Manthara, making Kaikeyi the object of her wrath, threw off the noble
ornament, and spoke these words, in anger and grief,--"Thou senseless
girl, wherefore dost thou display thy joy on such an unfit occasion.
Thou dost not see that thou art in the bosom of an ocean of grief. Being
grieved at heart do I laugh at thee inwardly, O worshipful lady, because
thou having met with signal calamity, rejoicest even in what should be
lamented. I lament thee for thy perversion of sense. What sensible woman
can rejoice in the advancement of a co-wife's son, like unto death
itself? From Bharata proceeds Rama's fear concerning the kingdom to
which both have an equal claim. Thinking of this, I am pressed down with
sorrow, because fear proceeds from the person who fears much. The mighty
armed Lakshmana hath for certain in all ways taken refuge in Rama; and
Satrughna like unto Lakshmana hath taken refuge in the Kakutstha,
Bharata. With reference to gradation of birth, the probability is in
favor of Bharata's attempting the kingdom; yet by reason (of Rama's
being the elder) of the two, Bharata hath been thrown off. Anticipating
the peril that might spring unto thy son from Rama, learned and versed
in the functions of the Kshatriya, and of quick decision, I tremble.
Surely Kaucalya is of blessed fortune, for to-morrow under Pushya the
foremost of the twice- born ones will install her son as the mighty
heir-apparent unto the empire. Thou wilt, with clasped hands, serve as a
slave the illustrious Kaucalya, mistress of the world, and brimming over
with joy, with all her foes discomfitted. Thus along with us thou wilt
attend her commands, and thy son also will await the pleasure of Rama.
And Rama's wives[114] together with their hand-maids will be filled with
delight; and in consequence of Bharata's name, thy daughters in-law will
be afflicted with sorrow."
Seeing Manthara dead set against Rama, and speaking in this wise, the
noble Kaikeyi praised the virtues of Rama. "Rama is cognizant of
morality, and filled with perfections, and accomplished, and grateful,
and endowed with truth, and pure. And as he is the eldest son of the
king, he deserveth the kingdom as heir-apparent. That long-lived one
shall maintain his brothers and his retainers even like a father. Why
then, O hump-backed one, do thou grieve, hearing Rama's installation.
And for certain, that foremost of men, Bharata also, an hundred years
after Rama, will attain the kingdom bequeathed by his father and
grand-father. O Manthara, thou burnest (with grief) in this auspicious
time. Our good fortune will come (after this in the shape of Bharata's
installation); why then dost thou grieve. Surely Rama is dearer unto me
than Bharata; and he also loveth me more than he doth Kaucalya. And if
the kingdom be Rama's it will be also Bharata's at the same time. Rama
regardeth his brothers even as his own self."
Hearing Kaikeyi's words, Manthara exceedingly aggrieved, sighing hot and
hard, thus addressed Kaikeyi, saying,-- "Regarding that to be evil which
is thy good, thou dost not through thy want of understanding know that
thou art going to be drowned in a sea of grief and peril. Raghava will
become king, and after Raghava his son,--so that, O Kaikeyi, Bharata
will come to be at once cut off from the royal line. O emotional one,
surely all the sons of the king do not obtain the kingdom. And if all
were placed on the throne, mighty would be the disturbance therefrom.
Therefore it is that kings, O Kaikeyi, lay the task of Government on the
eldest son if worthy, or else upon a younger most meritorious. This thy
son, O affectionate one, cast off from the royal race, and deprived of
happiness, will fare like one forlorn. Thou dost not understand that it
is for thee that I am taking such pains; and it is evident that thou
dost not understand that I have come to thee for thy good. Thou art
conferring on me rewards on the advancement of thy co-wife. For certain,
Rama having attained the kingdom without let, will send Bharata either
to a distant land, or to the other world. Bharata is a mere boy, and by
thee it is that he hath been sent unto his maternal uncle's mansion.
Even in immobile objects attachment grows by virtue of nearness.
Satrughna also ever following Bharata hath gone with him. He is attached
unto Bharata as Lakshmana is attached unto Rama. It is heard that once
upon a time the woodmen had intended to cut down a tree; but it was
relieved from the high peril because of the proximity of prickly shrubs
around it. Sumitra's son protects Rama and Raghava protects Lakshmana.
Their fraternal love like that of the Aswins is celebrated in the world.
Therefore Rama will never do any wrong unto Lakshmana; but he will do
wrong unto Bharata, there is no doubt about this. Therefore let that son
of Raghu be sent unto the woods from the palace. This pleaseth me; and
this also is for thy supreme welfare; and in this wise also will be
realised the good of thy relations. But if Bharata can get at his
ancestral kingdom by just means, that would also be welcome to thy
kindred. That boy deserving of happiness is the natural enemy of Rama.
How can he live under the prosperous Rama being deprived of all wealth?
Therefore it behoveth thee to save Bharata about to be overcome by Rama,
like a lion pursuing the leader of an elephant herd in a forest. Thy
co-wife, Rama's mother, had formerly through pride and good fortune been
slighted by thee. Why will not she upon thee wreak her revenge now? When
Rama will obtain the earth furnished with many oceans and mountains,
then, O proud dame, thou rendered forlorn, wilt along with Bharata,
sustain sorry discomfiture. And when Rama will obtain the earth, Bharata
will certainly meet with destruction, therefore do thou ponder as to how
thou canst place thy son on the throne, and banish thy enemy."
[114] Historically Rama had but one wife. Manthara here anticipated that
Rama would marry many wives like his father after the
installation.--T.