Hearing this beneficial, mild and pregnant speech, fortified by reasons and capable of compassing (his welfare) for the present, past and the future, (Rāvaņa) who had conceived a passion (for Sītā), getting into a rage, replied, Fear find I none whatever. Rāghava never shall have Mithila's daughter. Even if Laksmana's elder brother should be supported in battle by the celestials with Indra (at their head), how can he stay before me (in the field)?
हितं महाथ मृदु हेतुसंहितं व्यतीतकालायतिसंप्रतिक्षमम्। निशम्य तद्वाक्यमुपस्थितज्वरः प्रसङ्गवानुत्तरमेतदब्रवीत्॥ भयं न पश्यामि कुतश्चिदप्यहं न राघवः प्राप्स्यति जातु मैथिलीम्। सुरैः सहेन्द्रैरपि संगरे कथं ममाग्रतः स्थास्यति लक्ष्मणाग्रजः॥