THE TEMPTER
Manthara flung aside the costly present of her mistress. She really came to believe that Kaikeyi was in danger. “Dull-witted! How is it that you are so insensible to the instant danger? I cannot appreciate your raptures. They are ill-timed. The news of Rama’s coronation is a death-blow to all our hopes. And you rejoice where you should lament. Rama is the son of your rival. Is he not? Then he is your Fate. The most stupid person would not go into raptures at such news.
Perhaps, you are not aware of the consequences in store for you. This crown belongs of right as much to Bharata as to Rama. So your son is an object of fear to him. the very thought fills me with despair. Rama would naturally seek to ruin Bharata. It would be to save himself from future danger through Bharata. Lakshmana is entirely devoted to Rama. Rama fears him not. Similarly, Bharata has nothing to fear from Satrughna. The younger princes would like to reign in their turn as well. Rama was born under the star Punarvasu. He gets the crown first. Next comes Bharata born under Pushya. Next comes Lakshmana and last Satrugna. So Rama will seek to make away with Bharata. Because he stands next to him. Rama is a deep one. He is an expert in the kingly polity. He knows when to act and how. I tremble to think what Bharata may suffer at the hands of Rama.
Kausalya is at the zenith of glory and power. When Rama is crowned Kausalya too would be crowned with wealth and fame. It is Kausalya you have to fear most”.
The nobility of Kaikeyi was proof against Manthara’s arguments. She sought to disarm the hunchback’s malice towards Rama. She dwelt at length on his manifold excellences. “I know well that not one of your aspersions lies at his door. Rama is an ideal for all sons to follow. And above all, he is Dasaratha’s first-born. Who deserves the crown more than he? Rama is a fond father to his brothers and dependents. It is pure madness to dream of evil to Bharata at the hands of Rama. I wonder why you are so much worried and afflicted. The very news of Rama’s coronation fills you with fear. Rama is the darling of my heart. He waits upon me ever with love and reverence. It does not matter that Bharata never comes to power. For Rama looks after his brothers as his very self”.
Kaikeyi’s defence of Rama filled Manthara with fears and sorrow. She replied, “Oh, the jaundiced eye that sees good in evil! You have a feeble intellect. Bharata is deprived of his rightful power. He is exiled from Kosala. What a pitiful sight! The rising sun will see Rama seated on the thrown. And his sons will succeed him by right. Rama but waits to get the throne untroubled by rival claims. He might exile Bharata to distant lands or send him out of this world. Lakshmana is the shadow of Rama. If Satrugna is here, the old king might remember the younger brothers. In your pride of beauty and the sway over the monarch, you have slighted Kausalya many times. You have trampled upon her heart. You have lacerated her feelings. She will wreak vengeance upon you and yours. I have spoken enough. The sun that rises to see Rama crowned also rises on the last day of Bharata’s life on earth. Do something whereby you could seat your son Bharata on his father’s throne. And send your mortal enemy Rama in the dark depths of distant forests.”
No comments:
Post a Comment