Ayodhya Kaanda
62 - Sarasvati perverts the mind of Manthara (a handmaid of queen Kaikeyi); a dialogue between Kaikeyi and Manthara
Chaupais
Description
"Why should anyone, O mother, give me a lesson? And on whose strength shall I be cheeky? Who is happy today, except Rama, whom the king is going so invest with regal powers? Providence has turned most favourable to Kausalya; seeing this she cannot contain the pride of her bosom. Why not go and se for yourself all the splendour, the sight of which has agitated my mind? Your son is away; while you are complacent under the notion that your lord is under your thumb. You are excessively fond of sleeping on a cushioned bed and are unable to detect the deceitful cunning of the king." Hearing these affectionate words, yet knowing her malicious mind the queen angrily said, "Keep quiet now. If you ever speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out."