A determined KingVikramaditya walked up to theancient tree again. He broughtthe corpse down and carryingit on his shoulder, started offtowards the cremation ground insilence. Then the Vetala spokefrom inside the corpse: "OKing, normally monarchs areused to an easy life. During theirreign, they wish to experienceas many pleasures of life as theymay. You, too, are a monarchand yet you're staying awayfrom these worldly pursuits,undergoing here the mostterrible hardships. Surely, theremust be a compelling reasonbehind this. Probably, it is inorder to fulfil the wishes of someemperor and, thereby, to attain somegoal that you are pursuing me withoutfear for your life. You forget thatcremation grounds are abodes ofdemons, ogres, poisonous snakes,and bloodthirsty beasts. You may ormay not succeed in your pursuits, butthrough them you shall forever bebound to the present and shall beunable to attain immortality. It isimpossible for a king like you to livea life that even monks and sageswould find hard. You seem to haveundertaken a task unbecoming of aking. It is, however, not too late. Turnback and live a life of comfort. Payheed to this story of musicianGandharva."
The Vetala began the narration: Inthe village of Chandanpur lived twoprosperous men, Kubera and Suchela.They owned magnificent mansions,with large courtyards and gardens.Each possessed vast tracts of fertileland. More than everything else, theywere both good natured and kind.However, they differed in theirmanner and behaviour.
While Kubera was extremelybusiness minded, Suchela was apatron of the arts. He would inviteartistes who visited Chandanpur tohis home. Before they went away, hewould also shower them with gifts.Although Kubera did not shy awayfrom doing the same, he would do soonly if asked.
