Simhasanadvatrimshika 19.p5

19.p5

Having spoken thus, Bali gave the elixir and the alchemy liquid to King Vikrama. Then the king, receiving his permission, departed from the subterranean realm, mounted his horse, and as he reached the royal road, an old brahmin seized by great distress, afflicted by poverty and accompanied by his son, approached, gave numerous blessings, and said: "O patron, I am a brahmin afflicted by extreme poverty, with a large family. Give me today, along with my family, some wealth sufficient for food. We are tormented by intense hunger." The king said: "O brahmin, at present there is no wealth in my hand, but there are two substances: the alchemy liquid and the elixir. When contact is made with this liquid, the seven metals turn into gold. And whoever takes this elixir will be free from old age and death. Take one of the two." Then the father said: "Let that elixir be given by which one becomes free from old age and death." The son said: "What is to be gained by that elixir? Even free from old age and death, one must still experience poverty. That liquid should be taken by which metal turns to gold upon contact." Thus a dispute arose between the two. Hearing their dispute, the king gave both the alchemy liquid and the elixir to them. Then, having praised the king, they went to their own home. And the king returned to Ujjayinī.