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

283
have been seen Shalivahan, dealing death-blows at every
stroke. He soon cut his way through a body of men,
and advanced towards the king, with whom he meditated
single combat, in order thus to put an end to the dreadful
massacre his followers were committing on the army opposed
to them. The king, perceiving Shalivahan coming towards
him, and observing the masterly manner in which he wielded
the powerful weapon of destruction he carried; felt greatly
daunted, and thought that perhaps in his blindness he had
shortened his own life by entering the field against the
antagonist who, according to the prediction, was destined to
cause his death. While he was yet pondering on these
melancholy forebodings, the crowd of men, surging like the
sea, had borne Shalivahan away to a remote part of the
field, where he continued to display great prowess and
valour. Vickramadetea used every means in his power,
which his tact and ability could suggest, to save his men,
but to no purpose. His principal officers and most ex-
perienced commanders also vainly strove to retrieve the
day, and to cope advantageously with the bravery of their
opponents.
The battle raged for seven days successively, during
which, except the time allowed for the rest and relaxation
of the contending forces, Shalivahan would not consent to
any truce. Vickramadetea's troops were by this time very
materially reduced in number, and Shalivahan once more
sought out their chief, who, to his credit be it said, did not
shrink from the encounter. His men were literally cut up
by thousands, and he was resolved to decide the contest by
single combat. The two leaders accordingly engaged in
deadly strife, and continued long and fiercely contending
for the victory. At length Vickramadetea felt his strength
fast failing him, occasioned by loss of blood from his nume-
rous wounds, and utter physical exhaustion; he therefore
attempted to fly from his opponent. This was a signal for
his troops to follow the example: they crossed the river
Nerbudda, pursued by Shalivahan and his forces, and many