Have done, my beloved, with this, be it raillery or displeasure; make a just and reasonable request, that I may rejoice in the sight of Bharat’s installation.
Chaupâi
Rather might a fish live out of the water, or a wretched serpent live without its head-jewel—I tell you my true case without any deception—but there is no life for me without Râma. Consider well, my dear, my prudent wife, my very existence depends upon my seeing Râma.” On hearing this soft speech the wicked woman blazed up like the fire on which has fallen an oblation of ghi: “You may devise and carry out any number of plans, but your subterfuges will not avail with me. Either grant my request, or refuse me and be disgraced; I do not want any long discussion. Râma is good, you too are good and wise, and Râma’s mother, as you have discovered, is also good. The benefit that Kausalyâ devised for me is the only fruit that I now in turn give her.
Chaupâi
Rather might a fish live out of the water, or a wretched serpent live without its head-jewel—I tell you my true case without any deception—but there is no life for me without Râma. Consider well, my dear, my prudent wife, my very existence depends upon my seeing Râma.” On hearing this soft speech the wicked woman blazed up like the fire on which has fallen an oblation of ghi: “You may devise and carry out any number of plans, but your subterfuges will not avail with me. Either grant my request, or refuse me and be disgraced; I do not want any long discussion. Râma is good, you too are good and wise, and Râma’s mother, as you have discovered, is also good. The benefit that Kausalyâ devised for me is the only fruit that I now in turn give her.