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

194 before him, in case he succeeded, encouraged him greatly. He went to the palace, near which the pillar was erected, and enquired of the head guardsman whether what he had heard as having been proclaimed regarding the princess was true ; and on receiving a reply in the affirmative, Charoo first examined the pillar very narrowly, and then briskly climbed to the top of it. It was not without difficulty, however, and that of no ordinary kind, that he effected this feat. Having got up, he proceeded slowly to untie the silken knots which enclosed the rubies, and having secured them all, he descended with far greater ease than he mounted. He gave the rubies to his creditor, who, being now perfectly satisfied, went his way. “The guardsman in charge of the pillar never for a moment expected that Charoo was capable of displaying so much perseverance and presence of mind as was required for so hazardous an undertaking, and he was therefore much astonished when he saw it performed so readily. The agility and strength of Charoo soon became the theme of conversation throughout the city ; and the report of the performance of the arduous feat was immediately conveyed to the king, who was greatly delighted to hear of the youth’s prowess. He directed Charoo to be introduced into the palace without the loss of a moment, and all eyes were directed to where the hero of the day was to make his appearance. Charoo was accordingly brought in, and the king advanced to meet him, and to give him a cordial wel- come, extolling his courage and perseverance in terms of high praise ; after which he was conducted into the presence of the princess. “The fair Chitrangee, seeing a young man of prepossess- ing appearance and great physical powers, felt a sudden love for him in the private recesses of her heart. She was grati- fied, too, that he had ventured forth to win her at so great a risk of humiliation and mortifying ridicule, to which he would most certainly have been exposed had he failed in his attempt. It now only remained for him to give a