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

280 carry my reply, and leave me in peace." The officer again tried to prevail on him to accompany the messenger who had been sent for him, but he said, "Why do you thus press me? Have I been guilty of anything against the laws of the country, that you should insist upon my appear- ance before the king? Go your way,—I refuse to attend." The officer returned to the king, and reported the issue of the meeting, on which Vickramadetea's messenger was despatched immediately to convey the intelligence to his master, who on hearing the tale, felt much grieved and somewhat terrified at the stubborn daring of the youth Shalivahan, which showed at once the nature and tempera- ment of his fated antagonist. He thought also of his intelligence and capacity, his surprising talents, and great personal beauty. "O God!" said Vickramadetea, after he had well weighed all these considerations, "O God! the prediction of the astrologer will most assuredly come to pass! I feel it—I dread it!" In considerable alarm Vickramadetea again despatched an officer, with instructions to, use every means he could think of, and, if necessary, to employ stratagem, to bring Shalivahan with him. The officer proceeded with all speed to the residence of Shaliva- han, whom he entreated in the most urgent manner to accompany him to the court of Vickramadetea. Shalivahan suspected some foul play from these repeated summonses, and did not hesitate to express his suspicions. "It appears to me," said he, "from your continued entreaties, that there is some deep design at the bottom of your king's apparent condescension and friendliness. He is a famous and wise monarch; and I can think of no other reason why he should bestow such great attention on an humble individual like me. Has he charged me with any crime? What are his reasons for wishing me to appear at his court? I demand this explanation before I set out with you, if I am to do so at all." "I cannot tell," replied the officer; "my instructions do not extend so far." "Return then to your king," said Shalivahan, "and tell him not to expose him-