Thus spoke the king in stern reproof; Then mounted to his palace roof Aloft o'er many a story raised, And on the lands beneath him gazed. There by his faithful spies he stood And looked on sea and hill and wood. There stretched before him far away The Vanars' numberless array: Scarce could the meadows' tender green Beneath their trampling feet be seen. He looked a while with furious eye, Then questioned thus the nearer spy: "Bend, Saran, bend thy gaze, and show The leaders of the Vanar foe. Tell me their heroes' names, and teach The valour, power and might of each."Ramayana 6.138 · Ramayana · 6
Ramayana 6.138
Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
StrengthAngerCourageFaithLeadership
Strength in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Hellenism and Taoism address it.
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.Job 36:5 · Bible · Job
Allah is He Who shaped you out of weakness, then appointed after weakness strength, then, after strength, appointed weakness and grey hair. He createth what He will. He is the Knower, the Mighty.Quran 30:54 · Quran · The Romans
“Stern power of war! by whom the mighty fall, Who bathe in blood, and shake the lofty wall! Let the brave chiefs their glorious toils divide; And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide: While we from interdicted fields retire, Nor tempt the wrath of heaven’s avenging sire.”Iliad 5.6 · Iliad · 5
Hence he who (relies on) the strength of his forces does not conquer; and a tree which is strong will fill the out-stretched arms, (and thereby invites the feller.)Tao Te Ching 76.3 · Tao Te Ching
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