Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

""Know"Myths of the Hindus & BuddhistsThen Manthara reminded her of an ancient pledge: howlong ago in a great battle with the rakshasas Dasharathahad been wounded and almost slain ;how Kaikeyl hadfound him unconscious on the field of battle, and bornehim to a place of safety and there healed him; howDasharatha had granted her two boons, and she reservedthose boons to ask them from him when and as she would.Now," said Manthara, ask thy husband for these boons :to establish Bharata as heir upon the throne, and banishRama to the forests for fourteen years. During thoseyears Bharata shall be so well established and make himselfso dear to the people that he need not fear Rama.Therefore do thou enter the Anger-chamber, 1 casting offthy jewels, and, putting on a soiled garment, vouchsafe noword or look to Dasharatha. Thou art his dearest wife,to whom he can refuse nothing, nor can he endure to seethee grieved. He will offer thee gold and jewels, but dothou refuse every offerbut the banishment of Rama andthe establishment of Bharata."Thus was Kaikeyl led to choose that as good which wasin truth most evil stirred ; up by the humpbackedservant s words, the fair Kaikeyl started up like a maredevoted to her foal and rushed along an evil path. Shethanked and praised the humpbacked Manthara, andpromised her many rich rewards when Bharata should beset upon the throne. Then she tore off her jewels andbeautiful garments, and flung herself down uponthe floorof the Anger-chamber ; she clasped her breasts and cried :that either Rama shall be banished and my soninstalled, or I shall die : if Rama goes not to the forest,I will not desire bed or garland, sandal-paste or ointment,meat or drink, or life itself." So, like a starry sky hidden361 A room set apart for an offended queen.