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

109 with, and gave immediate directions for everything necessary and suitable to be prepared for the occasion. "The news of the approaching nuptials of the Princess Malattee with a foreign prince, spread like wildfire, and the unfortunate Prince Soomunt heard it among the rest. He instantly sought an interview with his cousin, and having obtained it, said to her, 'My dear Malattee, can you explain the meaning of so much bustle, confusion, and preparation, as I observe throughout the palace?' The princess replied, that she knew not what it meant, and asked in her turn if the prince could enlighten her on the subject. Soomunt looked searchingly at her for a moment, and then said, 'Princess, I need hardly say that it will now be impossible for you to fulfil your engagement with me, and it would perhaps be wrong in me to expect you to do so. The pre- parations that you now see going forward are the prelude to your marriage with a foreign prince, son of the king of Brumhapoory, whom your father has accepted as your future husband.' The prince's looks did not accord with his apparent composure, and the princess perceiving it, replied, 'My dearest prince—my love!—do not allow yourself to be thus disturbed. If my father has pledged his royal word to unite me to the prince you have but just mentioned, recollect that I have long, long before that, bestowed my affections on you, and sealed the compact with a solemn oath to become yours and none other's. I am solely yours, and I call heaven to witness that I will never go back from my word, and thus be guilty of perjury and ingratitude. Depend on me. Compose yourself and be patient. Let the bridegroom come!' So saying, the lovers separated. "Every preparation being completed, the king sent for the sovereign of Brumhapoory, and invited a large number of friends on both sides to be present at the feast. He erected a commodious and very richly-furnished building for the reception of visitors, and for the celebration of the marriage ceremony. The king of Brumhapoory soon after arrived, and with him a numerous host of friends, relatives,