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

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drawing to a close, and the two youths regretted, as did the
hermit, their approaching separation. The day, however,
arrived on which they were to part, perhaps never more to
meet, and the old man was as much affected as were his
youthful friends. He gave them every needful direction
regarding the road they were to take. At the distance of
about twenty-four yojuns from the hermit's dwelling there
were two roads—one to the left and one to the right. He
advised them to follow the one to the right, the other being
difficult and hazardous. The one he advised them to take
he said they would find easy and safe, and on it they would
meet with every accommodation for travellers and strangers,
which was not the case with the other. On leaving, the
hermit presented the prince with a small sword, telling him
that if it should at any time be put into the fire until it
became red-hot, he would certainly be in imminent danger,
unless somebody should cool it; for that, although he
might have it within his grasp, some enemy would rush
upon him, overpower him, and finally prove victorious.
‘Remember,’ said the hermit, by way of concluding his
observations, ‘Remember, these are my last words!’ He
then bestowed his parting blessing upon them, and they in
return paid him much reverence. Having gratefully
acknowledged his kindness, and rendered suitable thanks,
expressing at the same time their regret that they had
not the means of making him a more substantial return,
they proceeded on their journey.
“In a few days they came to the spot where the two
roads the hermit had alluded to branched off in opposite
directions. Here they laid themselves down under a shady
tree, to refresh themselves before they proceeded any further
on their way. After awhile, the prince proposed that they
should take the road to the left, but his companion did not
agree to it, and reminded him of the caution they had
received from the hermit. The prince was obstinate. ‘I
would know,’ said he, ‘what perils and difficulties are to be
encountered upon it, and when once satisfied on that point,