Within the palace, Vali—unable to tolerate his brother—heard the thunderous roar of the great-hearted Sugriva echoing outside. The sound shook all creatures, and in that instant, Vali’s pride dissolved, replaced by a surge of intense anger. Consumed by rage, his golden form lost its brilliance, as though the sun itself had been stained. His fangs and hands clenched, his eyes blazed with fury, and he shone like a lake filled with blooming lotuses and stalks. The intolerable sound drove Vali to action. With swift, powerful steps that seemed to tear the earth apart, he leapt out of the palace. Tara, his devoted wife, embraced him, trembling with anxiety and affection. For his welfare, she spoke earnestly, “O hero, restrain this anger that has arisen like a river in flood. Rise in the morning and cast it off as you would a garland that has been worn. You can face him in battle then; your strength is unmatched, and no enemy can defeat you.” She continued, “Your sudden advance does not please me. Listen to my reason for restraining you. Previously, driven by anger, Sugriva challenged you, but when you went forth and defeated him, he fled in all directions as you struck him. Now, after suffering defeat and torment, his return to challenge you again arouses suspicion. The arrogance and agitation in his roar are not without cause. Sugriva is not alone; he must rely on a steadfast ally, for which he now bellows.” “Tara explained, ‘Sugriva is skilled and intelligent. He would not ally himself with someone whose strength he has not tested. Young Angada has gone deep into the forest, as reported by the spies. The two sons of the lord of Ayodhya—renowned Rama and Lakshmana, born in the illustrious Ikshvaku line—are valiant and unconquerable in battle. They have come here, difficult to approach, to fulfill Sugriva’s cherished desire; Rama is famed as your brother’s ally in war.’ ‘Rama, destroyer of hostile forces, has arisen like the fire at the end of an age; he is a sheltering tree for the virtuous and the supreme refuge for those in distress. He is a refuge for the afflicted, the sole vessel of fame, endowed with knowledge and wisdom, devoted to his father’s command. Like the lord of mountains to minerals, he is a great source of virtues. It is not fitting for you to be in conflict with such a great soul.’ ‘With Rama—unconquerable and immeasurable in battle—I say this, not wishing to offend you: Listen and act for your good. Quickly and properly anoint Sugriva as crown prince. Do not engage in conflict with your younger brother; friendship with Rama is fitting for you. Make peace with Sugriva, casting enmity far away; cherish your younger brother. Whether he is here or nearby, he is your kinsman, and I see no other relative on earth equal to him. With gifts, respect, and proper hospitality, make him your ally at once; let this enmity be abandoned, and let him remain by your side. Sugriva, broad-necked and great-hearted, is your chief ally; relying on the bond of brotherhood, you have no other path here.’ ‘If you wish to please me and consider me well-intentioned, then, out of affection, kindly follow my advice. Be gracious and listen to my wholesome words; do not simply follow anger. For you are capable, O son of the king of Kosala, and there should be no conflict with one whose brilliance equals Indra’s.’” Tara spoke only what was beneficial, addressing Vali with these wholesome words. Yet, her counsel did not please him, for fate had overtaken him and he stood at the threshold of his destruction. Now begins the sixteenth sarga. Tara’s face shone like the moon as she spoke, but Vali rebuked her, saying, “Why should I, for any reason, tolerate the furious roaring of my brother, my enemy, O beautiful-faced one? For brave warriors, unassailable and unyielding in battle, to endure insult is more bitter than death, O timid one. I cannot endure Sugriva’s challenge in battle, nor the roar of that weak-necked one.” He reassured her, “You need not grieve concerning Raghava on my account; he knows righteousness and gratitude—how could he commit a wrongful act? Turn back with the women; why do you follow me further? You have already shown your friendship and devotion to me.” Vali declared, “I will go and confront Sugriva; cast off your anxiety. I will subdue his pride, and he will not lose his life. Whatever he desires as he stands ready for battle, I will do; struck by trees and blows of my fists, he will retreat. That wicked one, swollen with pride, will not withstand me. Tara, you have fulfilled your duty as a helper and shown your affection for me.” Thus, Vali, disregarding Tara’s wise counsel, set out to confront his brother, his heart ablaze with anger and pride.