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Rāvaṇa also did not like his brother’s speech and he answered angrily. This is the time for action, not words. Whether I have acted wisely or not is of little consequence now. Let us do what must be done.”

But Hanumān was not inclined to stop. He replied to Maināka, “I am grateful and I thank you for your offer, but the time for resting has not My duty is not yet done. Please forgive me.

What could be more painful for me than not seeing You here? You do not know that I am dying from agony, like a lost and forlorn creature.”

Once uttered they could not be retracted. Although he did not like to accept it, Rāvaṇa could understand that some powerful force maintained the Thinking it possible that Nalakuvera’s words might just be effective, he decided not to again force himself Better not to take any chances. After all, there were enough women who would willingly accept him.

“Even after returning to Ayodhya, Rāma will surely not accept the kingdom. Rāma will therefore not accept the kingdom left by His younger brother, even as a tiger would not eat

Jambavan did not agree with Aṅgada. “Your suggestion is not wise, O mighty monkey. We were not enjoined to kill Rāvaṇa or bring back Sītā; we have been asked only to locate Her and report

Lakṣman bowed in assent to Rāma’s words, although He could not subdue His anger. He could not disobey Rāma’s order, but He would not tolerate any resistance from Sugrīva. If that lazy monkey did not immediately set about his duty, he would be sorry.

He could not distinguish who was who. Rāma did not therefore release His arrow for fear of hitting Sugrīva.

Seeing him fallen into abject sorrow, his son Devantaka, who was not very thoughtful, said, “Why are Those endowed with power and valor do not give way to grief. The time has come for firm action, not lamentation.

“Kings should not act in such rash ways, O mighty one. If you had been slain, then I surely would not have survived. Please do not be so impetuous again.”

Kaikeyi did not waver. She had lost her trust in Daśaratha and she seethed with anger. But she was not going to be fooled any more. She remembered Manthara’s warning. The king and his beloved Kaushalya were not going to cheat her this time.

When He fell silent, Lakṣman replied, “Please do not grieve in this way, dear brother, as You simply It is not possible for Me to leave You as I would not survive even for a short while in Your absence. Placing Your faith in the pious Bharata, You should not send Me away. I only wish to remain with You here and do not desire even the highest heaven without You.”

Not even Brahmā or Śiva could not stand before Rāma in battle. Lanka and its Rākṣasas would not present even the smallest obstacle to Him.

Gripped by death, Vāli could not accept his wife’s wise advice. I am not able to stand the arrogance of the weak Sugrīva, much less his roar. O timid one, I shall not tarry here longer. Sugrīva shall meet his end today.”

Sītā asked Rāma why He was not accompanied by the royal servants carrying the white umbrella. Why was He not wearing regal dress or anointed with sandalwood paste after having gone through the inaugural

It would not be possible for monkeys and bears to defeat Rākṣasas. Not even the gods could overpower Lanka; what then could a few mere mortal creatures do?

He could not tolerate any aggression toward Brahmins.

How then do You not see Me being unrighteously carried away? You always chastise the wicked. Why then do You not punish the evil Rāvaṇa?”

He was not interested in Maricha’s advice. He listened impatiently as Maricha went on. “Rāma has not been abandoned by His father nor is He devoid of virtue.

Viśvāmitra was not used to being refused anything. He did not want to be denied and spoke angrily to Vasiṣṭha. If you will not give me this wonderful creature, then I shall remove her by force.”