Mantharā, with skillful persuasion, reminded Queen Kaikeyī of the king’s deep affection for her. “He is not able to become angry with you, nor can he even bear to look at you when you are angry. For your sake, the king would willingly give up his very life. He cannot go against your word—understand, in your simplicity, the power of your own good fortune,” she said. “King Daśaratha would shower you with pearls, gems, gold, and all manner of jewels, but do not set your heart on these fleeting treasures. “Remember those two boons the king promised you long ago, during the battle between the gods and the demons? Remind him of those, noble lady, for that vow must not be broken. When Rāghava himself lifts you up and the great king is present, then is the moment to ask for your boon. Request that Rāma be exiled for fourteen years—nine and five—and that Bharata be made king of the earth, O bull among kings. “For fourteen years, while Rāma dwells in the forest, your son will grow strong, take root, and establish himself. O queen, ask for this boon—the exile of Rāma; this is the path to fulfilling all your son’s desires. With Rāma gone, he will no longer be a threat, and Bharata, free from enemies, will become king for you. By the time Rāma returns from the forest, your son will be firmly established both within and without. Surrounded by friends and loyal men, self-possessed, your son will be secure, and I believe the king will be without fear when the time comes. “Restrain and turn back the king from his resolve to anoint Rāma. You have been led by her to accept misfortune in the guise of fortune.” Hearing these words, Kaikeyī, delighted and convinced, spoke warmly to Mantharā, for she had been swayed by the hunchback’s counsel, just as a young girl is easily led astray. Astonished and radiant, Kaikeyī said, “I do not disregard your wisdom, you who speak what is best among the best. Among all hunchbacks on earth, you are supreme in discernment, and you alone are ever devoted and well-wishing toward my interests. I could not have understood the king’s intentions without you, O hunchback, for there are hunchbacks who are ill-disposed and exceedingly wicked. “But you are lovely to behold, bent like a lotus by the wind; your chest rises from your shoulders, firmly set within your breast. Your calm belly is modest, your hips full, and your breasts beautifully rounded. Your face is pure as the spotless moon—indeed, you shine, Mantharā. Your polished hips are adorned with a jeweled girdle, your thighs are well-set, and your feet are long and graceful, clad in fine linen. When you walk before me, O exceedingly lovely one, you shine. The thousand magical arts that were with Shambara, lord of asuras—those arts have entered your heart, and more besides. That very back, long and curved like a chariot’s yoke, is yours. “Wisdom, knowledge of statecraft, and magical arts all dwell in you. Here, O hunchback, I will bestow upon you a golden garland. When Bharata is anointed and Rāghava has gone to the forest, I will anoint you with pure, well-refined gold. When you have achieved your desire and are delighted, I will smear your back with gold, and on your face, a beautiful jeweled tilaka. I will have splendid ornaments made for you, O hunchback; dressed in fine garments, you will move about like a goddess. With a face shining like the moon and incomparable beauty, you will walk with a noble gait, making your rivals envious. Other hunchbacks, adorned with all ornaments, will serve at your feet, just as you always serve at mine.” Thus praised, Kaikeyī spoke these words to Mantharā as she lay upon a pure couch, radiant like a flame upon the altar. “When the water is gone, a bridge is useless, O blessed one; arise, do what is auspicious, and seek out the king.” Thus encouraged, the queen, her eyes wide and unspoiled by pride in her good fortune, went with Mantharā to the chamber of anger. There, the noble lady, worthy of the finest, removed her hundreds of thousands of pearl necklaces and her splendid ornaments. Now, golden-hued and under the sway of Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī sat down on the ground and spoke to her companion: “Here, O hunchback, you may tell the king that I am as good as dead; but when Rāghava goes to the forest, Bharata will obtain the kingdom. I have no desire for gold, nor for jewels, nor for food and drink; this is the end of my life if Rāma is anointed.” Then Mantharā, with exceedingly bold words, again addressed the queen, the king’s wife, offering Bharata’s mother both helpful and harmful advice concerning Rāma. “If Rāghava surely attains this kingdom, then you and your son will suffer; therefore, O noble lady, strive so that your son Bharata will be anointed.” Deeply wounded by Mantharā and struck again and again by her sharp words, the queen, placing her hands on her heart in great astonishment, angrily reproached the hunchback again and again. “When I have gone to the realm of Yama, you will report it, O hunchback; or, when Rāghava has gone to the forest for a long time, Bharata, his desires fulfilled, will prosper. I do not desire bedding, nor garlands, nor sandalwood, nor ointments, nor food or drink; I wish for nothing here, not even life itself, if Rāghava does not go to the forest from here.