Simhasanadvatrimshika 31.p13

31.p13

"O minister, the hand with which the brahmin was struck—the cutting off of that hand must be carried out." Just as he was having his hand cut off, right then that brahmin arrived and said: "O king, it was done by your son through ignorance; from this day forth he will not do such an improper deed. For my sake, this prince ought to be spared. I am well pleased." Having heard his words, the king released his son. The brahmin also went to his own place. Having told this story, the vetāla said: "O king, between these two, who possesses greater virtue?" King Vikrama replied: "The king possesses greater virtue." Hearing this, the vow of silence having been broken, the vetāla went to the śamī tree. The king also, having gone there again, placed him on his shoulder, and as he was returning, [the vetāla] told another story again. In this manner, twenty-five tales were told by the vetāla. Then the vetāla, observing [Vikrama's] qualities such as subtle intellect, skill in arts, compassion, courage, and generosity, became pleased. Then the vetāla said to Vikramāditya: "O king, this naked ascetic is making an effort to kill you." The king said: "How so?" The vetāla said: "When you bring me there, then he will say this: 'O king, you are exceedingly weary. Now, make a circumambulation of the fire pit, prostrate yourself like a staff, and go to your own place.' When you bow down making prostration, then that naked ascetic will strike you down with a sword, and then he will make a burnt offering with your flesh. In that burnt offering he will make me the brahmin; when this is done, the eight supernatural powers beginning with miniaturisation will be his." Vikrama said: "What should be done by me?" The vetāla said: "Do this. When the naked ascetic says to you, 'Having bowed, depart,' this alone should be spoken by you: