Though Raghubar’s words were as straightforward as possible, the wicked queen gave them a perverse twist; like a leech, which must always move crookedly, however smooth the water be.
Seeing Rama’s readiness, the queen smiled and said with much show of false affection: “I swear by yourself and Bharat, there is no other cause that I know of. There is no room for fault in you, my son, who confer such happiness both on your parents and your brother. All that you say, Rama, is true; you are devoted to the wishes of your father and mother. Remonstrate, then, solemnly with your sire that he incur not sin and disgrace in his old age. Having been blest with a son like you, he cannot properly disregard your advice.” These fair words in her false mouth were like Gaya and the other holy places that are in Magadha; but Rama took his mother’s speech in good part, like the Ganges, which in its course receives and hallows any stream.
Seeing Rama’s readiness, the queen smiled and said with much show of false affection: “I swear by yourself and Bharat, there is no other cause that I know of. There is no room for fault in you, my son, who confer such happiness both on your parents and your brother. All that you say, Rama, is true; you are devoted to the wishes of your father and mother. Remonstrate, then, solemnly with your sire that he incur not sin and disgrace in his old age. Having been blest with a son like you, he cannot properly disregard your advice.” These fair words in her false mouth were like Gaya and the other holy places that are in Magadha; but Rama took his mother’s speech in good part, like the Ganges, which in its course receives and hallows any stream.