Page:Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists.djvu/58

 The Scheming of Kaikeyī

All this time Bharata's mother, Kaikeyī, had not heard a word of Rāja Dasharatha's intention. Kaikeyī was young and passionate and very beautiful; by nature she was generous, but not so kind or wise that she might not be swayed by the crooked promptings of her own desires or another's instigation. She had a faithful old hump-backed nurse of an evil disposition; Mantharā was her name. Now Mantharā, hearing the rejoicings and learning that Rāma was to be installed as heir-apparent, hurried to inform her mistress of this misfortune to Bharata, as Rāma's honour seemed to her narrow view.

"O senseless one," she said, "why art thou idle and content when such misfortune is thine?" Kaikeyī asked her what evil had befallen. Mantharā answered with words of anger: "O my lady, a terrible destruction awaits thy bliss, so that I am sunk in fear immeasurable and afflicted with heaviness and grief; burning like a fire, I have sought thee hurriedly. Thou art verily a Queen of Earth; but though thy Lord speaks blandly, he is crafty and crooked-hearted within, and wills thee harm. It is Kaushalyā's welfare that he seeks, not thine, whatever sweet words he may have for thee. Bharata is sent away, and Rāma is to be set upon the throne! Indeed, my girl, thou hast nursed for thy husband a poisonous snake! Now quickly act, and find a way to save thyself and Bharata and me." But Mantharā's words made Kaikeyī glad: she rejoiced that Rāma should be heir, and giving a jewel to the humpbacked maid, she said: "What boon can I give thee for this news? I am glad indeed to heart this tale. Rāma and Bharata are very dear to me, and I find no difference between them. It is well that Rāma

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