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

214 their separation again. ‘Did I not,’ said she in conclusion, ‘forbid you to beat the drum?’ Notwithstanding all she said, Charoo obstinately determined to go with her, and asked her to transform him into a fly, and to take him on her bosom. She could not refuse to do this, and in this manner they went to the Amravutty. When they arrived there, Chitrangee found that Indra’s court was full of angels and other spiritual beings. She proceeded to pay her homage to Indra in the usual form, and then took her allotted place among the others. The angels were much disconcerted at the sight of Chitrangee’s beauty, for in that respect she far excelled them all. Indra bade her be seated, and then with much attention and solicitude enquired after her health and condition. She replied that ‘she was very happy, through his generosity and liberality. After a few more questions, which were appropriately replied to, he desired her to sing. She bowed her head in token of obedience, and then commenced singing, with such eloquent pathos and sweetness as to ravish the ears of all present. Indra himself was completely under Chitrangee’s influence, so great an effect did her song produce on him. She continued singing in the same admirable strain till near the conclusion, when all at once her voice unfortunately failed her, and all the effect she had before produced was lost in the ridicule created by this mishap. Indra became highly incensed at this, and passionately exclaimed, ‘O thou wicked woman! unworthy of the honor I have deigned to bestow on you!—go hence, and be transformed into a black moun- tain of sixty yojuns in length, in the province of Marwar.’ He had scarcely ended these words, when poor Chitrangee fell into a swoon, on recovering from which she addressed Indra, with trembling and fear, in the most moving terms. ‘Oh, my gracious lord!’ said she, ‘do not, I entreat you, punish me so rigorously for the offence I have unwittingly committed! Be merciful, and I promise never more to be guilty of the like! I repent of it, and will be more careful for the future.’ Indra was moved by her strong appeal,