“I heard this story from the flamingo’s daughter whom I loved long ago,” said the King, “Sometimes strangers turn out to be more loyal than dear ones.” A warrior named Viravara came to King Shudraka looking for work. He said he would have to be paid five hundred gold coins every day. He would serve the King with his sword and his two strong arms. The courtiers advised the King to try out this man’s service. So, the King employed him. The King found that every day Viravara would give half his wages to learned people, a quarter of it to the poor and the needy and managed to live on a quarter of it himself. Then he would stand guard in the palace and not move till he was ordered. One night, the King heard someone sobbing and sent Viravara to check who it was.
King Shudraka Employs Viravara
