विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

98
King Bhudrasain was astounded at the announcement of an
invading army being in the outskirts of the town, and he
knew from experience that no hastily-concerted measures
could be of any use in repelling the attacks of a strong and
disciplined foe. However, the minister had in the mean
time collected a large number of men, and, with some few
of the regular troops to back them, he determined to proceed,
as he said, to meet the invading force, and ascertain the
cause of their wanton aggression. He therefore appeared
before the king, prostrated himself at the foot of the throne,
and obtained the royal authority to go on his mission.
" Prince Bulsain observing the army of his grandsire
approaching in warlike array towards him, was convinced
that the formidable appearance his men presented 'was the
cause of some alarm in the country. He therefore directed
a letter to be written, containing full particulars, and
despatched it by a trusty messenger, praying that his
majesty would recal his army, and be graciously pleased to
favor his son Soorsain and his grandson Bulsain with an
interview. The messenger to whom this letter was entrusted
gallopped away in advance, and came up to King Bhudra-
sain's minister, who was on his way with his force to meet
the supposed enemy. The messenger desired to be presented
without delay to the king his master, as he had a letter of
great importance to deliver to him personally ; he also
communicated to the minister verbally what the presence
of the great army outside meant. The minister of Bhudra-
sain was overjoyed, and he lost no time in directing an
officer to conduct the bearer of the letter into the presence
of the king, telling him not to lose a word of what his
majesty might say. The officer and the messenger then
proceeded together, and, after having traversed the city, they
arrived at the magnificent palace of King Bhudrasain. He
was seated in the council chamber, deeply engaged in
discussing with his courtiers the reason of the sudden
appearance of so formidable a force as he had been informed
of. The messenger was immediately ushered into the king's