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

51 monarch he was in search of. Neither heat nor cold, hunger or thirst, could damp the ardour with which he prosecuted his pursuit. He anxiously enquired of those he met with in his wanderings whether they could supply him with any information regarding the person he sought, or knew where he could be found or heard of. His food during this long tour consisted of the wild fruits of the earth. At night he sought repose under a tree, or in the shelter of a rock, if he happened to be near one; or, if by chance he was overtaken by the clouds of night near some habitable locality, he found refuge in a temple or dhurumshala* from the inclemencies of the night wind and sometimes of the pelting rain. He never remained in one place longer than was necessary to recruit his failing strength, and that never beyond the hours of night : he was up again in the morning, and on his search for the lost king. He had journeyed in this manner for some time, when he came to a limpid lake, and a temple dedicated to Shiva; into this he went, and thus addressed the idol before him :—" Oh, lord Shiva! be propitious to the undertaking in which I am now engaged, and assist me in speedily obtaining a sight of my lost friend." He then prostrated himself, and having remained so for some time, seated himself on a sopat† ; whilst there, engaged in revolving the past and concerting plans for his future movements, he perceived a young and handsome prince, very interesting in appearance, and richly attired, performing his religious duties. When he had finished his devotions, the brahmin approached him, and addressed him in the following terms :—" Pray, on what account, if I may be permitted to ask, are you engaged in these austerities and pious practices, so uncommon in one of your youth and apparent condition?" The prince replied, "Your question only gives me pain : of what avail is it that I should disclose my grief, which is gnawing my heart's core, to you? Can * A caravanserai. † A branch of the verandah.