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Tren the woe begone Surpanakh§, in high wrath, spoke harshly in the midst of the courtiers, unto Ravana, given to railing loudly against all creatures, “Intoxicated with enjoyments, acting as thou wilt, and without any control whatever, thou dost not see that a dreadful disaster is impending. The subjects do not esteem a monarch that is given to sensual enjoyments, is intent upon satisfying his lust and is covetous like the fire in a cemetery. The king that doth not act at the proper time, finds destruction along with his kingdom and acts. Even as elephants shun the muddy river, do people shun from a distance, the ruler that doth not send out spies, who showeth not himself (unto his subjects), and who hath lost his independence. Like unto rocks in the sea, those monarchs that do not administer their dominions, that are not dependent, do not prosper. Having incurred the hostility of the gods, the Danavas and the Gandharbas of subdued souls and senses, how canst thou, who art fickle, and hast not employed spies, become the king? And, O R&akshasa, thou art childish and foolish; and doth not know what thou shouldst. How canst thou then become the king? O thou best of conquerers, those kings whose spies, exchequer and morality are not free, are like the common herd. It is because kings know distant dangers through spies, therefore they are styled far-sighted. I believe thou hast no spies, and that thy counsellors are common folks, since although Janasthana with thy kinsman is destroyed, yet thou takest it not to heart. Fourteen thousands of Rakshasas of dreadful deeds, with Khara and Dushana, have all been slain by Rama single-handed ; Rama of untiring energy hath inspired the saints with courage ; the Dandakas have been benefitted; and Janasthana hath been harassed. But thou, covetous and intoxicated and in the power of

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hers, dost not understand that a great danger is overanging (thee). People do not in times of peril assist a evereign that is wrathful, stingy, intoxicated, haughty and mceitful. Even his own kindred slay a sovereign that sets camense store by his own self, is of light worth, regards amself highly, and irascible. They do not serve him; nor m they fear when he intimidates them. Such an one is speedidethroned; and reduced to poverty and becomes like a waw. Even dry wood may serve a purpose; or stone, or zast ; but no purpose is capable of being served by a sovere- =n that hath been cast off his place. Like a cloth that hath @en worn, like a garland that hath been trodden, a king nat hath been dethroned, although able, is of no consewence. Buta king that keeps his wits about him, under- -ands everything, is of controlled senses, and grateful, and ” virtuous character, endureth for ever. That king is honored y men, that sleeping with his eyes, is awake as respects is eye of duty, and (the effects of) whose anger and favor, re seen (by all). But, thou Ravana, who hast not by means f spies, acquainted thyself with the slaughter of Rakshasas, rt of evil understanding and bereft of all these virtues. riven to disgracing others, ignorant of the proper distribuion of time and place,* and never taking care to distinguish nerits and defects, thou, thy kingdom being in danger, wilt peedily meet with disaster.” On his vices having been thus ‘elebrated by her (Surpanakh4), that lord of the rangers of light, Ravana, musing awhile, was long plunged in thought. * The commentator, is silent here. The meaning evidently is, thou dost not iscern the where andwhen of things.—T.