The Vampire's Fifth Story. Of the Thief Who Laughed and Wept

“The Vampire's Fifth Story. Of the Thief Who Laughed and Wept” is a tale, included in “Vikram and The Vampire” - a group of tales, translated and adapted by Sir Richard Burton. The story turns chiefly on a great king named Vikram, the King Arthur of the East, who in pursuance of his promise to a Jogi or Magician, brings to him the Baital (Vampire), who is hanging on a tree. The difficulties King Vikram and his son have in bringing the Vampire into the presence of the Jogi are truly laughable; and on this thread is strung a series of Hindu fairy stories, which contain much interesting information on Indian customs and manners. This is one of them.

The humorous or ironic stories are somewhat in the style of the tales of the Arabian Nights - if you enjoy the Arabian Nights or you enjoy fairy stories you should like “Vikram and the Vampire”. This book will be interesting for everyone, who wants to know more about India and its culture. Enjoy the reading.