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

23 great consternation, nor were his minister and courtiers less astounded. He beckoned his minister, who approached him with unsteady steps, and with fear depicted in every linea- ment of his countenance. "What an unexpected danger is this!" exclaimed the king, as soon as he could give vent to the feelings of his heart; "whence comes this man? How did he become re-animated, and what expedient can we adopt?" The minister exhorted his master, as well as he could, to have patience for a while, and promised to devise some means of satisfying the warrior. He said he would speak to the man in private. With this he went towards him, and sought an interview. The minister entered fully into the particulars and circumstances of the events which, he said, they were even then deploring, and called the whole population to prove the accuracy of his statements. The warrior, however, instead of exhibiting symptoms of grief at the untimely fate of his wife, became furious and uncon- trollable. He threatened at once to appeal- to arms. "What!" said he, "am I right in hearing you? Was it ever before known that a woman immolated herself with her husband yet living? Oh no! I cannot believe what you say. I once took you to be a just, prudent, and vir- tuous man, but you appear no longer so. My wife has been basely dealt with, if not forcibly kept from me; and I will wage war to the death till I know more about it, and there remains nothing else for me to do. You know what I am capable of, and I warn you to beware of trifling with such an one as you know me to be!" The king heard the threats made by the warrior, and became pale with fear; and being no longer able to control himself, came up to the warrior and besought him to have pity on him. "Mode- rate your anger, sir," said he; "what my minister says is the truth. But if you are not satisfied with it, and as it is entirely out of my power to produce your wife, who is now reduced to ashes, you may, if you like, accept of my queen, in exchange for her. I will do anything else that I can for you, if you will only mention it. I desire to