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

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spent in contemplation, "My lord, it is not for me to decide
a case of so much importance. I pray you, take it into
your own hands, or place it in those of your learned coun-
cillors, who are so eminently conversant with the manner of
judging such matters." But the king said he was deter-
mined that the parrot should decide the case. The parrot
then asked Crustna Josey which was his son, and he pointed
to the Zotinge. The same question was put to the rest
of Crustna's family, and they each and all indicated the
same individual. The parrot next questioned the Zotinge
on different points, but he met them all in a satisfactory
manner, so that, except to the parrot, the case seemed to be
as far from being settled as ever. The parrot, however,
was at no loss to discover the cheat. He ordered a zauree*
to be brought, which being done, he said, "If you both
desire justice to be impartially administered, you will
consent to the test I now prescribe. The real son alone
will be able to enter into the zauree, and make his exit by
the spout. The one who fails to do so is undoubtedly the
cheat." The parrot addressed himself first to the real
Moodgul, who said, "Is it possible for any human being
to enter into so small a vessel?—it cannot be done by
mortal means." The false Moodgul on this came forward,
and said to the king, "O king, I am able to enter the
zauree and to come out through the spout." "Are you?"
said the parrot; "then hasten and do it." The Zotinge
at once performed the feat, to the great astonishment of all.
The parrot then called Crustna Josey, and asked him if
he could now identify his son. The brahmin, greatly
perplexed, said he could not be certain. The parrot enquired
of him if he had not a Borre tree on his premises, that was
occupied by a demon spirit. The brahmin replied that
there was such a tree, on which a Zotinge had dwelt, but
that he had not seen anything of him for the last three
months. The parrot then said to the king, "May it please

• A particular drinking-vessel, with a spout and a long neck.