And Kunti with her sons and the twins of Madri, hearing those cries of
grief, came to the spot where the king lay in that state. Then, O king,
Madri addressing Kunti in a piteous voice, said, 'Come hither alone, O
Kunti, and let the children stay there.' Hearing these words, Kunti, the
children stay, ran with speed, exclaiming, 'Woe to me!' And beholding both
Pandu and Madri lying prostrate on the ground she went in grief and
affliction, saying, 'Of passions under complete control, this hero, O
Madri, had all along been watched by me with care. How did he then
forgetting the Rishi's curse, approach thee with enkindled desire? O Madri,
this foremost of men should have been protected by thee. Why didst thou
tempt him into solitude? Always melancholy at the thought of the Rishi's
curse, how came he to be merry with thee in solitude? O princess of
Valhika, more fortunate than myself, thou art really to be envied, for
thou hast seen the face of our lord suffused with gladness and joy.'
"Madri then replied, saying, 'Revered sister, with tears in my eyes, I
resisted the king, but he could not control himself, bent on, as it were
making the Rishi's curse true.'
"Kunti then said, 'I am the older of his wedded wives; the chief religious
merit must be mine. Therefore, O Madri, prevent me not from achieving that
which must be achieved. I must follow our lord to the region of the dead.
Rise up, O Madri, and yield me his body. Rear thou these children.
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