After this, the King asked Gunasarma to play the veena.
Gunasarma had just touched the strings of the veena when he immediately realized that the musical instrument was not perfect and he could not play the instrument as well. Subsequent perusal of the instrument revealed that Gunasarma's initial assessment was right.
After that, the king called Gunasarma to a duel. In a number of rounds that the king and Gunasarma fought with weapons and without them, Gunasarma proved that he was a far better warrior.
Having tested Gunasarma in several acts, the king was overjoyed and presented Gunasarma with rich gifts.
Queen Asokavati on the other hand could not control her infatuation for Gunasarma. She requested the king to employ Gunasarma as her instructor in music.
When the king relayed the Queen's request to Gunasarma, Gunasarma immediately understood that the Queen had other motives for her request. He evaded the issue cleverly.
All this happened when the king and Gunasarma were in the king’s quarters. It was just time for the meals and a servant placed a plate of vegetables before the two of them.
Gunasharma prevented the king from eating the food and himself did not eat it.
The king was surprised with Gunasarma’s actions when Gunasarma told the king that the food was poisoned.
Adapted from the Katha Sarith Sagara
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