Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 2
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
वसेत्सहसपत्नेनक्रुद्धेऽनाशीविषेणवा ।नतुमित्रप्रवादेनसंवसेच्छत्रुसेविना ।।।।
vaset saha sapatnena kruddhe ’nāśīviṣeṇa vā | na tu mitra-pravādena saṃvasec chatru-sevinā ||
On peut vivre même avec un rival connu, ou avec un serpent venimeux en colère ; mais on ne doit pas vivre aux côtés d'une personne qui prétend à l'amitié tout en servant son ennemi.
"O Night ranger (Vibheeshana)! If any other one had spoken such words, I would not let him live this moment and also destroy. Fie upon you."
FAQs
True friendship is measured by loyalty and right intention; professed friendship that secretly serves an enemy is adharma and more dangerous than open hostility.
In Laṅkā’s royal assembly, Vibhīṣaṇa warns Rāvaṇa about the danger of false allies and the need to discern genuine friendship.
Discernment and truthful counsel—Vibhīṣaṇa speaks unpleasant but beneficial truth for the king’s welfare.