Raavana's spirits fell when he received the news of Akampana's death but he found
strength in anger and desperation and began thinking of new plans. He went round the
defences of the city again and took counsel with Prahasta, the commander-in chief.
"We must break this Vaanara siege. We
should issue at the head of the whole army and slay the Vaanara chiefs. Myself,
Kumbhakarna, yourself, Indrajit or Nikumbha - one of us five should take up the
responsibility of leading the army out of the fortress. Are we to be afraid of monkeys?
Why! They used to flee in terror on merely hearing the roar of a Raakshasa. They do not
know the science of war. They are unskilled brutes. How have they managed to stand all our
attacks?"
Prahasta answered humbly: "Things have
happened as we foresaw. We respectfully submitted long ago that it would be best to
restore Seeta and make peace. But I am bound to obey you. I am prepared to sacrifice my
life, my family, my all for your sake. I shall lead this sortie, if such is your
pleasure." |
