Who taught the Gods[928] may rival thee,

Supreme in power of quickest sense,

First in the art of eloquence.

But hear me soothly speak, O King,

And learn the hope to which I cling.

Vibhishaṇ comes no crafty spy:

Urged by his brother's fault to fly.

With righteous soul that loathes the sin,

He fled from Lanká and his kin.

If strangers question, doubt will rise