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

223 Indra, to whose palace I have the honor of being invited.’ The manner in which she addressed Charoo was at first somewhat distant, but her regard and affection for him overcame every other feeling, and she informed him that she would use her utmost endeavours to please Indra by playing the most charming and pleasant airs she knew, that they might captivate the monarch and ensure for her a safe and speedy return; but if, on the contrary, Indra should be displeased with her, she must only submit patiently to whatever he might think fit to inflict upon her. Charoo, on hearing this, was greatly alarmed, and would on no account be left behind: he insisted on going with her, and she was at last prevailed upon to agree to it. She there- fore transformed him into a Bhrumer,* thereby enabling him to accompany her without being noticed. They accordingly entered the palace of Indra together, and found the monarch seated in the subha, surrounded by innumer- able angels. On approaching him, Chitrangee prostrated herself, and then stood apart, with her eyes cast on the ground. Indra commanded her to be seated, and having enquired about her health, made known to her the reason why she had been sent for, which was that he might hear her sing and see her perform before him. She bowed low, and proceeded to gratify him, by commencing to sing in such a bewitching tone of voice as to charm Indra and the whole court. In addition to this, she intermingled extem- pore passages in her song, descriptive of the virtue and amiable qualities of Indra, which secured his approbation, as much by her words as by the sweetness of her voice and the graceful movements of her delicate and lovely form. The angels, likewise, who surrounded the person of Indra, seemed to enjoy the scene exceedingly: they were lost in admiration of the sylph-like movements and musical tones of Chitrangee,—so much so, that they looked like so many marble statues, so steadfastly and silently did they gaze on

• A large black bee.