Dasaratha came out of his stupor like one emerging from dementia. His face distorted with grief, eyes red with weeping and arms flailing restlessly, he was an epitome of sorrow. Sumantra, beholding his noble master writhing in such agony, became furious.Hurling words meant to pierce her soul, he said, "Dasaratha the Lord of all beings is also your consort and you have abandoned him? Is there no crime, which you are not capable of Kaikeyi? You will destroy Dasaratha and the great Ikshvaku dynasty. Why do you torment the noble king who is invincible like Indra, steadfast as the mountains and indomitable as the ocean? It is the tradition of this race for the first born son to ascend the throne. How can you revoke that decree? Do not hold in contempt, that magnanimous soul, who bears you, grants you boons and is consort to you. Bharata may be crowned king, but we go where Rama goes .Why does not the earth rive open, Kaikeyi, in the face of your atrocities?

"Just as the saying, 'as the seed, so the fruit', you inherit the qualities of your mother, who was born under an inauspicious sign. The world is aware, that a neem tree produces no honey. Your mother did not care if it cost her consort his life, in fulfilling her wishes, realizing which your father banished her from his kingdom. You are sinfully following the same path, which brought ruin upon your mother.In your arrogance you compel the king, who is so blameless, to commit a grave injustice. If Rama, enters the forest a terrible curse shall befall you". Neither Sumantra's pleas nor his incisive condemnations moved Kaikeyi. She did not display the slightest trace of fear, pity or remorse.