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

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self at the feet of the discreet bird. The Bahooroopee com- mended the wisdom of the parrot in all sincerity and gra- titude. He said that it was to the tiny creature that himself and his companions were indebted for the wealth of which they were now possessed; and he entered into a minute detail of all that had happened since he parted from his feathery benefactor, and how he had become master of so great riches.* In short, the Bahooroopee acknowledged to the bird how great and immeasurable was the debt of gratitude under which himself and his compa- nions were laid to him, by the instruction which his com- passion and liberality had prompted him to impart, and swore undying friendship to him. On the following day the little parrot desired the Bahoo- roopee to take him to the market-place, and to sell him to any one who might be desirous to become a purchaser. The price to be demanded was his own weight in gold. The Bahooroopee, at this sudden resolution of the bird, was excessively grieved, and wished to be made acquainted with the cause of the whim which the parrot had taken into his head. He said that as favors and riches had been bestowed upon him through its aid, he had calculated upon being allowed the opportunity of repaying it in some degree, by a life of devotion to it, and by supporting it himself. The Bahooroopee entreated the parrot not to deprive him of that consolation. "I have plenty of money now," said he, "and it would argue ingratitude of the basest kind were I to agree to what you now propose doing. It would be like the story related of an alligator, which a traveller relieved

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• As the Sudama brahmin was reduced to the extreme verge of poverty, and the Almighty Being, pleased with his pious life and humble deportment, vouchsafed to present him with a golden city. Bibishun, brother of Ravun, king of Lunka, having in all humility surrendered himself to Rama (who assassinated all Rakshasa), was throned by him in Lunka for all eternity. So the child Dhuroo was succoured by God, and placed in a state of bliss and great splendour in the unchangeable firmament. There are many instances similar to this.