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

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displaying their gallantry and capacity.’ The king approved highly of his daughter’s suggestion, and set about it forth- with. Letters having been sent to all the neighbouring courts, and public notice given, the pillar was erected near the gate of the palace, and preparations on an extensive scale were made for the occasion. Shortly afterwards the messengers returned from the several courts, with a reply that all the nobles and princes regretted very much they could not consent to attempt the task, as it was a most severe one: they had heard of many, they said, but none of them so difficult of accomplishment as the one now proposed by his majesty. Though they might perform the dangerous ascent of the pillar, it was more than doubtful whether any could be found to give an exact account of the Chitrakoot mountain. Under these circumstances, therefore, they each and all begged his majesty would excuse their attendance, which could be productive of nothing but their utter humiliation and discomfiture. The king was astonished and much disappointed on receiving this reply. He however resolved on giving the matter a fair trial, and with that view sent criers round the country, intimating that all classes of persons would be allowed to contend for the princess’ hand in the manner prescribed; and in the mean time a strong guard was placed in charge of the pillar. “In the city of Charten, which was formerly governed by a powerful monarch, there lived a merchant named Nanawuttee, who had by his care and industry amassed much wealth, and who lived in great splendour. He was married to a beautiful wife, endowed with much virtue and good sense, who had borne him three sons. The first was called Kotashwer, the second Lockaswer, and the third Charoo.* Of these the youngest was the greatest favourite with his parents. The merchant was confined to his bed with old age and infirmities; he thought he had not long to live, and he therefore called his wife and sons to his

• Signifying, Elegance.