In the lightning that preceded the crack of thunder, King Vikram saw the corpse hanging from a branch of the ancient tree. He climbed the tree and brought the corpse down again.
The night was dark and the atmosphere weird - with frequent drizzle, incessant howling of jackals and the laughter of invisible beings. But King Vikram did not swerve. He began crossing the cremation ground with the corpse lying astride on his shoulder.
Suddenly observed the vampire that possessed the corpse: "O King, I don't know whether you'll be able to reap the fruit of your labour. There are instances of people shunning the opportunity that comes to them after a long hardship. Let me tell you the story of Shrimant to illustrate my point. The task you're undertaking will be less severe if you pay attention to my narration."
The vampire went on: In days gone by, there was a prosperous merchant named Udayabhanu who traded with the lands beyond the sea. He earned both wealth and fame. He expected his son, Shrimant, to continue his line of business. But Shrimant was a young man with a different mission in life. He became a physician. He devoted much of his time to the study of old books, recording the names of herbs and their qualities. He revived the use of many a forgotten medicine.
Udayabhanu tried his best to persuade Shrimant to take to business, but failed. He died rather a sad man.
Shrimant closed down his father's business as soon his funeral rites were over. He opened a big laboratory and employed several young physicians as his assistants. They carried on a systematic research in the methods of Ayurveda. He also opened a charitable dispensary.
