In the council he asked his ministers: ‘How shall we do battle with the enemy?’ ‘Listen, Demon King,’ replied the ministers; ‘why do you question us thus again and again?

Tell us, what is there to be afraid of, which should engage our thought? Men, monkeys and bears are food for us!’

After listening to all they said, Prahasta, Ravana’s son, said with folded hands, ‘Transgress not the bounds of sound policy, my lord; your counsellors possess mighty little judgement.

All your stupid ministers tell you only that which is pleasing to their master; but that way, Sire, you cannot win success. A stray monkey leapt across the ocean and came hither and all the people still extol his doings in their hearts.

Was non of you hungry then? Why did you not seize him and devour him when he set fire to the city? Your ministers have given you, my lord, an advice which, though pleasant to hear, is fraught with future trouble.

Come, my friend, tell me now, is he who has had the sea bridged in mere sport and has crossed over to Mount Suvela with all his army, an ordinary mortal whom you say you will devour? What the counsellors say is all idle boasting.

Father, listen to my words with due respect, and account me not a coward. There are multitudes of men in the world who are given to hearing and uttering pleasant speeches.