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

122 wanderings the Princess Malattee was never out of his thoughts. His food consisted of the fruits he found on the road-side. In his course he explored a great many cities and villages, in the hope of discovering his lost love; and at every religious place he met with he performed the cere- monies enjoined by Hindu law, and at such times a large share of his supplications were in Malattee's behalf, his grief for her loss continuing unabated. Having reached the Sihandree mountain, he visited the shrine of Shree Duttatria,* and paid his devotions to him. During his stay in this sacred place, he felt much depressed in mind while pondering on the ill fate which had separated him in so sudden and unexpected a manner from his much-loved Malattee. One day, while as usual deploring his misfor- tune, he heard a voice issue from the heavens, saying, ‘ Prince! grieve no more, but take courage! Thy beloved Malattee shall soon be restored to thee!’ The prince gazed in silent awe in the direction whence the voice had proceeded, and, being convinced that his ears had not deceived him, he felt his sinking hopes fast revive. A great change was soon perceptible in him, and he was gradually restored to ease and tranquillity. He remained at that place nine days, and then left it in pursuit of his journey. "The Princess Malattee's father brought the bridegroom to his palace, to the great delight of all there assembled, and the princes and nobles, officers and distinguished citizens, took their respective seats in the audience-hall. Musicians engaged for the occasion performed on various instruments, and every sign of perfect and joyous festivity was to be seen about the palace. The time for uniting the youthful pair was now fast approaching, and the priest desired the king to bring forth the princess. The king went into the palace to seek her, but although he made the strictest search she was nowhere to be found! He enquired of the queen if she knew where the princess was, and she advised him to look for her in the chamber of the

• A particular incarnation of Shiva.