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

86 CHAPTER VI. Veytal concludes his narration, and disappears. " WHEN the king heard the joyful intelligence of a son being born to him, he ordered it to be proclaimed, not only throughout the court and its environs, but all over the coun- try. He also ordered that a distribution of sugar-candy should be made to his subjects, a variety of alms given to the poor and indigent, and splendid and gorgeous presents to his officers. On the thirteenth day after the birth of the prince, he gave him the name of Bulsain ; and when he had arrived at a proper age he caused him to be educated and instructed in all the useful sciences and every other requisition for a prince, thus enabling him to uphold the dignity of his elevated rank, and to work his way safely through the trammels of court intrigue and court obser- vances. At the age of twelve years, he became so completely qualified to reign, that his father abdicated the throne in his favour, and his elevation was received with unani- mous acclamation. Shortly after this occurrence, the aged monarch, finding that the infirmities of age and their attendant inconveniences were fast creeping upon him, took an affectionate leave of his son, and directed his steps towards a place dedicated to religion, in order to devote his remaining years to works of piety and charity. Previous to the abdication of his throne, and divesting himself of the trammels of royalty, he left plain and positive injunctions with his prime minister, diligently and impartially to discharge the onerous and important duties over which he was now called upon to exercise his care and experience. The prince only nominally held the reins of government. The affairs of state during the regency devolved upon the minister, who displayed such surprising talent and skill on