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

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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.