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

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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