पृष्ठम्:विक्रमाङ्कदेवचरितम् - बिल्हण.pdf/४३

INTRODUCTION.
39
face. But his torment was quickly allayed, when the messenger
returned with excellent news. He reported that Chandralekha,
on hearing of Vikrama, had fallen in love with him, that she
wished to elect him for her husband and that her father's
wishes coincided with her own. He concluded his speech by
exhorting Vikrama to set out at once for Karalâta, as the
Svayamvara was to take place immediately.
The king hastened on the wings of love to that "capital of
Cupid," where many other princes had already assembled The
chief of Karalâta received him respectfully and affectionately.
After the rites of hospitality had been performed, Vikrama entered
the ball where the Svayamvara was to be held, and sat down
among his rivals. In due time the princess, also, arrived, attended
by her maidens and an elderly matron of the harem. The
latter pointed out and described the great qualities of the as-
sembled chiefs. Chandralekha heard unmoved the praises of
the lord of Ayodhyâ, a descendant of Rama, of the kings of
Chedi and Kanyakubja, of the ruler of the country watered by
the Charmanvati (Chambal), of the princes of Kalinjara, Go-
páchala, Málava, Gurjara, Pândya and Chola. One by one she
rejected them, signifying her displeasure by various contemp-
tuous gestures. Her eyes sought the Chalukya and remained
fixed on his face. When the other princes saw this, they lost
all hope of success with the Patimvarà and plainly manifested
their disappointment and anger. But the Pratíhârarakshi, the
attending matron, loudly approved the choice of the princess,
who had selected a husband so noble, handsome, rich and
brave, the conqueror of the allied Cholas and Châlukyas. She
exhorted her to throw the garland over his neck. Chandra-
lekht obeyed, the acclamations of the assembled multitudo
approved her act, and the happy pair at once proceeded to the
nuptial Mandapa.¹
1. VII. 3-IX. 152.-By giving in the seventh Sarga a lcugthy de.