विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

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cularly distinguished for his generous liberality, which in an especial manner secured him the esteem of all. He took a great delight in relieving the poor and needy, and many a family was indebted to him for their support and mainte- nance. No one who ever applied to him went back empty- handed. The greatest men and all the ruling sovereigns commended him for his charity; in short, there was none to be compared to him. On one occasion, this good man was lying on a bed of sickness, without any hope of recovery, having been wounded in a battle with the Kauravas; and every moment expecting that death would put an end to his sufferings. In this state Vishnoo* appeared to him, in the shape of a brahmin, and said, “O thou noble and generous man!—I have heard of thy fame far and wide— that thou art just and liberal to all—and thy praise is in every mouth. Being destitute and in want of even the necessaries of life, I am emboldened to address thee, and trust thou wilt, with thy usual generosity, aid me in my difficulties. Such an act of benevolence will secure for thee undying bliss.” The sick nobleman was much moved by this appeal, but he could not rise from his bed, so severely and dangerously had he been wounded; his understanding was nevertheless perfect. He was very desirous of bestow- ing something on the brahmin, but had nothing at the time within his reach; he remembered, however, that two jewels had at a former period been placed in his teeth, so he said to the brahmin, “My good man, I pray you be kind enough to take a little stone and with it knock out gently the two jewels you will find fastened in my teeth; take them for your use, and depart in peace. I have no doubt that by disposing of them you will be enabled to supply your wants.” The pretended brahmin replied, “I do not like to pluck out the jewels with my own hand; do it thyself, and then present them to me; I shall otherwise go without them.” “I beseech you, good brahmin,” said the noble-

• One of the three principal Hindu gods.