Simhasanadvatrimshika 4.p7

4.p7

Devadatta too, observing his father's instruction, remained in that very city. One day, having entered the great forest to gather sacrificial firewood for the homa, as he was cutting firewood, King Vikramāditya went into the forest on a hunt. Pursuing a wild boar, he entered the great forest, and not knowing the way to the city, saw Devadatta and asked for the road to the city. Asked by him, Devadatta went ahead in person and guided the king to the city. Then the king honoured Devadatta in many ways and appointed him to a certain office. After that, a long time passed. One day the king said: "How can I be discharged from the service rendered by Devadatta? For he brought me out of the midst of the great forest to the city." At that moment, someone said: "Ah, he is a good man; he does not forget a service rendered." And so it is said: