Aranya Kanda, Sarga 40

Meaning

Though counselled by Mārīca, Rāvaṇa for his part did not accept that proper and reasonable advice of Mārīca, any more than a man courting death would accept a remedy. (1)

Meaning

Impelled by Death, Rāvaṇa, the suzerain lord of ogres, spoke the following harsh and ill-advised words to the said Mārīca, who had tendered a salutary and friendly advice to him : (2)

Meaning

“O Mārīca of ignoble descent, this ill-conceived advice, which is being tendered to me, is altogether fruitless like a seed sown in a barren soil. (3)

Meaning

“It is not possible by your words to deter me from my resolve to enter into hostility through abduction of Sītā with Rāma, who is stupid, addicted to sin and, above all, a human being. (4)

Meaning

“I need must at all events bear away in your presence Sītā, who is dearer than life to him who, having heard the valueless words of a woman (viz., his stepmother, Kaikeyī) departed at once for the forest, renouncing his near and dear ones, sovereignty and parents, and who killed Khara in battle.(5-6)

Meaning

“This resolute determination exists in my mind, O Mārīca ! It cannot be altered even by gods and demons including Indra, the lord of paradise. (7)

Meaning

“When asked about the merits and demerits or about the means of accomplishing a thing or the risks involved in it, while finally deciding upon a particular course of action, you ought to have said like this. By a wise counsellor, who seeks his own prosperity from a king, counsel should be given with uplifted and joined palms only when he is duly asked for it. (8-9)

Meaning

“A monarch should be spoken to in words which are not repugnant but pleasing, yet wholesome, and are uttered with politeness and in soft accents. (10)

Meaning

“A king seeking honour would not welcome that counsel which is uttered in an insulting tone, and is lacking in respect, even though it is wholesome. (11)

Meaning

“Kings possessed of unlimited prowess assume five roles, viz., those of the god of fire, Indra (the ruler of gods), the moon-god, Yama (the god of retribution) and Varuṇa (the god of water). (12)

Meaning

“High-souled kings, O prowler of the night, embody ardour and prowess, gentleness, violence and grace (the virtues of the above-noted deities) and are, therefore, worthy of honour and respect at all times. Not knowing your duty, you, on the other hand, have clung to infatuation alone and due to evil-mindedness address such harsh words to me, your guest ! I do not ask you about the merits and demerits of what I propose to do, nor what is advisable for me, O ogre ! (13–15)

Meaning

“On the other hand, my request to you is only this, O ogre of unlimited prowess: urged by me, you ought at all events to render help in this mission of abducting Sītā. (16)

Meaning

“Now hear of that role which has to be played by you by way of co-operation at my instance : turning into a golden deer freckled with silvery spots, roam you in the hermitage of the aforesaid Rāma, before the eyes of Sītā. Having cast your full charm on her, you may go wherever you please. (17-18)

Meaning

“Wonder-struck to see you transformed into a golden deer by dint of Māyā (conjuring tricks), Sītā, a princess of Mithilā, will surely speak to Rāma at once : ‘Pray, fetch the deer for me.’ (19)

Meaning

“Also moving to some distance, when Rāma (a scion of Kakutstha) is away from his hut, exclaim in a voice similar to Rāma’s, ‘Ah, Sītā, O Lakṣmaṇa !’ (20)

Meaning

Hearing the call and importuned by Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa, son of Sumitrā, too will follow in the wake of Rāma in a flurry out of affection for his brother. (21)

Meaning

When Rāma (a scion of Kakutstha) and Lakṣmaṇa too are away from their cottage, I shall bear away Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory, with ease as Indra, the thousand-eyed god would take away Śacī, his own consort. (22)

Meaning

“Of course, having accomplished this work in this way, go wherever you please, O ogre ! I shall confer half of my kingdom on you, O Mārīca of noble vows ! (23)

Meaning

“Proceed on your auspicious journey, my good friend, for the accomplishment of this object. I shall follow at your heels in a chariot to the Daṇḍaka forest. (24)

Meaning

“Having hoodwinked Rāma and won Sītā without any struggle, I shall for my part return to Laṅkā with you, my purpose being accomplished. (25)

Meaning

“If you don’t do this, O Mārīca, I shall make short work of you this very day. You need must do this work of mine even perforce. None who stands directly opposed to a king can live happily. (26)

Meaning

“Approaching Rāma, danger to life will be met by you; whereas death is certain for you this very day if you are at variance with me. Weighing this carefully in the scales of reason, do that which is wholesome for you on this point accordingly.” (27)