Ayodhya Kaanda
62 - Sarasvati perverts the mind of Manthara (a handmaid of queen Kaikeyi); a dialogue between Kaikeyi and Manthara
Chaupais
Description
"I would fain go and spend the rest of my life at my father's but would on no account serve a co-wife so long as there is life in me. For him whom heaven allows so survive as a dependant of an enemy, death is preferable to life." The queen uttered many such words of despondency; at this the humpback resorted to the wily ways of a woman. "Why should you speak in this strain, indulging in self-depreciation? Your happiness and good-luck will be ever on the increase. Whoever has contemplated such gross mischief to you shall eventually reap its fruit. Ever since I heard of this plot, my lady, I have felt no appetite during the day and have had no wink of sleep at night. I consulted the astrologers and they declared in positive terms: 'Bharata shall be the king; this much is certain.' If you act up to it, O good lady, I will offer a suggestion to you; the king is under an obligation to you."