XL.
THE KING AND THE GIANT.
Narada, the greatest of Rishis, was once upon a time, while on a visit to Nandikesvara, requested by him to narrate any important news he had of the lokas (worlds), whereupon he informed him of the stories told by the two and thirty images on the throne of Vikramarka.
In Vedanarayanapura Agrahara there lived a Brahman, Vishnusarma by name who had four sons, Yajnanarayana, Yedanarayana, Viranarayana, and Chandrasarma. The first three were thoroughly conversant with Vedic literature and all the sastras, and displayed their learning at the courts of various kings, receiving very valuable presents; while the fourth, as he was not instructed in any of the sciences, acted as their servant. Matters went on thus for some time, till the fourth son became disgusted with his lot and resolving to visit foreign parts for the purpose of becoming educated, left his home at dead of night without telling any-
