Hearing Maricha’s words, Ravana’s pride flared up. He replied with scorn, “Your words cannot shake my resolve in battle against Rama, especially since he is but a foolish, sinful human. Consider: he abandoned his friends, kingdom, even his mother and father, and went alone into the forest, simply upon hearing the ordinary words of a woman. Surely, I shall seize Sita—who is dearer to him than life itself—right before your eyes, even if he is the slayer of Khara. This determination is firm in my heart, Maricha, and cannot be turned aside, not even by the assembled gods or demons together with Indra. “When asked about the merits or faults of a plan, you ought to speak appropriately, whether there is danger or opportunity, regarding the decision of the task at hand. A wise minister, when questioned, should speak with hands joined in respect to the king, if he desires his own prosperity. The words offered should not be opposed, but gentle, auspicious, and beneficial, spoken with proper decorum and appropriateness to the ruler. If words are harsh or, though beneficial, lack respect, a king who values honor should not welcome them. “Know this, Maricha: kings of immeasurable energy bear five forms—the forms of Agni, Indra, Soma, Yama, and Varuna. Great kings, O night-wanderer, possess heat, valor, gentleness, punishment, and graciousness, just like those deities. Therefore, in all circumstances, they must always be honored and revered. But you, ignorant of duty, are seized by delusion. “Out of wickedness, you have spoken such harsh words to one who has come to you. I do not ask you about merits or faults, nor about your own welfare, O Rakshasa. Even after all this has been said, O one of restrained prowess, you must assist me in this task. “Hear now what you must do. You must become a golden deer, adorned with silver spots. Roam before Sita in Rama’s hermitage; after enticing Vaidehi, you may depart as you wish. When Maithili sees you—a magical, golden creature—she will be amazed and quickly say to Rama, ‘Bring it to me!’ And when Kakutstha has gone far away, you should cry out, ‘Ha, Sita! Lakshmana!’ in a voice that resembles Rama’s. Hearing that, and urged by Sita, Saumitri too, out of friendship, will anxiously follow Rama’s path. “When both Rama and Lakshmana have departed, I will seize Vaidehi at my ease, just as the thousand-eyed Indra once took Shachi. Having done this, go wherever you wish, O Rakshasa; O Maricha, steadfast one, I will give you half the kingdom. Go, gentle one, by a safe path, for the success of this task; 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 accomplished, together with you. But if you do not do this, Maricha, I will surely kill you today; you must carry out this task for me, even by force. One who stands against the king never attains happiness. If you confront Rama, your life will be in danger; death is certain today if you oppose me. Consider this well with your intellect, and do what is proper in this matter.” Thus ends the fortieth sarga of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda. Now, thus commanded by Ravana, and perceiving his opposition to the righteous path of kingship, Maricha, without fear, spoke harsh words to the lord of the Rakshasas: “Who has advised you toward such destruction, O night-wanderer, for yourself, your sons, your kingdom, and your ministers, you of evil deeds? Who, O king, being happy, would not welcome you, O doer of evil? By whom has this gateway to death been pointed out to you? “It is clear, O night-wanderer, that your enemies, though weak, wish to see you destroyed by one more powerful. Who has advised you thus—someone base and of evil mind, who wishes you to perish by your own doing, O night-wanderer? Indeed, those ministers of yours, O Ravana, who do not restrain you when you have taken the wrong path—though they should be punished—are not punished. “A king who, driven by desire, has taken to a wrong path should certainly be restrained by virtuous ministers in every way; but you are not being restrained. O best of conquerors, ministers attain righteousness, wealth, desire, and fame through the favor of their lord, O night-wanderer. But when the opposite occurs, O Ravana, all that becomes futile; others suffer misfortune because of the faults of their lord. For the root of righteousness and fame is indeed the king, O best of conquerors; therefore, kings must be protected in all circumstances. “A kingdom cannot be governed by one who is harsh, nor by one who is excessively antagonistic or lacking in courtesy, O demon. Those ministers who employ harsh counsel together with such a ruler are quickly ruined in difficult situations, like chariots with slow drivers. Many virtuous people in the world, who have acted rightly, have perished along with their possessions due to the faults of others. When subjects are protected by a master who is hostile and harsh, O Ravana, they do not prosper, just as sheep do not thrive under the care of a jackal. All the demons will certainly perish, O Ravana, whose king is cruel, foolish, and unable to control his senses.” Thus Maricha spoke, warning Ravana of the doom that awaited all who followed a king blinded by desire and wrath.