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

277 case to your majesty's satisfaction, without any of these preparations, as it is a simple one, and does not call for any particular or lengthy discussion." The king smiled at this speech on the part of Shalivahan, who was dressed in the simplest of garbs, without anything even approaching to ornament; his countenance and bearing nevertheless were lofty, and his personal appearance very prepossessing. He was a singular being: in him were combined all the charms of personal beauty and the highest qualities of the mind, so that he was looked upon, notwithstanding his plain garb, by the vast concourse there assembled, with admiring eyes and the deference which is invariably paid to superior and powerful intellect. The king commanded Shalivahan to be seated, and beckoned to one of the brothers to come forward and lay his case before him. The eldest of the merchant's sons accordingly proceeded to relate his story, and produced the husks and clay which had fallen to his share. Shalivahan hereupon said, without hesitation, "The deceased, by leaving you the husks and the clay, meant that all the grain and other produce of the fields, meadows, . orchards, gardens, &c. were to fall to your share, as well as the ground and the implements and appliances pertaining to agriculture, which is clearly indicated by the clay. In this there is no mistake, and your brothers cannot lay the slightest claim to any of it." The second brother then presented himself, and, laying before Shalivahan the sheet of white paper, said that that was what had fallen to his share. "This paper," said Shalivahan, "represents the bonds, deeds of mortgage, receipts, books, recoveries, and the interest accruing therefrom, which are all assigned to you, and of which your brothers cannot dispute the posses- sion." The youngest and last son now came forward, and said that his share consisted of a quantity of coals, which he produced, at the same time giving vent to his feelings as follows:—"O thou critical judge and impartial investi- gator! I know not what fortune my late father intended to leave me, but I cannot help considering myself the unluckiest