God has been very gracious to Kausalay; seeing this she cannot contain the pride of her heart. Why don’t you go and see for yourself all the magnificence, the sight of which has so agitated my mind? God has been very gracious to Kausalay; seeing this she cannot contain the pride of her heart. Why don’t you go and see for yourself all the magnificence, the sight of which has so agitated my mind?

Your son is away and you take no heed; you imagine that your lord is under your thumb. You are unable to observe the king’s treachery and wiliness –so inordinately fond of sleep are you and so anxious for your quilted bed.’

On hearing this affectionate address, the queen – who knew well her malicious mind – angrily said, ‘Be silent! If ever you speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out by the roots! On hearing this affectionate address, the queen – who knew well her malicious mind – angrily said, ‘Be silent! If ever you speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out by the roots!

The one-eyed, the lame and the hump-backed are known to be perverse and wicked, especially when they are women and more especially when they are servants!’ So saying, Bharata’s mother smiled ad added: The one-eyed, the lame and the hump-backed are known to be perverse and wicked, especially when they are women and more especially when they are servants!’ So saying, Bharata’s mother smiled ad added:

‘O sweet-tongued Manthara! I have said all this to you by way of advice; otherwise I cannot even dream of being angry with you. Happy and blessed will that day be on which what you say is proved to be true.

The eldest-born should be the lord and the younger ones his servants; such has ever been the blessed custom in the Solar race. If Rama is really to be installed as regent tomorrow, ask of me, my friend, whatever pleases your mind and I will grant it.

All we royal mothers are as dear to Rama as Kausalya – such is his innate disposition. He is particularly fond of me; I have had occasions to test his love. All we royal mothers are as dear to Rama as Kausalya – such is his innate disposition. He is particularly fond of me; I have had occasions to test his love.