King Vikramaditya kept silent for a while, and then said, “Baital, I find no sacrifice here.” “Why do you say that?” asked Baital. King Vikramaditya replied, “His sacrifice was not selfless. King Jeemutwahan’s sacrifice was motivated by his wish to achieve moksha and earn virtues. Instead of yielding himself to the will of his unworthy son, he should have ended his life. Giving the reign of his kingdom in the cruel hands of his son, he had thrown his innocent subjects to innumerable hardships and tyranny. Can Jeemutwahan be forgiven for his thoughtless act?” Baital thought over his story for a while and then said, “I think you are right in your judgement. But since you have spoken again, I must fly off your shoulder.” Saying so, Baital left the shoulder of King Vikramaditya and flew off straight to his peepal tree. King Vikramaditya drew his sword again in great anger and chased Baital to retrieve him.
The Sacrifice
