Kings, O faultless one, always entrust the governance of the realm to their eldest sons, even though the younger ones may be virtuous as well. If Rāma is crowned, your own son, Bharata, will be utterly broken—like an orphan, deprived of royal comforts and his ancestral lineage, O affectionate lady. I have come here for your sake, yet you do not recognize my purpose; you ought to reward me for increasing your advantage over your co-wife. When Rāma gains the unchallenged kingdom, surely he will send Bharata away—perhaps to a distant land, or even to another world. While Bharata was still a child, you did not keep him close to his maternal uncle; for closeness breeds affection, even among those who are immovable. Because of Bharata, Shatrughna has become just like him; just as Lakṣmaṇa follows Rāma, so does Shatrughna follow Bharata. It is said that a certain tree, meant to be cut down by forest dwellers, is stripped of its branches by arrows out of great fear, simply because of its nearness. Rāma will undoubtedly protect Lakṣmaṇa; Rāghava will always shield Lakṣmaṇa, for their brotherhood is renowned throughout the world, like that of the divine Aśvins. Therefore, Rāma will never commit any wrong against Lakṣmaṇa; but he might indeed do wrong to Bharata—of this, there is no doubt. Let Rāghava go to the forest from the royal palace; this is what pleases me, and it is also greatly beneficial for you. In this way, the welfare of your family will be secured, if Bharata inherits the ancestral kingdom in accordance with righteousness. That boy, accustomed to comfort, is a natural enemy of Rāma; how will he, deprived of prosperity, live under the control of one who has everything? Just as a leader of elephants is chased in the forest by a lion, so must you protect Bharata, who is overshadowed by Rāma. Once, in your pride over your good fortune, you rejected Rāma's mother, your co-wife; how will she not harbor enmity toward you? When Rāma gains the earth, adorned with treasures and mountains, you will suffer misfortune and defeat, together with the sorrowful Bharata. When Rāma gains the earth, Bharata will surely be lost; therefore, consider the kingdom for your own son, and the reason for the other's exile. Let the ninth chapter be heard. Thus addressed, Kaikeyī’s face blazed with anger. She exhaled a long, hot breath and spoke to Mantharā: “Today, I will quickly send Rāma away to the forest, and I will swiftly anoint Bharata for the princely succession. Now, consider how I might accomplish this, so that Bharata obtains the kingdom and Rāma does not, by any means.” Hearing these words, Mantharā—ever seeking to harm Rāma—spoke to Kaikeyī: “Now, Kaikeyī, observe carefully and listen to my words, so that your son Bharata alone will obtain the kingdom. Why do you not remember, or if you do, why do you conceal it, when you wish to hear from me something that concerns your own interest? If you wish to hear what I am about to say, O playful one, then listen; I will tell you, and having heard, you should act accordingly.” Hearing Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī rose a little from her well-spread bed and spoke as follows. Then Mantharā, intent on harming Rāma, spoke again: “Long ago, in the war between the gods and demons, your husband, along with the royal sages, took you with him to assist the lord of the gods. You went south toward Daṇḍaka, to the city called Vaijayantam, where the banner of the shark was raised. There was a great demon, Śambara, master of a hundred magical illusions, who fought Indra and was undefeated by the hosts of gods. “In that great battle, the demons, having driven away the men, would kill the wounded and the sleeping at night with force. There, King Daśaratha fought valiantly, his mighty arms shattered by weapons. O queen, you carried your unconscious husband from the battlefield, and even there, though wounded, your husband was protected by you. “Pleased, he granted you two boons, O beautiful one, and said, ‘Whenever you wish, you may claim them.’ At that time, you replied, ‘I will accept them when I desire,’ and your great-souled husband agreed. I was unaware of this, O queen, until you told me before. Out of affection for you, I have kept this story in my mind. Now, prevent the preparations for Rāma’s consecration and turn them back. “Ask your husband for these two boons: the anointing of Bharata and the exile of Rāma for fourteen years. Indeed, for fourteen years, while Rāma dwells in the forest, your son, steadfast in the people’s affection, will become firmly established. “Today, enter the chamber of anger, as if enraged with the son of the lord of horses, and remain hidden there on the ground, wearing soiled garments. Do not look upon him, nor speak to him; when the king, longing for you and filled with sorrow, comes to you, remain weeping but do not address him. “You are always dear to your husband—of this I have no doubt. For your sake, the great king would even enter the fire.