r
ponderous masses: those who escaped the shock were transpierced by
innumerable arrows and the enemy flattered himself he had for once
disappointed our commander's hopes. Fires flashed from the blows of
contending heroes, helmets and heads were cloven in twain--the broken
armour and scattered weapons were carried away in torrents of blood, and
the defiance of the king of _Kosala_, in the van of his army, was heard
by our warriors; when our chief alone confronted him, and slew the
monarch on his furious elephant with countless shafts. All honour to our
gallant foe, the king of _Kosala_; for glorious is the warrior's death
when his enemies applaud his prowess. Rumanwat then appointed my elder
brother, Sanjayavarman, to govern the country of _Kosala_, and making
slow marches in consequence of the number of his wounded, returned to
the capital. He is now arrived." The king applauds his general and
commands the distribution of the treasures of his favour.

Samvarasiddhi, a magician from Ougein, now interviews the king. The
magician, waving a bunch of peacock's feathers, observes, "Reverence to
Indra, who lends our art his name. What are your Majesty's commands?
Would you see the moon brought down upon earth, a mountain in mid air, a
fire in the ocean, or night at noon? I will produce them--Command. What
need of many words? By the force of my master's spells, I will place
before your eyes the person whom in your heart you are most anxious to
behold."

The king not wishing to see the performance alone, summons the queen who
arrives soon. The king leads her to a seat, sits beside her and commands
the magician to display his power.

The magician waves his plumes and exhibits most wonderful scenes.
_Brahma_ appears throned upon the lotus; _Sankara_ appears with the
crescent moon, his glittering crest; _Hari_, the destroyer of the demon
race, in whose four hands the bow, the sword, the mace and the shell are
borne, is observable. _Indra_, the king of _Swarga_, is seen mounted on
his stately elephant. Around them countless spirits dance merrily in mid
air, sporting with the lovely nymphs of heaven, whose anklets ring
responsive to the measure. The king and queen look up and rise from
their seats. At this time, a female attendant appears to announce;--"So
please your Majesty, the minister Yaugandharayana begs to inform you,
that Vikrambahu, the king of Ceylon, has sent, along with your own
messenger who returns, the councillor V