Maricha, wise and far-seeing, addressed Ravana with words of grave counsel. “I know the measure of Rama’s might,” he said. “It is not fitting for you to confront him in battle. The descendant of Raghu could vanquish even the mighty Bali or Namuci. O Ravana, you have two choices before you: face Rama in battle, or restrain yourself and act with patience. If your desire is to see me, then there is no need to speak further of Rama. “Many virtuous souls, steadfast in righteousness, have perished along with all they possessed, not for their own faults, but because of the transgressions of others. In the same way, I too might meet my end because of another’s offense, O lord of the night. Do as you see fit, but I will not follow your path. “Rama is endowed with extraordinary splendor, courage, and strength. He could be the very destroyer of the world of Rakshasas. If Khara, provoked by Shurpanakha, marched to Janasthana and met his end at Rama’s effortless hand, then tell me, what fault lies with Rama? If you do not heed these words, which I speak for your own good and for the welfare of your kin, then you and your relatives will surely perish in battle today, struck down by Rama’s straight-flying arrows.” But Ravana, upon hearing Maricha’s wise and well-intentioned words, rejected them outright. Like one who, longing for death, refuses medicine, he would not accept the counsel. Driven by fate, the lord of the Rakshasas spoke harsh and unfitting words to Maricha, who had only advised what was wholesome. “Maricha,” Ravana retorted, “your speech is unworthy and meaningless, the words of one of low birth. It is as fruitless as seed sown on barren ground. Your words cannot sway my resolve to fight Rama, especially since he is but a foolish, sinful mortal. He who abandoned his friends, his kingdom, his mother and father, and went alone to the forest simply because of a woman’s words—such a man is no threat to me. “Surely, in battle with the slayer of Khara, I will seize Sita, who is dearer to him than life itself, and I will do so right before your eyes. This is the firm resolve in my heart, Maricha; not even the gods or demons together with Indra could turn me from it. “When asked about the strengths or faults of a plan, whether there is danger or opportunity, a wise minister should speak accordingly to the king. When questioned, a minister should address the king with joined palms, if he wishes for his own prosperity. Words offered to a ruler should be gentle, auspicious, and beneficial, spoken with proper decorum and respect. Words that are harsh or, even if beneficial, lack respect, should not be welcomed by a king who values his honor. “Kingly energy takes five forms, like the powers of Agni, Indra, Soma, Yama, and Varuna. Great kings, O night-wanderer, possess heat, valor, gentleness, punishment, and graciousness, just as those deities do. Therefore, kings must always be honored and revered. But you, ignorant of duty, are deluded. Out of wickedness, you have spoken harshly to one who has come before you. I do not ask you about merits or faults, nor about your own welfare, O Rakshasa. “Nevertheless, despite all that has been said, you must assist me in this task. Hear now what I require of you: you must take the form of a golden deer, adorned with silver spots, and roam before Sita in Rama’s hermitage. Entice Vaidehi with your magical form, and then depart as you wish. “When Maithili sees you, a wondrous golden creature, she will be amazed and quickly urge Rama, ‘Bring it to me!’ When Rama, the scion of Kakutstha, departs in pursuit, you are to cry out, ‘Ha, Sita! Lakshmana!’ in a voice that mimics Rama’s own. Hearing this, and pressed by Sita, Lakshmana too, out of loyalty, will anxiously follow Rama’s path. “When both Rama and Lakshmana are gone, I will seize Vaidehi at my ease, just as Indra once took Shachi. Once your task is done, you may go wherever you wish, O steadfast Maricha; I shall grant you half my kingdom. Go by a safe path for the success of this endeavor; I will follow you with my chariot into the Dandaka forest. Having deceived Raghava in battle and seized Sita, I will return to Lanka, my purpose fulfilled, together with you. “But if you refuse this, Maricha, I will kill you today. You must carry out this task for me, even if by force. One who opposes the king never finds happiness. If you confront Rama, your life will be forfeit; if you defy me, death is certain. Consider this carefully, and do what is proper.” Thus, Ravana issued his command. Maricha, seeing Ravana’s disregard for the kingly path, was unafraid. He spoke harshly in return to the lord of the Rakshasas. “Who has advised you to this destruction, O night-wanderer—destruction not only for yourself, but for your sons, your kingdom, and your ministers, you of evil deeds? Who, O king, would welcome you, a doer of wickedness? Who has pointed out this very gateway to death to you? It is clear your enemies, weak in strength, wish to see you destroyed, beset by one more powerful.” Thus, the fateful exchange between Maricha and Ravana unfolded, foreshadowing the great calamity about to befall the lord of Lanka.