Simhasanadvatrimshika 4.10

4.10

apakāriṣu yaḥ sādhuḥ sa sādhuḥ sadbhir ucyate. || 10 ||

What virtue is there in the goodness of one who is good only to his benefactors? Only one who returns good for evil is called virtuous by the righteous.” So speaking he said to Devadatta: "Devadatta, have no fear whatsoever in your heart. My son was struck down by the overmastering natural power of karma [deed]. What wrong have you done? For no one can overcome the natural power of karma. Since: 11. The god of love had Lakṣmī for a mother and Viṣṇu for a father, and himself was armed with an uneven number [five] of arrows [punningly, 'with terrible weapons']; and yet he was burnt up by Çiva. Who can overcome nature? Moreover, since you led me to the city when I had strayed into the jungle, you did me a great favor, and even by a thousand return-favors I shall not have repaid you." Thus he comforted Devadatta, and gave him garments and ornaments and other gifts, and let him go. But Devadatta brought back the prince and gave him to the king. Then in amazement the king said: "Devadatta, why have you done this?" He replied: "O king, listen. You said repeatedly in the assembly: 'Look now, how can I repay my debt of gratitude to Devadatta?' So then to make trial of your heart I have done this. The proof has been shown in you." The king said: "Whoever forgets a kindness done is the lowest of men." Devadatta replied: "O king, your majesty is kind to all the world, even without cause. Therefore the (most) righteous man in the world can be none but you. And thus it is said: 12.