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

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trable thought and moody silence. Even the mass of the
people seemed to have been infected with the melancholy
the event here related had cast over the spectators ; and all
was one continued chorus of pity and commiseration for the
unfortunate widow who had thus devoted herself to a fate
so painful.
Not long after the crowd had dispersed from the scene
where the widow had immolated herself despite the en-
treaties of her friends, she contrived, by the influence of
her art or by some occult means, to extricate herself from
her apparently awful position, and to bring to life her de-
ceased husband. She then informed him of all that had
transpired during his absence. The warrior, now become
whole, and complete in his limbs, instantly set out for the
court, where he arrived, to the amazement and wonder of
all, whilst they were yet engaged in the discussion of the
event from witnessing which they had but just returned.
Without much ado, and dispensing with all the courtly
forms prevailing in those days, the warrior approached the
sovereign, and, after the usual interchange of civilities, ad-
dressed him to the following effect :—" Oh king! I am
extremely happy in being able to inform you that in the
battle fought recently in heaven, and in which I assisted the
divine Angels with all my judgment and valour, the suc-
cess has been all on our side. I have vanquishred the
Asœrus. The war was fierce and bloody. The bravest
troops of the enemy were either slain or wounded, and the
remainder panic-struck with the valour I displayed, and
the repeated onslaughts I made on them. Look!" added
the warrior, "these are the rewards of my labour (point-
ing to his rich attire, and the jewels with which his brow
was encircled). I now entreat your majesty will grant me
permission to remove my wife from under your protection ;
the city of Auyodhea, where I live, being at a great dis-
tance, I must return home immediately." At these words,
the sudden resuscitation of a man whom they had considered
dead, and his being unable to produce his wife, the king felt
"