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

17
by a like process, a young lady of incomparable beauty,
splendidly attired, with costly jewels vieing in brilliancy
with the sun and her own charms. Another assumed the
form of a horse of exact symmetry and rare perfections,
richly caparisoned, with a saddle-cloth and bits of pure
gold, fit for the use of the highest personage in the land.
The chief mounted the horse, and, with the lady in his arms,
rode through the air as if by magic, until they arrived
opposite to the king's court, where they descended. The
king, and all assembled with him, looked on in astonishment
at the wonderful feat performed, and the beauty and richness
of the persons. The warrior dismounted, and stepping for-
ward to the king, addressed him as follows:—"Oh king!
I am come on a most particular mission." "Speak!" said
the king. The warrior continued,—"There is in heaven a
grand war between the divine Angels and the Daityas*; the
army of the Angels is already encamped in the field, and have
sent for me to assist them in the struggle; my beautiful
wife (pointing to her) had determined to accompany me to
the battle-field, although I seriously entreated her not to
do it, but her obstinacy has been so great, that I was com-
pelled to bring her with me. I am, however, resolved, upon
better thoughts, not to expose her to the dangers of war,
so I bring her to your court for safety during my absence,
knowing that you will be kind and treat her well, and set
before her examples of religion, and of strict and correct be-
haviour. Please, then, have the same consideration for her
as you would for a mother or sister, and act by her accord-
ingly. I must tell you that my name is Vejydhwaj,† and
I am a resident of the city of Auyodhea. I am now about
to ascend to heaven, and I beg you will be pleased to take
charge of my wife till I return, I hope with victory in my
train; but should fate have reserved for me death on the
field, then I conjure you to immolate her, in accordance with
the usual practice on such occasions." "Ah! Vejydhwaj,"

• Demons or Asœrus.
  † Flag of victory.
  D