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

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diminish his reputation for a strict adherence to his faith and morals, and the liberality for which he was deservedly famed. “Your majesty,” continued the minister, “is well acquainted with the story of the Chakravutty who cut off his own flesh for the sake of the Supreme Being, and gave it to the royal hawk to be devoured. King Shreeyal sacri- ficed his own son to the god Shiva, for which he is still held in great veneration by the world at large. King Bully was also much famed for disinterestedness and generosity. These are instances, among many others which we find recorded by ancient authors in our sacred volumes, which ought to stimulate us to similar acts of self-denial. Com- pared to these, what you are now called upon to do seems but a trifle,—it is but the giving away of a bird—a rare bird though it be—to which you are fondly attached. It is the bird’s rarity which would render the gift deserving of public note. Let me entreat that your majesty will be pleased to consider this point well.” Meanwhile, the hermits and others there assembled continued their offerings and religious austerities, to propi- tiate the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, and, by a humble acknowledgment of their dependence on Him, to secure to themselves and to him on whose behalf they were called upon to join in the ceremony of the great sacrifice offered that day, the reward of all good things, both in this world and the next. The minister, pointing to these religious men, said, “You see that you are even yet engaged in supplicating the divine favor through your majesty’s priests and the devout men of other cities. Can you then hesitate to do what perhaps has been commanded by God to try you?” The king, thus pressed, had no alternative but to comply, so he brought out the parrot and delivered him to Bhutty and Somedut, who then retired, with many ex- pressions of gratitude and a due acknowledgment of the monarch’s truly liberal and charitable disposition. The king rewarded, with presents in lands and money, each and all of the brahmins and devout men assembled