Simhasanadvatrimshika 26.p4

26.p4

After that, Surabhi was told by Indra: 'Go to the mortal world, ascertain Vikrama's qualities such as compassion and benevolence towards others, and report back to me.' Then Surabhi, assuming the form of an extremely feeble cow, went to the mortal world, and as Vikramārka was coming along the path, she sank herself into a mud-pit impassable to cross and, seeing the king, made a distressed cry. The king too came near her, and when he looked, she was sunk in the narrow, impassable mud. A tiger was crouching nearby. The king tried to raise the cow, but she did not get up. The sun also set. During the night, rain began to fall. Protecting that helpless cow, he remained right there. Then the sunrise took place. The cow, having observed the king's qualities such as compassion and fortitude, rose up of her own accord and said to the king: 'O king, I am Surabhi, the divine cow, who came from heaven to inspect your qualities such as compassion. The proof has now been witnessed; there is no king on the earth's surface equal to you in devotion to compassion. I am pleased; choose a boon.' The king said: 'By your grace, there is no lack in me; what should I ask for?' She said: 'How could my word prove fruitless? Then I shall remain right near you'; and she departed with the king. Then, as the king was going along the royal highway with her, a certain brahmin approached and,