The sinful thought had found lodgment in her mind and her whole nature was
transformed. The fear that she would lead a slave's life, and that even Bharata's life was
in peril, had got hold of her. For the first time in her life she cast aside the sense of
shame and sin and hardened her heart. Heaving heavy sighs, perspiring, and with eyes
closed, Kaikeyi, beautiful like a Naga goddess, unbraided her hair and lay on the floor
with dishevelled tresses and sprawling like a bird shot down by a hunter. The flowers and
shining jewels, which once adorned her person, lay scattered in the dark room like stars
in the midnight sky.
Having dismissed the Assembly and given
orders for the due celebration of the coronation ceremony, Dasaratha, relieved of care and
wishing to relax, sought the apartments of his favourite con sort. He had decided on the
coronation of Rama after receiving the approval of all those who bad a right to be
consulted and he felt happy and free, as after laying down a heavy burden. |
