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

279 When the king returned to his court, after the labours of the day, he found a messenger waiting there from King Vickramadetea, to enquire whether any virgin had been delivered of a male child in any part of Somekaunt's dominions. The king informed this messenger, who was an officer of Vickramadetea's household, of the story of the three brothers, and how he had been enabled to decide it by the aid of Shalivahan, together with the circumstances which had attended the birth of the latter, and directed him to lose no time in communicating the whole story to Vickramadetea. The officer returned in haste to his sovereign, and informed him of all these particulars, adding that Shalivahan was then thirteen years old. King Vickramadetea, on hearing this, was struck to the heart, being fully under the impression that, in accordance with the prediction, his life would shortly be sacrificed by this youth. It occurred to him that perhaps it was so willed by the Supreme Ruler of the universe, as the period of his earthly existence was now, in the usual course of nature, drawing to a close. He despatched a messenger, instantly with a letter to King Somekaunt, requesting that he would send Shalivahan to his court with as little delay as possible, being very desirous of seeing him. The messenger reached his destination in due time, and delivered his master's epistle to King Somekaunt, who stated in reply that he was extremely sorry he could not comply with Vickramadetea's request in this instance, as the youth Shalivahan was of so proud a temper, that when sent for to decide the case of the brothers he refused to come to the court, and that he had been obliged to go to Shalivahan's own dwelling to have the matter settled. He said, how- ever, that he would try, and with that view sent an officer to Shalivahan's house to make known to him King Vickra- madetea's wishes regarding him; but he refused to attend the call, notwithstanding the most earnest entreaties. "I see no occasion," said he, "to travel so far. I have nothing to do with King Vickramadetea. I therefore hope you will

280 carry my reply, and leave me in peace." The officer again tried to prevail on him to accompany the messenger who had been sent for him, but he said, "Why do you thus press me? Have I been guilty of anything against the laws of the country, that you should insist upon my appear- ance before the king? Go your way,—I refuse to attend." The officer returned to the king, and reported the issue of the meeting, on which Vickramadetea's messenger was despatched immediately to convey the intelligence to his master, who on hearing the tale, felt much grieved and somewhat terrified at the stubborn daring of the youth Shalivahan, which showed at once the nature and tempera- ment of his fated antagonist. He thought also of his intelligence and capacity, his surprising talents, and great personal beauty. "O God!" said Vickramadetea, after he had well weighed all these considerations, "O God! the prediction of the astrologer will most assuredly come to pass! I feel it—I dread it!" In considerable alarm Vickramadetea again despatched an officer, with instructions to, use every means he could think of, and, if necessary, to employ stratagem, to bring Shalivahan with him. The officer proceeded with all speed to the residence of Shaliva- han, whom he entreated in the most urgent manner to accompany him to the court of Vickramadetea. Shalivahan suspected some foul play from these repeated summonses, and did not hesitate to express his suspicions. "It appears to me," said he, "from your continued entreaties, that there is some deep design at the bottom of your king's apparent condescension and friendliness. He is a famous and wise monarch; and I can think of no other reason why he should bestow such great attention on an humble individual like me. Has he charged me with any crime? What are his reasons for wishing me to appear at his court? I demand this explanation before I set out with you, if I am to do so at all." "I cannot tell," replied the officer; "my instructions do not extend so far." "Return then to your king," said Shalivahan, "and tell him not to expose him-

