Scene 65
Part 2: The Ramayan of Valmiki · Act 6: Book 6
Kumbhakarna's Speech
Scene 65Visible text2 paragraphs
But haughty Kumbhakarna spurned His counsel, and to Ravan turned: "Thy life from peril will I free And slay the foe who threatens thee. A hero never vaunts in vain, Like bellowing clouds devoid of rain, Nor, Monarch, be thine ear inclined To counsellors of slavish kind, Who with mean arts their king mislead And mar each gallant plan and deed. O, let not words like his beguile The glorious king of Lanka's isle."
Thus scornful Kumbhakarna cried, And Ravan with a laugh replied: "Mahodar fears and fain would shun The battle with Ikshvaku's son. Of all my giant warriors, who Is strong as thou, and brave and true? Ride, conqueror, to the battle ride, And tame the foeman's senseless pride. Go forth like Yama to the field, And let thine arm thy trident wield. Scared by the lightning of thine eye The Vanar hosts will turn and fly; And Rama, when he sees thee near, With trembling heart will own his fear."