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

5 anxious desire to have the mystery, in which it was (to him at least) shrouded, cleared up. The hermit’s conversation greatly roused the curiosity of the king, and he entreated him to instruct him in it before he left the court. The hermit being thus solicited, and considering that it would be far better to impart his knowledge to a king than to any one else, consented to instruct him; and so with a smiling coun- tenance said, “I will initiate you into this mystery tomorrow night, as there will be an auspicious hour then for the pur- pose. Your majesty must come unattended to the temple of Shiva, situated without the town walls, where I will be in waiting to receive you.” The following morning the her- mit repaired to the appointed place of meeting with the king, it being considered a sacred and secure spot, free from all intrusion. In the evening, when the sun had gradually sunk below the horizon, and night had spread its sable veil over the face of creation, the hermit might have been seen in the dusk, his figure extended to its full height, and lis- tening eagerly for every sound, expecting the arrival of the king. The king’s impatience would not admit of his waiting until the time fixed for his starting. He left the palace a little earlier, and wended his lonely way in the direction of the temple. Arriving at the small gate of the town, he found a sentinel named Koobjuck stationed there. He directed him not to leave the spot until his return, as he had some very important business to transact out of town. The sentinel respectfully bowed an assent; but as the sovereign walked past him, he could not but reason in this wise, being an acute man: ‘The king would certainly not venture to leave the city without the attendance of some officer or slave; and even were it so, I should be rendering a piece of valuable service by following him unknowingly, observing the direction he takes, and keeping myself at a respectful distance; for should any accident happen to him, I shall be ready at hand to render him assistance.’ He therefore resolved to follow the king. He watched him