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

132 he had enjoyed, far more handsome than ever : his finely- moulded limbs, his noble air, and the majesty of his person, all combined to render him one of the handsomest men, in all respects, ever seen. “ Shortly after this, Malattee summoned the minister and other nobles of the court, and acquainted them with her intention of placing Soomunt on the throne in her stead. They seemed much pleased to hear this, and there was not a single dissentient voice raised against the proposi- tion. They each and all congratulated the prince, with much warmth-and sincerity, and he was speedily placed upon the throne, amidst great and gorgeous celebrations, and with the usual ceremonies on such occasions. The new king was proclaimed throughout the city, and in all the adjacent places; and for several days together there was one continual flow of all that could tend to heighten the joy and increase the pleasure of the people at such an event. The rejoicings extended all over the kingdom, and couriers were despatched to different parts to make the event known far and near. Prince Soomunt entered into the business of state with so much confidence and majesty, and displayed such tact and ability, that he gained the admiration and well-merited approbation of all his subjects, so that they became, if possible, more than ever pleased with their sovereign ; and everything prospered under his wise and discreet rule. “ The prince and princess (whom we must henceforth designate the king and queen) thus continued to live happily together for a considerable time. One morning, the queen began to take a retrospective view of their past lives, when it occurred to her that Queen Shoodhamutty might perhaps at that moment be suffering the deepest and most inconsolable grief for the loss of her only son, as she had had no opportunity of hearing from him since the night on which he absconded from the palace. She there- fore mentioned the matter to her husband, and desired him to write to the king her father, acquainting him with all