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

265 CHAPTER XVIII. The inhabitants of Oojein once more enjoy the blessings of good govern- ment under King Vickramadetea—The king's mind continuing dis- turbed by reflections on the prediction that he should be killed by the son of a virgin aged seven years, he sends emissaries into various countries to make enquiries if any such were known—Soometra, the youthful daughter of a brahmin, becomes pregnant by the king of the serpents, and bears a son whom they name Shalivahan—He early displays great martial talents, as well as extraordinary wisdom as a councellor—In repelling an attack by Vickramadetea, Shalivahan, provided with an army by his father, puts the enemy to rout and slays the king—From this date the Shalivahan era begins to be computed. THE city of Oojein was now entirely relieved from the yoke of oppression under which it but a short time before had groaned, and the inhabitants were gradually regaining their wonted cheerfulness and serenity. Some who had fled from the place under the tyrant's repeated oppressions and injustice on their persons and property, retraced their steps, and were again located within their peaceful dwellings, with their properties restored to them. Under Vickrama- detea's blissful reign there was not the slightest inclination in the people toward a profligate life or the indulgence of any other wicked or improper desires. Their love for their monarch, who was proverbially just and virtuous, regulated their actions: they imitated his example, and were conse- quently devout and sincere in their religious duties, taking great delight in tending and succouring their poor and distressed fellow-citizens. Such was the condition of the country shortly after Vickramadetea resumed the throne. During his reign there was but one drawback to his complete earthly happiness: it had been predicted, as has been before mentioned, that he would die by the hand of the son of a virgin. To pre- vent such a catastrophe, he sent his emissaries into many II