पृष्ठम्:हम्मीरमहाकाव्यम्.pdf/२३

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enable them to bear down all their many enemies. Jelalu'd-din,

said the envoy, now looked upon Víranãràyana as his brother,

and called upon the Almighty to witness if there was aught of

deceit in his heart. The envoy concluded by inviting the prince,

in the name of his master, to be the guest of the latter in his

capital, “Should your Majesty have any objection,” added the

wily man, “to accept of Jelâlu'd-din's hospitality, Jelâlu'd-din

himself will come to Ranathamber and pass a few days with

you,”

At this time there was ponding some feud between Viranarayana

and Vigraha, king of Vakshasthala pura. Bent upon chastising

Vigraha, Viranarayana gave a willing ear to the ambassador,

and resolved upon an alliance with Jelalu'd-din, Vågbhata

disapproved of this alliance with the wicked Muhammadans,

sought an interview with Viranarayana and spoke against it,

“An enemy,” said he, “is never changed to a friend, do what

service you may to him; and if you have any wish to live and

govern the kingdom, you must listen to the advice of your teachers

and elders, and avoid having aught to do with Jelâlu'd-din and the

Muslims.”

Viranarayana was inceused at his uncle's advice, and con-

temptuously asked him not to think of the cares of the state, as

they were now ill-suited to his old and weak mind; that he himself

was equal to the task of government and henceforth would do

and act as best pleased him. -

Vagbhala stung to the quick by this answer, left the palace and

departed for Mâlwfi. Other courtiers, too, after Vågbhala had left,

tried to dissuade the king from going to his enemy, but all failed,

Viranarayana at length went to Yoginipura, The wily Muslim came out

to receive him, and treated his guest apparently with the greatest respect.

The prince was delighted with his reception, and became much at