I am not afraid when I remember that, for (I am sure) Brahma must have traced the decree in his half-witted senility. Yet, you fool, you repeatedly exalt the might of another hero in my presence, giving up all sense of shame and honour.’

Angad replied: ‘Yes, there’s no one in the world as shameful as you. You are so modest by innate disposition that you never trumpet forth your own merits!

Only the story of offering your heads (to Shiva) and lifting the mountain (Kailasa) has been foremost in your mind, and that’s why you have repeated it twenty times over. As for (the remembrance of) that strength of arm with which you conquered Sahasrabahu, Bali and Bali, you have kept it buried deep in your heart.

Listen, O dull-witted fool and brag no more; can anyone turn a hero by cutting off one’s head? A juggler is never called a hero though he hacks his whole body to pieces with his own hands.

Just ponder and see, you stupid wretch! Moths are infatuated enough to burn themselves and donkeys carry loads, but they are never called heroes.

Cease wrangling, O wretch, and listen to my advice and do away with pride. I have not come to your as an envoy (to make terms), O Ten-headed; Raghubira has sent me from another motive.

The All-merciful has said again and again: “A lion earns no glory by slaying a jackal.” Bearing in mind the words of my Lord, I have put up, O fool, with your insolent speech.