Simhasanadvatrimshika 9.p12

9.p12

To behold this, then, the king set out and came without weariness to the revered Kāñcī, as it were the ‘girdle’ [kāñcī] of that fair-curved woman, the Earth. There the king’s glance sank into the nectar-sea of Naramohinī’s loveliness, so that he could not withdraw it. And composing himself with difficulty, King Vikrama said to the skillful Kamalākara, who accompanied him: “See, friend, a great marvel; such a beautiful form I never before have seen — as it were Loveliness in visible presence. It delights and pains a man at the same moment, like a golden-creeper, tremulously lovely, but poisoned with venom. We two must now look into her inmost character. So do you go before and announce me, saying that I am coming.” The brahman said: “Very well,” and obeyed his command; and he quickly came back to the king, after carrying out his instructions. “Thus the charming damsel said in answer to my question: ‘I accept this (proposed visit); but I am afflicted by a certain fault, namely that I am subject to a rākṣasa. Now do what seems fitting in the matter.’ ” When he heard these words, the king went straightway along with the youth to her love-inflaming house. And when Naramohinī heard that the king had arrived, she rose up and entertained him with due marks of respect. Then part of the night was spent in the telling of many tales, each fitting its occasion. But when two watches remained, Naramohinī went to rest. The king, eagerly awaiting the rākṣasa’s approach, stayed in her house together with the brahman, unsleeping and unafraid. Then at midnight the terrifying man-eater [nara-bhojana], of hideous form, came into the house of Naramohinī [‘man-bewilderer’]. And seeing the fair-waisted girl sleeping peacefully and alone upon her well-laid bed, he went forth from the house with a roar. And Naramohinī, startled by his monstrous frightful cry, also came out instantly in terror, the long-eyed maiden. Thereupon the king called aloud to the demon, as with shaking arms he was going forth from the house: “Here am I!” The rākṣasa turned back, and the king fought him with (only) his arms for weapons. And straightway there began a fair fight between them, abounding in blows and counter-blows. But King Vikramāditya, of mighty power, felled him to the earth, and cut off his head then with a saw for weapon. And Kamalākara rejoist as he lookt intently and saw the fortunate and energetic Vikramāditya, that he had slain the dark rākṣasa, who, (black) as night in aspect, but lighting up the face of the heavens with his (white) teeth, had now entered upon his long sleep, so that the maiden was spared.