281 self to the ridicule of his subjects and of other monarchs by this unmeaning and unwise conduct." The officer retired, and when he approached the monarch, his dejected look, even more than the absence of Shalivahan, revealed to him the ill success of the mission. The king eagerly questioned the officer, who repeated, without the omission of a single word, all that Shalivahan had said. This so enraged Vick- ramadetea that he ordered a body of his best troops to pre- pare for a march to Prathestan, for the purpose of punishing the braggart. When all was in readiness, Vickramadetea sallied forth, seated in a splendid chariot. As he drew near to the city, Shalivahan, knowing well that the army had been brought there solely on his account, and hearing the sounds of martial music, such as trumpets, drums, &c. was overcome by fear, and eagerly running into the presence of his mother, addressed her thus :—"O mother!—a great body of troops is approaching,—I think those of King Vickramadetea. I pray you, kill me on the spot!—I am the cause of it. Or can you adopt any expedient to assist me?" The mother replied, "Shalivahan, take courage, but at the same time be cautious. I was aware that king Vickramadetea meditated this outrage on us, because you did not proceed to his court, but I am prepared for it." Saying this she rose from her seat, and having bathed and otherwise prepared herself, invoked the protection of the divine Shashe, who had promised her his help in time of need. No sooner had she finished her invocation, and recalled his form, which she had seen on the bank of the river, than he appeared, and asked her what she required of him. "My lord!—my beloved protector!" cried she, "you are well aware of the cause of my invocation to you. It is that you may preserve us from the danger which now threatens us. King Vickramadetea and his forces are advancing, doubtless to massacre us in cold blood, for the apparent slight offered to him by Shalivahan." "Fear not, Soome- tra," said the Shashe, "your son will not only conquer KK

282 Vickramadetea's army, but will also slay the king himself; of this you may rest assured." On hearing this, Soometra desired Shalivahan to prostrate himself at his father's feet, and ask his blessing. He accordingly did so, after which the Shashe presented him with a phial of nectar of a peculiar description, and told him to sprinkle it over the earthen army which he had hitherto used as playthings, when they would not only be immediately endowed with life and vigour, and be fit to contend with the approaching invaders, but would undoubtedly prove victorious. Saying this, and leaving the precious phial in the hands of the wondering youth, the Shashe disappeared. Shalivahan now lost no time, but hastened to the place where his toys were concealed, and sprinkled them with the nectar, when—wonderful to relate!—they became at once animated, and flocked round him, anxious to be led to the combat. He formed them in battle array in the open fields, when they instantly attained the stature of full-grown men, and the animals became the size of life. They pre- sented a formidable appearance, such as the mightiest and the richest of monarchs might have been proud of; and no language can express the joy of the favoured Shalivahan at this unexpected and wonderful transformation. He hastened his arrangements to meet the advancing foe, placing the cavalry so as to support the infantry, and making every other disposition for battle, having become a complete adept in such manœvering by his daily practice. He then led them on in person against the forces of Vickramadetea, who was in a manner completely thrown out in his calcula- tions, for where he had expected to meet with no opposition, he found himself face to face with an army equal, if not superior to his own. The impetuous Shalivahan dashed on with incredible fury, and before Vickramadetea could put his troops in a position of defence, had broken into their ranks, with such effect that men, horses, and elephants were thrown into one confused mass, and the battle became a fearful hand-to-hand fight. Among the foremost might

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

284 lives were sacrificed in the pursuit. Shalivahan kept Vick- ramadetea in view, and finding at last that he had approached him sufficiently near, he let fly an arrow, which pierced Vickramadetea's heart and for ever stopped his breath. After this he resolved to return, and with that view collected his forces and attempted to recross the river, but no sooner did the troops enter the water than they at once dissolved, and a voice issued from the clouds, exclaiming, "Victory ! victory ! O Shalivahan, be satisfied with the prodigy you have this day been enabled to perform. Henceforth a new era commences, named after yourself, and you will reign supreme in the southern and western provinces beyond the Nerbudda, but the northern parts will still apper- tain to the heir of Vickramadetea, and be governed by his descendants." Shalivahan, after hearing this prediction, returned to his house, but with a sinking heart and dejected looks, caused no doubt by the loneliness of his situation, as there was not even a charger left for him to mount, all the temporary aid he had received having been suddenly withdrawn. When he reached his dwelling his mother Soometra met him with great joy, and loaded him with caresses, praising him for the prowess he had that day displayed, as did also his grandfather Soolochun. They once more reverted to their former mode of living, until at length, in progress of time, Shalivahan was proclaimed king, according to the prediction he had heard while recrossing the river Ner- budda after killing Vickramadetea as above related. He was now placed in a position suited to his high talent, and in which he could give free scope to the powers of his mind and to his matured ideas of justice and equity. He reigned long, enjoyed unusual reputation, and at length was gathered to his fathers full of years and honour. At Oojein, the death of Vickramadetea caused, as may be supposed, much regret and sincere sorrow in the breasts of his loving and devoted subjects, and they mourned for him as for a father. After the usual period

285 allowed on such melancholy occasions, Bhutty, the minister, with the consent and approval of the whole nation, enthroned Vickramadetea’s son, in the hope that he would perpetuate the fame, virtue, and amiable qualities of his father, in- which they were not disappointed. THE END.

