'If I ascertain the difference in the strength of enemies and vanaras in war here itself and return to Kishkinda, the abode of vanaras, then I would have executed the orders of my lord properly. [5-41-7]
कथं नु खल्वद्य भवेत्सुखागतं प्रसह्य युद्धं मम राक्षसैः सह | तथैव खल्वात्मबलं च सारवत्सम्मानयेन्मां च रणे दशाननः || ५-४१-८
'How can I have enduring war with the ogres today? How will my visit to this place end in happy return? Only in a combat this tenheaded Ravana will guage his strength and mine. [5-41-8]
kathaM nu khalvadya bhavetsukhAgataM prasahya yuddhaM mama rAkSasaiH saha | tathaiva khalvAtmabalaM ca sAravatsammAnayenmAM ca raNe dazAnanaH || 5-41-8
'I can return happily only after I gauge the tenheaded Ravana's army in war, his strength, his companions including the ministers and his mind. [5-41-9]
'This Ashoka garden of Ravana filled with different kinds of trees and creepers is a feast to the eyes and mind. It is an excellent garden like the Nandana garden of Indra. [5-41-10]