Vikramaditya forgot all about not speaking and replied, “The thief’s merit is the highest.” Baital asked, “But why is that so?” Vikramaditya replied, “The husband stopped loving her as soon as she told him about the other man. Gurudatta let go off her due to fear of punishment from the King. But the thief had no such reason still he let her go. The thief did not harm Chandrasena nor did he rob her. He had no ulterior motive for what he did. He could have taken all of Chandrasena’s jewels if he wished to. But he did not do so. So, his merit was the greatest.” Baital laughed and said, “Vikram! You are indeed a judicious king. But as usual, you have spoken instead of keeping silent. Hence, I am departing from you and flying to my peepal tree.” Thus, Baital flew away from Vikramaditya’s shoulder with the King following him.
The Thief’s Merit