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ADDRESS TO SUBSCRIBERS. THE translator feels called upon to thank his subscribers and friends thus publicly for the very kind indulgence and forbearance he has experienced at their hands. His apologies are due to them for the delay that has occurred in the issue of this work, owing in some measure to personal indisposition, but mainly to his intended arrangements not having been completed in time. He trusts that the explanation now given will satisfy all, and that they will in addition kindly overlook any error that may have been inadvertently committed, either in the work itself or in the designation of their names in the accompanying alphabetical list. A Acland, L. Esq. Anderson, H. L. Esq., C. S. Annesley, J. T. Captain, Staff. Annundrow Luxumonjee. Annundrow Ragnath Camut. Anunta Chundroba, Esq. Anunta Runsordjee. Anuntrow Ragoonathjee. Ardaseer Jasungjee. Arthur, E. Esq. Atmaram Faceorjee. Atmaram Pandoorung. Atmaram Sadasew. Aurumugum Noodliar, A. B Bajeerow Hurrichunderjee, P. Balcrustna Ramchunderjee, P. Balcrustna Succaram, Esq. Ballajeo Baboorow Dewaker. Ballajeo Gunnesh Mate. Ballajeo Sudoba. Ballaram Ramchunder. Bapoojee Wassoodewjee. Bapoo Morojee. Bapoo Ramchundra Senoy. Barr, H. J. Captain (2 Copies). Barton, R. B. Esq. Beard, G. Esq. Bhasker Bappoo Josey. Bhasker Kessowjee, P. Bhasker Soonderjee, Esq. Bhawoo Anunta Poy. Bhawoo Dajee, Esq. Bhicoo Sazba. Bhicoo Soonder Camut. Bhow Ramjee. Binoham, G. Esq. Blacknight, J. Esq. Bomanjee and Ardaseer Hormusjee, Esqs. Bomanjee Hormusjee, Esq.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Bowyer, G. J. Esq. Brookfield, W. Esq. Brown, E. Esq. Brown, F. L. Esq. Brown, J. G. H. Esq. Burgoyne, E. Mr. Burjorjee Viccajee, Esq. Byne, H. Esq. Byramjee Jamsedjee. Byramjee Jejeebhoy, Esq. Byramjee Sorabjee, S. C Cabral, H. Mr. Carvalho, F. A. Mr. Junior. Carvalho, M. A. De, Mr. Cassinath Keshowjee. Cassinath Pandoorungjee. Cawasjee Eduljee. Cawasjee Jehangeer, Esq. Chintamun Gungather Josey. Chintoba Gunnesh Josey. Clough, F. Esq. Coleman, J. S. Mr. Collier, C. A. Lieutenant, Staff. Collum, W. Esq. Cooke, C. Esq. Coolasagram Moodliar, A. Cordeira, J. C. Mr. Corfield, A. K. Esq., C. S. Cornforth, J. P. Esq. Cowie, T. S. Esq. Coxon, M. A. Esq., C. S. Crawford, J. H. G. Captain, Staff. Crustnajee Ramchunderjee. Crustnarow Wassoodewjee. Curnanund Sadasewjee. Cursetjee Cawasjee, M. Esq. (2 Cop.) Cursetjee Dadabhoy, Esq. (2 Copies). Cursetjee Furdoonjee, Esq. Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Esq. Cursetjee Nasserwanjee Cama, Esq. D Dadabhoy Dinshawjee, Esq. Dadoba Pandoorung, Esq. Dallas, R. A. Esq. Damother Dadajee. Darby, F. Esq. De Silva, Antone, Mr. De Silva, V. L. Mr. Dhirajlal Matheoradass. Dhunjeebhoy Framjee, Esq. Dinnanath Luxumonjee. Dinshaw Nanabhoy. Don, J. Esq., M.D. Dossabhoy Cursetjee & Co. Dossabhoy Framjee Cama, Esq. Dossabhoy Merwanjee & Co. Downes, E. T. Esq. E Elphinstone, The Right Hon'ble J. Lord, G.C.H., Governor (4 Copies). Elphinstone, P. A. Lieutenant, Staff (2 Copies). Erskine, J. M. Esq., C. S. Estridge, G. T. Ensign 12th Regi- ment N. I. F Farquharson, F. A. Major, Staff. Faulkner, A. Esq. Fellows, W. B. Esq. Fernandes, J. F. Mr.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Fernandes, N. Mr. Fielding, A. Esq. Framjee Nusserwanjee, Esq. Framjee Sorabjee Majorna, Esq. Frere, H. B. E. Esq. C. S. (2 Copies). G Gibbs, J. Esq., C. S. Gordon, S. Mr. Gouroba Narayan Bhenda. Gajjanun Gopall. Gunput Manickjee Patell. Gunputrow Sadasewjee, P. H Hadow, J. W. Esq., C. S. (2 Copies). Hale, J. Brigadier, Staff. Hall, J. C. Mr. Hancock, G. Esq. Hannay, R. Esq. Harrison, W. H. Esq., C. S. Hawkins, A. S. Lieut.-Colonel 12th Regiment N. I. Hazells, H. Mr. Heathcote, C. T. Lieutenant 12th Regiment N. I. Heerjeebhoy Merwanjee, Esq. Hore, J. F. Esq. Hormusjee Bomanjee Kaka and Pestonjee Eduljee. Hormusjee Muncherjee, Esq. Hormusjee Muncherjee Camajee Sons. Hormusjee Pestonjee, Esq. Howard, W. Esq. Howison, S. Y. Lieutenant 12th Re- giment N. I. Hurrichund Morojce. LL Hurrichund Nathoba. Hurrichundra Wittejee. Hurrichund Sadasewjee. Hurrichund Yadowjee. Hussey, J. Esq. J Jagonath Morojce. Jagonath Succojce. Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Sir, Knight (3 Copies). Jehangeer Nowrojee, Esq. Jewajee Dossabhoy, Esq. Jones, A. W. Esq., C. S. (2 Copies). Jordan, A. Mr. Judge, G. S. Esq. Jugjeovondass Khooshaldass. Jugonnath Sunkersett, Esq. J. P. (2 Copies). Janardonjee Ballajeesett, Esq. K Karr, G. B. S. Esq., C. S. Keroba Soanjee. Kessernath Morojce. Kessernath Ramchunderjee. Kumroodeen Essabhoy. L Lake, C. Mr. Lampoy, H. Mr. Lancaster, H. Captain, Staff. Larken, M. Esq., C. S. Lawrence, J. G. Esq. Leathes, G. G. Ensign 12th Regi- ment N. I.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

