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

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carry my reply, and leave me in peace." The officer again
tried to prevail on him to accompany the messenger who
had been sent for him, but he said, "Why do you thus
press me? Have I been guilty of anything against the
laws of the country, that you should insist upon my appear-
ance before the king? Go your way,—I refuse to attend."
The officer returned to the king, and reported the issue of
the meeting, on which Vickramadetea's messenger was
despatched immediately to convey the intelligence to his
master, who on hearing the tale, felt much grieved and
somewhat terrified at the stubborn daring of the youth
Shalivahan, which showed at once the nature and tempera-
ment of his fated antagonist. He thought also of his
intelligence and capacity, his surprising talents, and great
personal beauty. "O God!" said Vickramadetea, after he
had well weighed all these considerations, "O God! the
prediction of the astrologer will most assuredly come to
pass! I feel it—I dread it!" In considerable alarm
Vickramadetea again despatched an officer, with instructions
to, use every means he could think of, and, if necessary, to
employ stratagem, to bring Shalivahan with him. The
officer proceeded with all speed to the residence of Shaliva-
han, whom he entreated in the most urgent manner to
accompany him to the court of Vickramadetea. Shalivahan
suspected some foul play from these repeated summonses,
and did not hesitate to express his suspicions. "It appears
to me," said he, "from your continued entreaties, that there
is some deep design at the bottom of your king's apparent
condescension and friendliness. He is a famous and wise
monarch; and I can think of no other reason why he
should bestow such great attention on an humble individual
like me. Has he charged me with any crime? What are
his reasons for wishing me to appear at his court? I
demand this explanation before I set out with you, if I am
to do so at all." "I cannot tell," replied the officer; "my
instructions do not extend so far." "Return then to your
king," said Shalivahan, "and tell him not to expose him-