Ravana, the mighty lord of the Rakshasas, was unmoved by Maricha’s cautious words. With scorn, he replied, “Maricha, your speech is unworthy and empty, coming from one of low birth. It is as fruitless as sowing seeds in barren soil. Your words cannot sway me from confronting Rama in battle—especially since Rama is nothing more than a foolish and sinful man. He abandoned his friends, his kingdom, even his own mother and father, and went alone into the forest, all because of the mere words of a woman. “Now, I am determined to seize Sita, who is dearer to Rama than his own life, and I shall do it right before your eyes, just as he slew Khara. This resolve is fixed in my heart, Maricha; nothing—not gods, not demons, not even Indra himself—can turn me from it. “When a king seeks counsel about the merits or faults of a plan, or about danger and opportunity, a wise minister should speak with joined hands, showing respect to his lord, if he wishes for his own welfare. Words offered to a king must be gentle, auspicious, and beneficial—never harsh or disrespectful. The wise ruler does not welcome words that are harsh, even if they are meant for his benefit, if they lack proper respect. “Know that kings possess the energies of Agni, Indra, Soma, Yama, and Varuna. Like these deities, great kings have heat, valor, gentleness, punishment, and graciousness. Therefore, they must always be honored and revered. But you, Maricha, ignorant of your duty, are lost in delusion, and out of wickedness you have spoken such harsh words to one who has come to you. I do not ask for your judgment of merits or faults, nor do I inquire after your welfare, O Rakshasa. “Despite all this, you must assist me in this task. Hear what you must do: take the form of a golden deer, adorned with silver spots, and wander before Sita in Rama’s hermitage. When you have enticed Vaidehi, you may leave as you wish. When Maithili sees you, a magical golden creature, she will be amazed and quickly ask Rama to bring it to her. “When Rama has gone far in pursuit, you must cry out, ‘Ha, Sita! Lakshmana!’ in Rama’s own voice. Hearing this, and urged by Sita, Lakshmana too will anxiously follow Rama’s path. When both Rama and Lakshmana have departed, I will seize Vaidehi with ease, just as Indra, thousand-eyed, once took Shachi. “Once you have done this, you may go wherever you wish, Maricha. I will reward you with half my kingdom. Go now, gentle one, by a safe path, so that this task may succeed—I will follow you with my chariot into the Dandaka forest. Having deceived Raghava in battle and seized Sita, I will return to Lanka with my purpose accomplished, together with you. “But if you refuse, Maricha, I will kill you today. You must do this for me, even by force. One who stands against his king never finds happiness. If you oppose me, your life is forfeit; death is certain today if you defy me. Consider well, and do what is proper.” Thus ends the fortieth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda. Hearing Ravana’s command and recognizing his departure from the righteous path, Maricha, unafraid, spoke harshly to the lord of the Rakshasas. “Who has advised you upon this course of ruin, Ravana? Who has led you to destruction—for yourself, your sons, your kingdom, and your ministers? Who, being happy, would welcome you, a doer of evil? Who has pointed out this gateway to death? “It is clear, O night-wanderer, that your enemies, weak as they are, wish to see you destroyed by one more powerful. This advice has come from someone base and evil-minded, who desires your ruin. Your ministers, Ravana, who should restrain you when you stray from the right path, are not punished, though they deserve it. “A king who, driven by desire, takes the wrong path must be restrained in every way by virtuous ministers—but you are not being restrained. Ministers gain righteousness, wealth, desire, and fame through the favor of their lord. But when the opposite happens, all is lost; the people suffer for the faults of their king. “The king is the root of righteousness and fame and must be protected at all times. A kingdom cannot be governed by one who is harsh, antagonistic, or lacking in courtesy. Ministers who give harsh counsel to such a ruler are quickly ruined in crisis, like chariots driven by the slow-witted. “Many virtuous people, though themselves upright, have perished with their possessions because of the faults of others. When subjects are ruled by a master who is hostile and harsh, they do not thrive, just as sheep do not prosper under the care of a jackal.” Thus Maricha spoke, his words heavy with warning, as the fate of Ravana and his realm hung in the balance.