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