He entered Kaikeyi's chamber to tell her the happy news and spend in pleasant
talk the night before the coronation. The junior queen's residence was a beautiful palace
with lovely gardens and tanks, birds playing in the water and peacocks dancing with tails
spread out and trees resplendent with bright flowers. In Dasaratha's happy mood it
appeared unusually beautiful that night.
Like the full moon rising brightly before
an eclipse, without knowing of the eclipse that lies in wait for her, the poor old King
entered Kaikeyi's dwelling with a beaming face. The
incense pots and drinks were in their usual places but he did not see the Queen whom he
was eager to meet. |
