Simhasanadvatrimshika 5.p1

5.p1

Again, as the king was about to sit on the throne, another statuette said: "Only one who possesses the generosity of Vikrama may sit upon this throne." King Bhoja said: "O statuette, tell the story of Vikrama's generosity." The statuette said: "O King, listen. Once, while Vikramārka was ruling the kingdom, a certain jewel merchant arrived and placed a priceless gem in the king's hand. Seeing the blazing gem, the king summoned examiners and said: 'O examiners! What is this gem like? Determine whether it is genuine or not, and appraise its value.' Having inspected that gem, they said: 'O King, this gem is beyond price. If it is purchased without knowing its value, it will be a grave offense on our part.' Hearing their words, the king gave a great amount of wealth and said: 'O merchant, is there another gem like this?' He said: 'Sire, similar gems have not been brought here, but in [my] village there are ten such gems.'