The king has a special affection for you; but due to the jealousy to which a rival queen is naturally subject, Kausalya cannot bear to see it. That is why she has schemed to win the king and has caused him to fix an auspicious day for Rama’s investiture.

Rama’s installation is in accord with the traditions of the family; all approve it and is quite to my taste. But I shudder to think of the consequences; may heaven so ordain that the mischief may recoil on her own head!’

Manthara, inventing and injecting many a mischievous formula, put the queen off the scent and told her a hundred tales of rival wives that her resentment might increase.

As fate would have it, the queen at last became convinced and, adjuring her to tell the truth, put further questions. ‘what is it you would ask?’ said Manthara. ‘Do you not understand even now? Why, even quadruped knows what is good or bad for it!

For the last fortnight the preparations have been going on, and it is only today that you learn the news from me. I am clothed and fed under your tutelage; therefore I cannot be blamed for speaking the truth.

If I invent a word of falsehood, may God punish me for it! Should Rama be invested with the regency tomorrow, God will have sown for you the seed of adversity.

I draw this line on the ground, O lady, and swear upon my oath that you will be like a fly in the milk (i.e. only fit to be taken out and discarded)! If you and your son will submit to be servants, you may stay in the house; but on no other conditions.