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

283 have been seen Shalivahan, dealing death-blows at every stroke. He soon cut his way through a body of men, and advanced towards the king, with whom he meditated single combat, in order thus to put an end to the dreadful massacre his followers were committing on the army opposed to them. The king, perceiving Shalivahan coming towards him, and observing the masterly manner in which he wielded the powerful weapon of destruction he carried; felt greatly daunted, and thought that perhaps in his blindness he had shortened his own life by entering the field against the antagonist who, according to the prediction, was destined to cause his death. While he was yet pondering on these melancholy forebodings, the crowd of men, surging like the sea, had borne Shalivahan away to a remote part of the field, where he continued to display great prowess and valour. Vickramadetea used every means in his power, which his tact and ability could suggest, to save his men, but to no purpose. His principal officers and most ex- perienced commanders also vainly strove to retrieve the day, and to cope advantageously with the bravery of their opponents. The battle raged for seven days successively, during which, except the time allowed for the rest and relaxation of the contending forces, Shalivahan would not consent to any truce. Vickramadetea's troops were by this time very materially reduced in number, and Shalivahan once more sought out their chief, who, to his credit be it said, did not shrink from the encounter. His men were literally cut up by thousands, and he was resolved to decide the contest by single combat. The two leaders accordingly engaged in deadly strife, and continued long and fiercely contending for the victory. At length Vickramadetea felt his strength fast failing him, occasioned by loss of blood from his nume- rous wounds, and utter physical exhaustion; he therefore attempted to fly from his opponent. This was a signal for his troops to follow the example: they crossed the river Nerbudda, pursued by Shalivahan and his forces, and many