Page:Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists.djvu/60

Then Mantharā reminded her of an ancient pledge: how long ago in a great battle with the rākshasas Dasharatha had been wounded and almost slain; how Kaikeyī had found him unconscious on the field of battle, and borne him to a place of safety and there healed him; how Dasharatha had granted her two boons, and she reserved those boons to ask them from him when and as she would. "Now," said Mantharā, "ask thy husband for these boons: to establish Bharata as heir upon the throne, and banish Rāma to the forests for fourteen years. During those years Bharata shall be so well established and make himself so dear to the people that he need not fear Rāma. Therefore do thou enter the Anger-chamber,^[1] casting off thy jewels, and, putting on a soiled garment, vouchsafe no word or look to Dasharatha. Thou art his dearest wife, to whom he can refuse nothing, nor can he endure to see thee grieved. He will offer thee gold and jewels, but do thou refuse every offer but the banishment of Rāma and the establishment of Bharata."

Thus was Kaikeyī led to choose that as good which was in truth most evil; stirred up by the humpbacked servant's words, the fair Kaikeyī started up like a mare devoted to her foal and rushed along an evil path. She thanked and praised the humpbacked Mantharā, and promised her many rich rewards when Bharata should be set upon the throne. Then she tore off her jewels and beautiful garments, and flung herself down upon the floor of the Anger-chamber; she clasped her breasts and cried: "Know that either Rāma shall be banished and my son installed, or I shall die: if Rāma 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 hidden