Page:Stories of India's Gods & Heroes.djvu/61

Rh saying, "Be sure that, when Rama comes to power, Bharat will be driven from the land; and will Kausalya, whom of old thou didst despise and defy, forbear to try her rancour on a fallen rival?"

Too long Kaikeyi listened to the false tongue; the fire of jealousy was kindled in her heart, and her desire turned towards banishing Rama from the kingdom; but she must needs ask the girl how this might be compassed. Readily Manthara revealed her plan, saying—

"When, by thy care, King Dasaratha was healed of his wounds gotten in war with the demons, in gratitude he swore to grant thee a boon, not once, but twice. Now, therefore, recall his oath to the monarch's mind, and charge him forthwith to send Rama to the forest for twice seven years. In that space thy son will be stablished in the kingdom beyond fear of being moved. Hie thee now to the chamber of mourning, and, lying prostrate on the ground, refuse all comfort till the monarch grant thy prayer. Be bold and callous, and all is thine."

Swept away by the lust for pre-eminence, Kaikeyi hearkened to the evil persuasion of her maid, and praised the wisdom of the plan. Nay, made foolish by the foretaste of triumph, she praised even the appearance of the humpbacked maid, and promised her wealth of robes and jewels on the day when Bharat should become king in Rama's place.

Anon, stripping off every ornament, she cast herself on the cold floor of the dark mourning-chamber and awaited the fateful hour.

Meanwhile King Dasaratha, all things being in readiness, went forth to commune with his beloved