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

278 of men, for the greater part of the property is already gone to my elder brothers, according to the judgment passed by you, and there is but little left for me.” Shalivahan said, “Be patient, and listen to my interpretation. The coals no doubt appear repugnant to the sight, but they will produce far more riches than have fallen to the lot of your brothers. Know, then, that all the ready cash, gold, silver, and jewels, except those ornaments in use in the families of your two brothers, are designed for you, and none can gainsay it.” This interpretation gave much satisfaction to the king and the whole court, as well as to the parties concerned. They admired the great penetration and discernment of Shalivahan, and every spectator present expressed his astonishment and joy at the successful issue of the case. Nor did they fail to heap encomiums on the happy Shaliva- han for the talent and ability displayed in his decision. Not one among those assembled there could have hit upon the right signification of the several articles produced by the brothers, nor did it once occur to them to interpret it in the manner Shalivahan had done. It is therefore not to be wondered at that he was looked upon as a youth of very superior ability, of exalted powers of mind, and rare acquire- ments. The brothers were profuse in their thanks and expressions of gratitude and obligation to him, after which they departed on their return home. King Somekaunt then asked Shalivahan who he was, to what tribe he belonged, and whether he had always been an inhabitant of that locality. Shalivahan replied by entering into an explanation of his circumstances and antecedents, as well as of the aspersions cast upon his mother and grandfather, touching also on the injustice they had received at his (the king’s) hands. All this he delivered in a most sarcastic manner, which touched the king to the quick, as he and all who beheld him were fully persuaded that Shalivahan was one day destined to become great, and that he would rise to eminence by his own unaided efforts.