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

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displaying their gallantry and capacity.’ The king approved
highly of his daughter’s suggestion, and set about it forth-
with. Letters having been sent to all the neighbouring
courts, and public notice given, the pillar was erected near
the gate of the palace, and preparations on an extensive
scale were made for the occasion. Shortly afterwards the
messengers returned from the several courts, with a reply
that all the nobles and princes regretted very much they
could not consent to attempt the task, as it was a most
severe one: they had heard of many, they said, but none
of them so difficult of accomplishment as the one now
proposed by his majesty. Though they might perform the
dangerous ascent of the pillar, it was more than doubtful
whether any could be found to give an exact account of the
Chitrakoot mountain. Under these circumstances, therefore,
they each and all begged his majesty would excuse their
attendance, which could be productive of nothing but their
utter humiliation and discomfiture. The king was astonished
and much disappointed on receiving this reply. He however
resolved on giving the matter a fair trial, and with that
view sent criers round the country, intimating that all classes
of persons would be allowed to contend for the princess’
hand in the manner prescribed; and in the mean time a
strong guard was placed in charge of the pillar.
“In the city of Charten, which was formerly governed
by a powerful monarch, there lived a merchant named
Nanawuttee, who had by his care and industry amassed
much wealth, and who lived in great splendour. He was
married to a beautiful wife, endowed with much virtue and
good sense, who had borne him three sons. The first was
called Kotashwer, the second Lockaswer, and the third
Charoo.* Of these the youngest was the greatest favourite
with his parents. The merchant was confined to his bed
with old age and infirmities; he thought he had not long
to live, and he therefore called his wife and sons to his

• Signifying, Elegance.