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

22 trable thought and moody silence. Even the mass of the people seemed to have been infected with the melancholy the event here related had cast over the spectators ; and all was one continued chorus of pity and commiseration for the unfortunate widow who had thus devoted herself to a fate so painful. Not long after the crowd had dispersed from the scene where the widow had immolated herself despite the en- treaties of her friends, she contrived, by the influence of her art or by some occult means, to extricate herself from her apparently awful position, and to bring to life her de- ceased husband. She then informed him of all that had transpired during his absence. The warrior, now become whole, and complete in his limbs, instantly set out for the court, where he arrived, to the amazement and wonder of all, whilst they were yet engaged in the discussion of the event from witnessing which they had but just returned. Without much ado, and dispensing with all the courtly forms prevailing in those days, the warrior approached the sovereign, and, after the usual interchange of civilities, ad- dressed him to the following effect :—" Oh king! I am extremely happy in being able to inform you that in the battle fought recently in heaven, and in which I assisted the divine Angels with all my judgment and valour, the suc- cess has been all on our side. I have vanquishred the Asœrus. The war was fierce and bloody. The bravest troops of the enemy were either slain or wounded, and the remainder panic-struck with the valour I displayed, and the repeated onslaughts I made on them. Look!" added the warrior, "these are the rewards of my labour (point- ing to his rich attire, and the jewels with which his brow was encircled). I now entreat your majesty will grant me permission to remove my wife from under your protection ; the city of Auyodhea, where I live, being at a great dis- tance, I must return home immediately." At these words, the sudden resuscitation of a man whom they had considered dead, and his being unable to produce his wife, the king felt "