Vali's Lament and Rama's Righteous Judgment

"O Rama, what did you gain by hiding behind a tree and shooting me like this?" Vali asked Rama. "All creatures consider you to be courteous and respect you. You are said to be the most dignified man. You are supposed to be kind and brave. You are a prince of the Raghu dynasty, and I have heard that members of that dynasty never commit unjust acts. It is said that you only want the welfare of all creatures. You are a storehouse of all these great qualities. I've never harmed you or your kingdom. I've never even insulted you, so why have you attacked me thus?

"I never harbored any animosity toward you. I was fighting someone else. You are renowned for righteousness, so why have you done something so cruel? If you had directly confronted me on the battlefield, you would not have escaped alive. But you never challenged me on the battlefield. You attacked me through deceit. If you had first become friends with me, I would have presented that wicked demon Ravana before you. If you had asked me, I would have found Sita from anywhere in the sky, underworld, or the earth and returned her to you. You attacking me from behind was just wrong. Is it ever justified to stealthily kill a person like this?"

"Vali, you may be courageous and powerful, but your words are childish," said Rama. "You do not know the true meaning of religion, love, or social limits. You have never associated with intelligent people but are now preaching to me with your monkey brain. Your conduct is filled with desire and passion. You are unfit to rule a kingdom. You have misused your strength against your innocent brother, so you deserve death. You have looked at your brother's wife with an evil eye and imprisoned her. For breaching the limits of righteousness, there could be no other punishment. Sugriva is my friend, and I have promised to help him. I can never go back on my promise. Vali, you have conducted yourself like a vile animal. Killing an animal from the cover of a tree is not unjust."

Vali heard Rama's words and began to repent. "O Rama, you always speak the truth," said Vali. "An inferior creature like me does not have the strength to oppose your statements. Out of ignorance, I spoke bitterly to you. I violated all the rules. I do not grieve about my wife Tara or any relatives. I am only worried about my dear son, Angada who will be fatherless without me. O Lord, promise me that Sugriva will behave appropriately with Tara as she is innocent."

Rama was pleased by Vali's good sense and comforted him. The end of Vali's life was at hand. He looked at Rama and Sugriva. Angada was also standing near Sugriva.

"Please don't resent me for what I have done to you," said Vali to Sugriva. "I did it because of my stupidity. Success and brotherly love were not written in my fate. From today, you are the king of monkeys. Sugriva, my end is near. Look at Angada! He is young but intelligent. See how he is weeping! He has grown up in luxury and has the right to enjoy every type of opulence. He is precious to me. Sugriva, you should become his guardian and protector. Tara's son Angada is like you in terms of bravery and combat skills. He will defeat demons in battle. Though he may be young, he is well-versed in all battle techniques." Vali then breathed his last.