Ayodhya Kaanda
62 - Sarasvati perverts the mind of Manthara (a handmaid of queen Kaikeyi); a dialogue between Kaikeyi and Manthara
Chaupais
Description
Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Kekaya's daughter (Kaikeyi) shrivelled with fear and could not utter a word. Her body was wet with perspiration and shook like a plantain stalk. The humpback then bit her tongue (for fear lest the gloomy picture drawn by her might break Kaikeyi's heart). Telling her one after another many a story of wiles Manthara comforted the queen and asked her to be of good cheer. At last the tide turned and Kaikeyi conceived a fondness for mischief; she applauded a heron mistaking it for a swan. "Listen, O Manthara; what you say is quite true. My right eye ever throbs and I have an evil dream every night; but in my folly I did not tell you. I cannot help it, my friend; I am so guileless by nature. I cannot distinguish a friend from a foe."