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There
and then, he poured out his misery in a song to the accompaniment of
his flute. He lifted his voice to the highest pitch and drew the
merciful heaven down. His tearful appeal and tuneful dirge
reverberated in the palace halls in ringing tones. Asoka recognised
the voice and identified the singer. It was like his own voice. Did
not Kunala share his blood? He was moved, and ordered the presence
of the singing minstrel forth worth, Kunala to be brought.
Asoka
beheld his sightless son. Fatherly affection flowed down
spontaneously from his heart. Pitied him most. Understood the cause.
Overpowered by grief, he ordered the guilty queen to be burnt alive
at once. With her, all her accomplices too received punishment
according to their part due.
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