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

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with, and gave immediate directions for everything necessary
and suitable to be prepared for the occasion.
"The news of the approaching nuptials of the Princess
Malattee with a foreign prince, spread like wildfire, and the
unfortunate Prince Soomunt heard it among the rest. He
instantly sought an interview with his cousin, and having
obtained it, said to her, 'My dear Malattee, can you explain
the meaning of so much bustle, confusion, and preparation,
as I observe throughout the palace?' The princess replied,
that she knew not what it meant, and asked in her turn if
the prince could enlighten her on the subject. Soomunt
looked searchingly at her for a moment, and then said,
'Princess, I need hardly say that it will now be impossible
for you to fulfil your engagement with me, and it would
perhaps be wrong in me to expect you to do so. The pre-
parations that you now see going forward are the prelude
to your marriage with a foreign prince, son of the king of
Brumhapoory, whom your father has accepted as your
future husband.' The prince's looks did not accord with his
apparent composure, and the princess perceiving it, replied,
'My dearest prince—my love!—do not allow yourself to
be thus disturbed. If my father has pledged his royal
word to unite me to the prince you have but just mentioned,
recollect that I have long, long before that, bestowed my
affections on you, and sealed the compact with a solemn
oath to become yours and none other's. I am solely yours,
and I call heaven to witness that I will never go back from
my word, and thus be guilty of perjury and ingratitude.
Depend on me. Compose yourself and be patient. Let
the bridegroom come!' So saying, the lovers separated.
"Every preparation being completed, the king sent for
the sovereign of Brumhapoory, and invited a large number
of friends on both sides to be present at the feast. He
erected a commodious and very richly-furnished building
for the reception of visitors, and for the celebration of the
marriage ceremony. The king of Brumhapoory soon after
arrived, and with him a numerous host of friends, relatives,