing such a report, would say it was true?

He, Ravana, whom you have praised as a distinguished champion, is only one of Sugriva’s petty errand-boys. He who walks long distances is no fighter; we sent him only to bring back news.

Did the monkey set fire to your capital without any order from his master? That’s why he didn’t go back to Sugriva but stayed in hiding for fear.