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

270 their mounted officers, he formed a regiment of cavalry, who carried more weapons than the former, among which were bows and quivers full of arrows. The introduction of elephants added to the wonder of this extraordinary speci- men of infantile ingenuity. This was the work of several weeks, each day witnessing the formation of a certain number of brigades, and as each brigade was completed a sufficient number of officers was apportioned to it. Thus did this future hero, even in his tender years, accustom himself to all the paraphernalia of war, and the missiles of destruction then in use. Having completed the army, Shalivahan repaired with his companions to the top of a high mound of earth, and issued orders in a loud voice, as if for a grand and imposing parade. The army, however, as may well be imagined, remained stationary ; nevertheless, numbers of people flocked round to witness the amusing proceedings of the youngsters. Some were led to the spot from mere idle curiosity ; others there were who stopped to admire the precocious judgment and masterly manœuvres of the little commander. Shalivahan was rather tall in stature, and of a slender make, with a long neck and arms; his limbs appeared nevertheless to be well proportioned. He was very engag- ing in his manners, of a brave disposition, and displayed a vigour of body far surpassing all his companions of the same age, and even those of the adjoining states, the young princes included. He sometimes amused himself by gather- ing together his companions in a certain spot, taking an elevated seat among them, and calling himself their king. He would then appoint his prime minister and the other officials of a court, and set about dispensing justice to his subjects. At this play he settled many knotty points and important debates, to the admiration of many men of years and discretion. One day, while Shalivahan held his general council with his companions, the ministers and other officials being present, a Josey happened to pass by, whom Shalivahan