Ayodhya Kaanda
64 - Dialogue between king Dasaratha and Kaikeyi; Dasaratha's lamentation; Sumantra goes to the palace and, returning from it, sends Sri Rama to His father
Chaupais
Description
Thinking her reconciled, the king spoke again in soft and winning accents his whole frame thrilling over with emotion, "Your heart's desire, O good lady, is accomplished; every house in the city is a picture of joy and felicity. Tomorrow, I am installing Rama as the prince-regent; therefore, O bright-eyed dame, put on a festive garb." The queen's heart, hard though it was, cracked at these words; it seemed as if a festering sore had been unwarily touched. Even such (heart-rending) agony was disguised by her under the cloak of a smile. Just as a thief's wife does not openly weep (on seeing her husband suffer punishment lest she should be made to share his lot). The king was unable to detect her wily designs, tutored as she was by a teacher (Manthara) who ranked foremost among millions of villains. Although the king was skilled in statesmanship, the ways of a woman are like an unfathomable ocean. Again, with a greater show of false affection she smilingly said with a graceful movement of her face and eyes: