But Rávaṇ ne'er can yield or bend,

And be it vice or virtue, I

This nature never will belie.

What marvel if he bridged the sea?

Why should this deed disquiet thee?

This, only this, I surely know,

Back with his life he shall not go.”

Thus in loud tones the king exclaimed,

And mute stood Malyaván ashamed,

His reverend head he humbly bent,