[Left Column]

Leech, R. Esq. Leeke, Sir H. J., K. H., Rear Admi- ral R. N., Commander-in-Chief I. N. (2 Copies). Leeson, W. F. Captain, Staff. Leggett, F. Esq. Lindsay, H. B. Esq., C. S. Logan, J. M. Esq. Lootfulla Khan, Esq. Lowndes, J. J. Esq. Luxumon Sadasewsett.

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MacDougall, N. P. Major 13th Re- giment N. I. Madoba Hurrichunderjee. Madowrow Jagonathjee. Mahadew Luxumonjee. Mahdowrow Morojee, P. Mahomed Ameen Rogay, Esq. Mahomed Husson, Esq. Maidmont, R. Esq. Malcolmson, J. R. Esq. Malet, The Hon. A. Esq., C. S. Manockjee Nusserwanjee, Esq. Manockjee Sorabjee, Esq. Mathie, F. Esq. Maughan, T. Lieut.-Col., Staff. McCombie, P. Mr. Mead, C. C. Esq. Mecredy, R. Ensign 12th Regi- ment N. I. Meer Jaffer Alli Khan, H. H., Ba- hadoor. Menesse, E. Mr. Merwanjee Nusserwanjee Bhow. Miles, J. Lieutenant 16th Regt. N. I. Mirza Ali Jan, Esq. Mirza Dost Mahomed Khan, Esq. Mirza Golum Hosen Shooshtry, Esq.

