MANTHARA'S EVIL COUNSEL

There is no chance for a younger brother, no matter how good or manly he is. My dear, you know not even this. What is one to do?"

"Once Raama is crowned," she continued, "he will not leave Bharata alone. There will be danger to Bharata's -life. If you want Bharata to live, advise him to remain away, an exile from home; for if he returns he will be coming to his death. It would be safest for him to leave even his uncle's house, and hide his head in obscurity in some more distant land.

"And Kausalya is no friend of yours. She bears you a grudge because you are the King’s favourite and have often slighted her. And now she is sure to wreak vengeance on you. You know the wrath of a rival wife is a raging fire when it finds its chance. You may take it that, if Raama is king, Bharata is as good as dead. Therefore, think hard. Be firm. Decide something and stick to it. Somehow Bharata must be crowned. Raama must be banished from the kingdom."

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