Said the queen with a nervous smile: “Is Râma not well, or the king, or Bharat, or Lakshman, or Satrughna?” These words tortured the heart of the humpbacked girl.
“Why, O lady, should any one give me a lesson, and who is there to encourage me in any impudence? With whom again is it well to-day if not with Râma, whom the king is now associating with himself on the throne? God has been very gracious to Kausalyâ; and after seeing her, who else can have any pride left? Why not go and see all the magnificence, the sight of which has so agitated me? Your son is away and you take no heed, making sure of your influence with the king, and not observing his treachery and wiliness, so drowsy are you and so anxious for your bed and pillow.” On hearing this affectionate address, the queen—who knew well her froward mind—cried: “Peace! Have done. If you speak to me again in this way, you mischief-maker, I will have your tongue pulled out.”
“Why, O lady, should any one give me a lesson, and who is there to encourage me in any impudence? With whom again is it well to-day if not with Râma, whom the king is now associating with himself on the throne? God has been very gracious to Kausalyâ; and after seeing her, who else can have any pride left? Why not go and see all the magnificence, the sight of which has so agitated me? Your son is away and you take no heed, making sure of your influence with the king, and not observing his treachery and wiliness, so drowsy are you and so anxious for your bed and pillow.” On hearing this affectionate address, the queen—who knew well her froward mind—cried: “Peace! Have done. If you speak to me again in this way, you mischief-maker, I will have your tongue pulled out.”