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Mitchell, T. Mr. Moraes, F. A. Mr. Moreshwur Janardhun, Esq. Moroba Ballajee. Moroba Ballajee. Moroba Ramchunderjee Camut. Muccoond Dewjee. Muguldass Nathoobhoy, Esq. Muncherjee Framjee Cola, Esq. Mungesh Rungoba Senoy. Munro, C. G. G. Major 16th Regi- ment N. I.

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Nanabhae Eknath. Nana Moroba. Narotum Ballajeerao. Narrayen Bapshaw Senoy. Narrayen Bhaskerjee. Narrayen Crustna Laud. Narrayen Dinanathjee, Esq. J. P. Narrayen Khandoojee. Narrayen Luxumonjee. Narrayen Madoba. Narrayen Pandoorangjee. Nillajee Luxumonjee. Nilloo Kerrojee. Nowrojee Ardaseer Dawur, Esq. Nusserwanjee Manockjee Wadia, Esq.

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Palmer, F. A. Esq. Pandoorung Dadajee. Pandoorung Narain Senoy. Pandoorung Ragowjee, P. Pestonjee Nowrojee Pochajee, Esq. Pires, G. M. Mr. Pollock, C. M. I. Esq.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Poondlick Wisswanath Senoy. Premchund Roychund. Purashram Moodliar, C. Purshotum Ramjee. R Raghoanund Sowmitra. Ragoba Ballajee. Ragoba Madhowjee. Ragoba Ramchunderjee. Ragoonath Abbajee, P. Ragoonath Luxumonjee. Ragoonath Wittoba. Ramchunder Balcrustna. Ramchunder Gopall. Ramchunder Jagonathjee. Ramchunder Kerrojee. Ramchunder Luxumonjee. Ramchunder Narrayon. Ramchunder Sucaramjee. Raymor, W. Esq. Reid, L. Esq. (2 Copies). Remington, E. Esq. Robinson, T. B. Esq. Rogers, H. Esq. Row Pandoorangjee. Rungrao Bhoomajee. Russell, E. L. Captain 12th Regi- ment N. I. Rustomjee Framjee Mehta, Esq. Rustomjee Ruttonjee, Esq. Ryrie, R. Esq. S Sadasew Gopal Senoy. Sadasew Pootlajee. Sassoon, A. D. Esq. Sassoon, S. D. Esq. Schneider, J. W. Captain, Staff. Schokman, J. W. Esq. Scobie, D. M. Lieut.-Col., Staff. Shama Sewram Senoy. Shapoorjee Ruttonjee. Shaw, R. J. Major, Staff. Shroecrustna Sadasewjee. Smith, D. Esq. Sorabjee Framjee, Esq. Sorabjee Rustomjee Nadurshaw, Esq. Sorabjee Shapoorjee. Spiers, W. Mr. Spooner, R. Esq. Standen, H. J. Esq. Stenhouse, T. Esq. Sadanundrow Wisswanath. Sadanund Sankerjee, P. Summers, G. A. Mr. Swanson, J. Lieut.-Colonel, Staff (2 Copies). T Thomas, E. Esq. Todd, J. Mr. Trimbuck Ragoonath. Trimbuck Ramchunderjee. Turner, D. Esq. V Venaikrow Bhiccajee. Venaik Rowjee. Venayaka Shvicrustnajee. Venkutriddy Naid. Vk. Uallasoondra Moodliar. W Waddington, C. Major Gen. C. B., Staff. Walsh, P. Mr.

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• Wassoodow Crustna Senoy.    Wittoba Pandoorungjee. Wassoodow Jagonath Senoy.    Wittoba Ragoonathjee, P. Wemyss, F. Captain, Staff.    Wittulrao Narayen. Wheeler, O. C. Mr.    Wussuntrow Ragoba. Wilcox, H. G. Esq. Willoughby, J. F. Lieut.-Col. C.B.,    Y Staff. Wisswanath Harrichunderjee.    Yacambrum Pillay. Wisswanath Macoondrow.    Yardley, The Hon'ble Sir W., Knight, Wittoba Damotherjee.    Chief Justice (2 Copies). Wittoba Dushdutjee.    Young, H. Esq., C. S.

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