I
am the beloved queen and wife of five Gandharvas. Those heroes in wrath
will slay thee that art so rash." Thus addressed, Kichaka of wicked soul
replied unto me, saying, "I have not the least fear of the Gandharvas, O
Sairindhri of sweet smiles. I will slay hundred thousand Gandharvas,
encountering them in battle. Therefore, O timid one, do thou consent."
Hearing all this, I again addressed the lust-afflicted Suta, saying,
"Thou art no match for those illustrious Gandharvas. Of respectable
percentage and good disposition, I ever adhere to virtue and never wish
for the death of any one. It is for this that thou I vest, O Kichaka!"
At this, that wight of wicked soul burst out into a loud laughter. And
it came to pass that Kaikeyi previously urged by Kichaka, and moved by
affection for her brother, and desirous of doing him a good turn,
despatched me to him, saying "Do thou, O Sairindhri, fetch wine from
Kichaka's quarters!" On beholding me the Suta's son at first addressed
me in sweet words, and when that failed, he became exceedingly enraged,
and intended to use violence. Understanding the purpose of the wicked
Kichaka, I speedily rushed towards the place where the king was. Felling
me on the ground the wretch then kicked me in the very presence of the
king himself and before the eyes of Kanka and many others, including
charioteers, and royal favourites, and elephant-riders, and citizens. I
rebuked the king and Kanka again and again.
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