King Someshwara was growing old. He thought it would be better if one of his sons became the Yuvaraja or the Crown Prince. He, the king, himself would have assistance in defending the state and also in the government; the subjects also

would begin to respect him as their future king and the boy himself would get the training needed to rule the kingdom.

The boys completed their education. One day the king sent for Vikramaditya. He said, "My boy, you will be my successor. When I am alive I want you to be Yuvaraja. My burden will be less, and you too, will gain experience."

A lad just on the threshold of youth; the high place of the Yuvaraja had come to him, unsought.

How tempting! How overjoyed should he have been!

I do not want to be the Yuvaraja. Someshwara is elder to me. Give him the place," said the boy.

The king was astonished and overjoyed. He was all admiration for his son. He blessed his son.