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

282 Vickramadetea's army, but will also slay the king himself; of this you may rest assured." On hearing this, Soometra desired Shalivahan to prostrate himself at his father's feet, and ask his blessing. He accordingly did so, after which the Shashe presented him with a phial of nectar of a peculiar description, and told him to sprinkle it over the earthen army which he had hitherto used as playthings, when they would not only be immediately endowed with life and vigour, and be fit to contend with the approaching invaders, but would undoubtedly prove victorious. Saying this, and leaving the precious phial in the hands of the wondering youth, the Shashe disappeared. Shalivahan now lost no time, but hastened to the place where his toys were concealed, and sprinkled them with the nectar, when—wonderful to relate!—they became at once animated, and flocked round him, anxious to be led to the combat. He formed them in battle array in the open fields, when they instantly attained the stature of full-grown men, and the animals became the size of life. They pre- sented a formidable appearance, such as the mightiest and the richest of monarchs might have been proud of; and no language can express the joy of the favoured Shalivahan at this unexpected and wonderful transformation. He hastened his arrangements to meet the advancing foe, placing the cavalry so as to support the infantry, and making every other disposition for battle, having become a complete adept in such manœvering by his daily practice. He then led them on in person against the forces of Vickramadetea, who was in a manner completely thrown out in his calcula- tions, for where he had expected to meet with no opposition, he found himself face to face with an army equal, if not superior to his own. The impetuous Shalivahan dashed on with incredible fury, and before Vickramadetea could put his troops in a position of defence, had broken into their ranks, with such effect that men, horses, and elephants were thrown into one confused mass, and the battle became a fearful hand-to-hand fight. Among the foremost might