“A hundred thousand Ýeƒas would fail to describe the greatness of Ýr¶ RŒma’s valour, strength and intelligence. With a single shaft He could dry up a hundred seas; yet, being a master of propriety, He consulted your brother (Vibh¶ƒa˜a) and in accordance with his suggestion He is asking passage of the ocean with a heart full of compassion.” The ten-headed monster laughed to hear these words. “It was because of such wits that he (RŒma) took monkeys for his allies. That is why, confirming the advice of my brother, who is a born coward, he is persistent in demanding of the ocean (like a pet child) something which is impossible. Fool, why do you bestow false praise on the enemy, whose might and wisdom I have fathomed. Triumph and glory in this world are inaccessible to him who has a cowardly counsellor like Vibh¶ƒa˜a.” The spy waxed angry to hear the words of the wicked monarch and taking it to be an opportune moment he took out the letter (from Lakƒma˜a). “Ýr¶ RŒma’s younger brother (Lakƒma˜a) gave me this note; have it read, my lord, and soothe your heart.” RŒva˜a laughed when he took the letter in his left hand; and summoning his minister, the fool asked him to read it out. (1—5)