“If, my lord, you accept this advice of mine, your fair renown will spread throughout the world in either case.” The ten-headed monster asked his son (Prahasta) in a fury, “Fool, who has taught you such wisdom? If you entertain doubt in your mind from even 816 * ÝR” RMACARITAMNASA* now, my son, you have proved yourself to be a prickly plant at the root of a bamboo (which brings about the destruction of the bamboo).” On hearing the harsh and most malignant remarks of his father Prahasta left for home uttering these bitter words: “Words of good counsel fall flat on you even as a medicine proves ineffectual for a man who is doomed to die.” Finding that it was evening now the ten-headed monster turned towards his palace fondly gazing on his twenty arms. On the highest level of La˘kŒ stood a most wonderful hall, where music and dancing contests used to be held. RŒva˜a went and took his seat in that hall, while Kinnaras (celestial songsters) began to sing his praises. Expert celestial nymphs commenced their dance to the accompaniment of cymbals, tabors and lutes. (1—5)