What had started as a gracious request turned into a royal mandate, a command meant to be obeyed and executed implicitly. Maricha protested vehemently, "Ravana, which sinner jealous of your prosperity advised this? Your timid rivals pit you against an opponent stronger than yourself for your ruin. Where are the ministers who should be restraining you from this outrage? They deserve death. Why do you not kill them? It is through the mastery of their ruler that his counselors earn fame and glory, their vigilance for his welfare is most imperative. The subjects of a wayward and ill-advised king are ever in danger. Since the king is responsible for dharma he needs to be protected at all times. The reign of a king, who is licentious, pitiless and harsh, opposed to his subjects, will be turbulent. It is like traveling in a chariot, drawn by wild horses, driven by a reckless charioteer. Association with the wicked brings ruin and you will endanger the entire race of rakshasas. Arrogant and merciless, you are an enemy of your own people who are as safe as a flock of sheep, guarded by a jackal. If Rama kills me, I will deem it my good fortune. Consider me dead the moment I see Rama, just as you and your kinsmen will, the moment Sita is stolen"!