1-2) Becoming most indignant, Manthara cast down the ornament given her, and she addressed Kaikeyi in anger and desperation, saying, “Why are you happy, simpleton, when happiness is out of place? Do you not perceive yourself to be in the midst of an ocean of misery?
3) I laugh within my mind, Your Majesty, though I am afflicted with sorrow, for you exult as great misfortune befalls you!
4) I lament your stupidity; what intelligent woman is gladdened by the prosperity of an inimical stepson, which comes to her like death?
5) Rama must fear Bharata’s equal claim to the throne. Considering this I am despondent, for terror proceeds from one who is fearful.
6) The mighty Lakshmana has no doubt taken refuge of Rama with all His heart, and Satrughna is as faithful to Bharata as Lakshmana is to Rama.
7) Bharata alone could be pressed with accession to the throne. Lakshmana and Satrughna are definitely disqualified from succession, being younger than the other two.
8) “I shudder to think what Rama, who is a decisive, practised warrior, and a learned politician, intends to do with your son.
9) Kausalya is indeed fortunate that her son is to be anointed heir-apparent by the foremost among brahmanas, when the moon transits Pushya.
10) You will serve her with folded hands like a maid-servant when she has happily attained sovereignty of the world, and all her enemies are destroyed.
11) Thus you and I will become her menial servants, and your son will doubtless be reduced to the status of Rama’s servant too.
12) Whereas Rama, and the other womenfolk, will be delighted, your daughter-in-law and her companions will not be overjoyed by the destruction of Bharata.”
13) Beholding Manthara supremely unhappy, Queen Kaikeyi extolled Rama’s virtues, it is said.
14) [She told her,] “Rama is virtuous, patient, expert, truthful, and pure. He is the eldest son of the king and therefore deserves the office of heir-apparent.
15) He will live long, and protect His brothers and His servants like a father. Why are you so pained to hear that Rama will be anointed?
16) Besides, Bharata will definitely succeed to the throne of His father and His grandfather a hundred years hence.
17) When such a happy festival as this occurs, O Manthara, what need is there for you to be afflicted as if by burning fire?
18) Just as Bharata is worthy of my consideration so too is Raghava. Indeed, He renders me more service than He does Kausalya.
19) When the kingdom is Rama’s it shall be as much Bharata’s as His. I am certain Rama loves His brothers as though They were Himself!”
20) Manthara was sore distressed by the words of Kaikeyi, and breathing a woeful sigh, she replied as follows.
21) “O deluded one, you are utterly sunk in misery, and drown in an ocean of woe, yet you are unable to perceive it because of your stupidity.
22) Raghava will be king, and His son shall succeed Him, O Kaikeyi! Bharata will be excluded from the royal succession.
23) Not all of a king’s sons have the right of succession to the throne, O proud one. If they all were to be installed that would be gross misgovernment!
24) For that reason kings ever appoint their eldest sons, even though other sons may have perfect limbs and be possessed of good qualities.
25) “Your son Bharata being without a protector, O affectionate one, He will be totally excluded from the royal dynasty, and from the joys of life!
26) Although I have come to inform you of your co-wife’s good fortune, you misunderstand me and wish to give me a present.
27) Having obtained the realm without hindrance, Rama will doubtless banish Bharata to some distant land or else will slay Him.
28) “Even in His boyhood you would have Bharata taken to His uncle. Affection arises from proximity, as is the case with immovable beings [such as trees].
29) In obedience to Bharata, Satrughna has accompanied Him- just as Lakshmana is devoted to Rama, so is Satrughna to Bharata.
30) It is said that a certain tree was to be felled by forest dwellers, but because of its proximity to sharp reeds it was preserved from the gravest danger.
31) “Rama is protected by Lakshmana and Lakshmana is protected by Raghava. Indeed, like the Asvini Kumaras Their fraternal love is celebrated throughout the world.
32) Because Rama will do no evil to Lakshmana He will assuredly do something wicked to Bharata.
33) Raghava must therefore be sent even from His palace to the forest: that course of action pleases me greatly, and will be advantageous to you as well.
34) It will be better for your family’s side if Bharata were to receive the kingdom from His father.
35) How would your son, who is desirous of prosperity, be able to live when His fortune is lost and His inimical brother flourishes?
36) You must protect Bharata from Rama, else He will be vanquished like the king of a herd of elephants attacked by a lion in the forest.
37) “Being proud of your good fortune, you have mistreated Kausalya in the past; why should your co-wife not be revenged upon you?
38) Once Rama has obtained the world, with its oceans and mountain ranges, then you will be humiliated, along with Bharata.
39) Once Rama has dominion over the world, Bharata will assuredly be destroyed. You must therefore consider how the kingdom may be conferred upon your son, and how the banishment of Rama may be accomplished.”