Chapter 17 — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 17

Valmiki Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda

Verse 17.38

छादयित्वात्मभावं हि चरन्ति शठबुद्धयः। प्रहरन्ति च रन्ध्रेषु सोऽनर्थः सुमहान्भवेत्॥

chādayitvātmabhāvaṃ hi caranti śaṭhabuddhayaḥ| praharanti ca randhreṣu so'narthaḥ sumahānbhavet||

English Meaning

The wicked-minded always move about hiding their real self, and bring about peoples' calamity, taking advantage of their weak points. And great is the disaster thereof.

M.N. Dutt (1891–94, public domain)